Piston

The part of a hydraulic cylinder upon which the pressure of the medium acts and thereby generates a compressive force.

F K = p 1 · A K — p 2 · A R

Since friction occurs during the piston movement (particularly at the seals), the force given off is smaller (≤ nominal force F N).

Under the influence of the flow rate entering the cylinder, the piston reaches a velocity of v K as shown below:

A distinction is made between single-acting (plunger pistons) and double-acting pistons (differential pistons). With the latter, the piston is set down on the diameter of the piston rod (area A St). This results in an annular area A R, which is also the return area for differential cylinders (ratio of piston areas α). With single-acting pistons by contrast, the piston is also the piston rod.