Week 2 Andrew A.

I believe that working at a fluid power lab has certainly opened my eyes to the applications of hydraulics around me. The applications of fluid power are certainly varied, but I have mostly noticed hydraulics being used in the construction around Purdue (as the everyone else has noted at their university too). I think the most interesting part of hydraulics is the large mechanical disadvantages that they are able to overcome. I was watching a cherry picker (technical name is boom lift) it was amazing to me that the one actuator was able to push the giant arm of the lift up, even though the force required must have been massive. I also now appreciate hydraulics every time I slow down in my car, since hydraulics are major components in brakes. I have really enjoyed learning about hydraulics and seeing them at work around me.