Mechanical Aptitude Hydraulics and Pneumatics Flashcards
7 cards from real MECHANICAL APTITUDE practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 7 Mechanical Aptitude Hydraulics and Pneumatics flashcards as text
What is the function of an accumulator in a hydraulic system?
Answer: Store energy and dampen pressure spikes
An accumulator stores pressurized hydraulic fluid to supplement pump flow, dampen shocks, and maintain pressure during pump failure.
If a hydraulic pump delivers 5 GPM at 1,000 PSI, what is the hydraulic horsepower?
Answer: 2.9 HP
Hydraulic horsepower = (GPM × PSI) ÷ 1,714, so (5 × 1,000) ÷ 1,714 ≈ 2.9 HP.
What causes cavitation in a hydraulic pump?
Answer: Insufficient fluid supply at the inlet
Cavitation occurs when the pump cannot draw enough fluid, causing vapor bubbles to form and collapse, damaging pump components.
In a pneumatic circuit, what device converts compressed air energy into linear mechanical motion?
Answer: Pneumatic cylinder
A pneumatic cylinder (also called an air cylinder) converts compressed air pressure into straight-line (linear) mechanical force and motion.
Which type of hydraulic pump is most commonly used in high-pressure industrial applications?
Answer: Piston pump
Piston pumps can operate at the highest pressures (up to 10,000 PSI) and are most efficient for demanding industrial applications.
What is the purpose of a pneumatic muffler (silencer)?
Answer: Reduce noise from exhausted compressed air
A pneumatic muffler attaches to exhaust ports to reduce the noise created when compressed air is vented to atmosphere.
Hydraulic fluid viscosity that is too low will most likely cause:
Answer: Increased pump wear and internal leakage
Fluid that is too thin (low viscosity) allows excessive internal leakage past seals and pump components, causing wear and efficiency loss.