1. What is Hydraulic Cylinder Fluid Capacity?

Hydraulic cylinder fluid capacity refers to the volume of fluid required to fully extend or retract a hydraulic cylinder. It's a crucial parameter for system design, fluid reservoir sizing, and pump selection.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the fundamental formula:

Where:

• \( Area \) — Piston area in square inches (in²)
• \( Stroke \) — Cylinder stroke length in inches (in)

Explanation: The formula calculates the volume displaced by the piston moving through its full stroke length.

3. Importance of Fluid Capacity Calculation

Details: Knowing the fluid capacity helps in proper hydraulic system design, ensuring adequate fluid volume, proper pump sizing, and efficient system operation.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter the piston area in square inches and stroke length in inches. Both values must be positive numbers.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: How do I calculate piston area?
A: For circular pistons, area = π × (radius)² or π × (diameter)²/4. For non-circular pistons, use appropriate geometric formulas.

Q2: What units should I use?
A: This calculator uses inches for consistent US hydraulic units. For metric, convert to inches or modify the formula.

Q3: Does this account for rod volume?
A: No, this calculates full piston displacement. For rod-side volume, subtract rod area from piston area.

Q4: How does this relate to system fluid requirements?
A: Total system capacity should include all cylinders plus reservoir volume for proper operation.

Q5: What about cylinder efficiency?
A: This calculates theoretical volume. Actual systems may require more fluid due to inefficiencies and compressibility.