Enroll Course: https://www.coursera.org/learn/fluid-power
In the world of engineering, understanding how power is transmitted efficiently is crucial. If you’re looking to gain a solid grasp of fluid power systems, then Coursera’s ‘Fundamentals of Fluid Power’ course is an absolute must-take. This course offers an in-depth exploration into hydraulics and pneumatics, highlighting the immense power density that fluid power technology offers.
The course is meticulously structured, guiding learners through the core principles and analytical modeling of fluid power components, circuits, and entire systems. Week by week, you’ll build a comprehensive understanding:
**Week 1: Fundamentals of Fluid Power** kicks off with a broad overview of hydraulics and pneumatics, introducing fundamental concepts through the lens of a cylinder. It’s the perfect starting point for anyone new to the field.
**Week 2: Components and Concepts: Part 1** delves into the essential language of fluid power: circuit diagrams. You’ll learn how fluid flows through conduits, with practical examples like hydraulic circuits on mowing machines to illustrate the concepts.
**Week 3: Components and Concepts: Part 2** is where things get really exciting. This week focuses on pumps and valves, explaining their functions, how they’re integrated into circuits, and how to calculate pressure drops. You’ll see how various positive displacement pumps work, explore pump efficiency, and understand the components that form a hydraulic power supply.
**Week 4: Predicting Performance Through Simulation** is a game-changer. You’ll learn to use Simscape Fluids (formerly SimHydraulics) for computer-based simulation. The course provides an introduction and demo, followed by hands-on assignments that encourage you to experiment with designing and running your own fluid power circuit simulations. This practical application is invaluable.
**Week 5: Fluid Properties** dives into the critical role of hydraulic fluids. You’ll explore how fluid properties affect circuit operation, witness phenomena like water hammer, and examine the assumption of fluid incompressibility. The encouragement to conduct virtual experiments with your newfound simulation skills is a fantastic way to solidify learning.
**Week 6: Advanced Components and Systems and Course Summary** brings everything together. You’ll learn about advanced components like accumulators and servo valves, and then see how these are applied in complex systems such as servo hydraulic systems and hydraulic hybrid vehicles. Simulation is used again here to explore system-level behavior.
**Recommendation:**
‘Fundamentals of Fluid Power’ is an exceptionally well-designed course. It strikes a perfect balance between theoretical knowledge and practical application, especially with the inclusion of simulation tools. The instructors clearly explain complex topics, making them accessible to a wide audience, from students to practicing engineers looking to upskill. If you’re involved in mechanical design, robotics, automation, or any field where efficient power transmission is key, this course will provide you with the foundational knowledge and practical skills needed to excel. It’s a highly recommended investment in your engineering education.
Enroll Course: https://www.coursera.org/learn/fluid-power