Thursday, December 5, 2013
Uses of Air Cylinders
Pneumatic devices use force applied to incompressible fluids, frequently oils, to redirect the force somewhere else. Pneumatics also use air, which is not completely incompressible but does have many properties that incompressible fluids do not. Air cylinders are a form of air-based pneumatic devices, and they are used often in modern technology.
Cushioning
Because air is slightly compressible, air cylinders can be used to absorb shock. Forces applied to the air cylinder compress it slightly, and it decompresses with force depending on the force and duration of the initial shock. They perform a similar function to that of springs, but air cylinders can heat up as they are compressed and remove energy from the system. These are used in some cars and other vehicles, but the old-fashioned spring is still more commonly used.
Control
Some air cylinders can slowly release the air inside them into their environment. This allows a slow decrease in pressure inside the air cylinder and a slow compression of the cylinder as well. Air cylinders that compress slowly can be used to control the movement of heavy objects. They are commonly found in storm doors and heavy doors to prevent them from slamming shut. An industrial use of these cylinders is controlling the descent of heavy objects. Placing heavy objects on a platform supported by air cylinders would allow it to descend slowly and steadily.
Energy Storage
Energy can be stored in the compression of the air inside a cylinder. Air cylinders can be compressed slowly and then allowed to decompress naturally. The decompression will have a force proportional to the energy stored in the cylinder. A lesser force can be applied to the cylinder over a longer period of time to compress it slowly, and the cylinder will expand with much greater force over a shorter period of time. This allows large forces to be generated. Firemen use compressed air cylinders to break through walls and doors.
Pistons
The pistons used in engines and other machinery are modified air cylinders. Compressed air is forced into the air cylinder by the heat from the combustion of fuel, and the cylinder is forced to expand, pushing the piston one way. After the piston reaches its full expansion, the compressed air escapes, and a spring returns the piston to its original position. This repetition of motion is what allows engines to perform the same task reliably and repeatedly.
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