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How Do Hydraulic Machines Work?

This Science Minute was researched and written by David T., of Ithaca, NY.

Hydraulic machines are part of our everyday lives. If you go to school on a bus, both the steering and the brakes use a hydraulic system. Or if you use an elevator at work, you're making use of a hydraulic system.

You encounter hydraulic machines every day... but do you know how they work?

Hydraulic machines use the power of fluid to do work. They are so popular because of power can be transferred through the fluid in small tubes.

Let's look at an example of how they work. Some hydraulic machines use a set of pistons, which are devices that slide in a cylinder. The pistons are connected by hoses filed with oil.

Force is applied to one piston, known as the "Master" piston. The force travels through oil in the hose and pushes up the second "Slave" piston. The larger the "Slave" piston, the greater the force that's needed to push it up!

Hydraulic machines make our lives a lot easier - and now you know how they work!