Hydraulic Devices

This chapter describes hydraulic devices, that is, those that use the viscosity of fluids to dissipate energy or to create dynamic connectors. A classification of hydraulic devices is made based on their characteristic curve on the force-velocity diagram. Those that have a response according to a parabolic law are called lock-up devices, or shock transmission units, or dynamic connectors. Those that give a higher force at low speeds are called viscous dampers. The characteristics of the various hydraulic dampers in terms of energy dissipation are highlighted. This chapter also suggests a quick procedure for selecting the right size of hysteretic devices.