Fluid pressure & hydraulics in 3D
Inspect pistons, liquid connections and the effect of depth. Explore the 3D model, inspect its parts and learn with guided explanations. Free on Atlas.
What you can learn
Inspect pistons, liquid connections and the effect of depth.
Start with force over area.
Compare A with 4A.
Trace the complete pressure connection.
Try an investigation
Start with force over area. Then compare large piston with connected liquid. Explain what the visible structures show and what the model leaves out.
Check your understanding
Doubling piston radius multiplies its area by…
Four. Four. The output radius is twice the input radius, so its face area is four times larger. At equal elevation an ideal common pressure change gives four times the force there. The larger piston must move less far for the same transferred volume.
An ideal hydraulic lift gains force by…
Trading off distance moved. Trading off distance moved. The output radius is twice the input radius, so its face area is four times larger. At equal elevation an ideal common pressure change gives four times the force there. The larger piston must move less far for the same transferred volume.
Which quantity changes with depth in the open column?
Liquid pressure. Liquid pressure. The open column is a second demonstration. Its tick marks show vertical depth below a liquid surface. Resting liquid pressure increases down the column; Pascal’s principle concerns a transmitted pressure change, not identical total pressure at every height.
Sources and model scope
Ideal hydraulic force comparison and separate hydrostatic column. Cylinder radii have a 1:2 ratio, giving an area ratio of 1:4. Static display; no pressure or flow solver.