Using computer simulation methods in fluid power education

The successful application of hydrualic systems depends to a large extent on the skills and experience of the fluid power engineer. The acquisition of these skills, which can only be effectively obtained from appropriate specialised training, is enhanced by the use of practical demonstrations. Although test rigs provide an invaluable aid in the use and application of hydraulic equipment, there are limits to the range of applications that can be demonstrated. The BATHfp computer simulation package is used extensively in system design on the Fluid Power Centre industrial courses. This has been shown to provide considerable benefits in the training of fluid power engineers, particularly in the areas which involve complex concepts that are difficult to understand, by enabling engineers to visualise the system performance. This paper presents the results of case studies that highlight the way in which simulation techniques provide assistance in the training process