Pascal's Principle – The one thing you'll need to know

pascal's principle First thing’s first, this Principle is what drives hydraulic systems. You can’t operate one without it.

But the importance of Pascal’s Principle isn’t what we’re going to discuss here, it’s the one detail you’ll need that we’ll be chatting about. The Principle works based on one simple truth.

Pressure is transmitted undiminished in an enclosed static fluid

We already know that though, so that can’t be our most important detail. How will understanding this Principle help us better understand hydraulic systems? Well, let’s answer that, shall we? Pull up the math right here – let’s get to work.

What’s most important to remember about this principle is that pressure applied to an enclosed fluid must transfer somewhere. “Somewhere” within an enclosed fluid usually translates to anything or anywhere that fluid can go. For example, if you apply pressure to the top of an enclosed fluid it doesn’t matter whether there is a hydraulic piston at the bottom or side of the container, the pressure will transmit equally to both pistons.

With Pascal’s Principle working in tandem with Hydraulic machines, you’ll only need to apply a small force over a long distance to accomplish a job that would otherwise require a larger force.

In other words, you can do much more with much less if you have the space and the fluid for it. That’s the most important detail of the principle’s use in hydraulics. It’s the one to always keep to memory.