single acting & double acting hydraulic cylinders?
A hydraulic cylinder works on the principle of pressure difference. The hydraulic cylinders can be broadly categorised into: hydraulic cylinder 1. Single acting cylinders - Where the pressure can be applied only in one direction and the return of the piston is either by gravity or other means such as pulling back (A bicycle air pressure filling pump). 2. Double acting cylinders - in these cylinders the pressure can be applied from both the sides. The other side acts as the return side (low pressure) in the forward stroke and acts as the main side (high pressure) in the return stroke. This cylinder has openings on both sides to allow for hydraulic oil to enter and exit (return to tank) from both sides alternately as per the stroke (forward or return). The hydraulic basically acts on the simple principle of Force and pressure. Force (F) = Pressure (P)*Area (A) The force exerted on the piston of the cylinder is equal to the pressure of the hydraulic oil multiplied by the a