4.2: Operation and Schematic Symbol of a Double-Acting Hydraulic Cylinder

Fluids 2: Basic Hydraulics · LibreTexts

0%

Contents

    Text

    Size
    100%
    Theme
    Typeface
    Line length
    Spacing

    From LibreTexts, under CC BY 4.0, as the source states it; its equations are written in TeX, which the PDF shows typeset. This page at LibreTexts.

    How a Double-Acting Cylinder Works

    Diagram of a double-acting cylinder.
    Figure \(\PageIndex{1}\): Diagram of a double-acting cylinder.

    A double-acting cylinder consists of a piston and rod assembly housed within a barrel-shaped body. Unlike single-acting cylinders, which rely on external forces such as gravity or springs for movement in one direction, a double-acting cylinder can extend and retract under hydraulic power.

    • When oil enters the cap end, it forces the rod to extend.
    Diagram of double-acting cylinder showing fluid pressure from oil extending the rod.
    Figure \(\PageIndex{2}\): Diagram of a double-acting cylinder. As oil enters the cap end, fluid pressure forces the rod to extend.
    • When oil enters the rod end, it causes the rod to retract.
    Diagram of a double-acting cylinder with oil entering the rod end and the rod retracting.
    Figure \(\PageIndex{3}\): Diagram of a double-acting cylinder. As oil enters the rod end, fluid pressure forces the rod to retract.

    This bidirectional control allows for greater versatility and precision in hydraulic systems.

    Schematic symbol for a double-acting cylinder.
    Figure \(\PageIndex{4}\): Schematic symbol for a double-acting cylinder.

    This page titled 4.2: Operation and Schematic Symbol of a Double-Acting Hydraulic Cylinder was last modified on Mon, 28 Apr 2025 19:46:06 GMT and is shared under a CC BY 4.0 license and was authored, remixed, and/or curated by Jessy Haid.