hidraulika

Hidraulika, or hydraulics in English, is the branch of engineering that studies the behavior and use of liquids under pressure to transmit and control power. Central to hydraulics is Pascal's law: pressure exerted on a confined fluid is transmitted equally in all directions, enabling small input forces to produce large output forces when applied to a fluid in a suitably shaped system. Hydraulic energy is carried by a liquid, typically oil, between a source and an actuator.

A typical hydraulic system comprises a reservoir, a pump, valves and control elements, fluid lines, filters, and actuators such as cylinders or hydraulic motors. The working fluid must have appropriate viscosity, lubricity, and temperature stability. Performance depends on pressure, flow rate, and losses from friction and leaks; efficiency is improved through proper circuit design, filtration, cooling, and regular maintenance.

Hydraulic systems are used in construction equipment, manufacturing automation, aerospace, automotive braking and steering, and energy storage with accumulators. They offer high power density, precise force control, and smooth motion, but require careful sealing, cleanliness, and heat management to avoid contamination and wear.

The development of hydraulics advanced with industrial machinery in the 19th and 20th centuries. Today’s hydraulic design emphasizes safety, reliability, and environmental considerations, including spill prevention and the use of biodegradable fluids when appropriate.