This course involves the study of the basics of fluid mechanics and fluid power. Areas of study include pressure, forces, viscosity, bulk modulus, flow characterization, efficiency and losses. Fluid Power systems and components are also reviewed including hydraulic/pneumatic systems, pumps, compressors, actuators, valves, accumulators, and directional control valves.

This course focuses on fluid power, fluid mechanics, flow mechanisms, heat transfer, and the ideal gas laws in the context of mechatronic and robotic systems. Students learn to design and construct pneumatic and hydraulic circuits and controls. Issues of fluid forces, flow characterization, efficiency, losses are applied to pumps, compressors, accumulators, and control valves. Basics of heat transfer, flow mechanisms, and ideal gas laws are applied to robotic and mechatronic systems Laboratory activities put the theory into practice. The course culminates in a comprehensive project where students design and build an electro-fluid power system to solve a practical problem.