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ACT-04 · FLUID POWER & PNEUMATICS

Electro-Pneumatic Cylinder & 5/2 Valve

High-fidelity mechanical simulation of a double-acting pneumatic cylinder driven by a 5/2 solenoid directional control valve with meter-out speed regulation and pneumatic cushion damping.

Interactive Pneumatic Cutaway & System Schematic READY (RETRACTED)
LOAD 10 kg S1 S2 FC1 (Meter-Out) FC2 (Meter-Out) P_A 0.0 bar P_B 6.0 bar Y1 Y2 A B P (Supply) EA EB MAIN AIR 6.0 bar DYNAMIC READOUTS Stroke Position (x): 0.0 mm Velocity (v): 0.00 m/s Cap Force (F_A): 0 N Rod Force (F_B): 0 N Net Drive Force: 0 N Air Flow (ANR): 0.0 L/min
Real-time Telemetry (Position, Pressures & Net Drive Force) ■ Pos   ■ P_A   ■ P_B
EIGHTH-GEN PNEUMATIC ENGINE

Solenoid Valve Actuation

Pneumatic Tuning Parameters

6.0 bar
10.0 kg
0 N
40% Open
40% Open
Medium (70%)
ⓘ System nominal. Meter-out flow control providing smooth motion.

Operating Principles

Pneumatic cylinders convert potential energy of compressed gas into mechanical linear force. Gas compressibility creates unique dynamic stiffness and velocity behavior.

Key Instructional Concepts

  1. Meter-Out Speed Control: Throttling exhaust air (rather than inlet air) creates an opposing back-pressure cushion that prevents lunging, stick-slip, and erratic motion under varying loads.
  2. Differential Force Output: Due to rod area reduction ($A_{rod} < A_{cap}$), extension force is higher than retraction force at identical supply pressure ($F_{ext} = P \cdot A_{cap}$, $F_{ret} = P \cdot A_{rod}$).
  3. End-Position Cushioning: Trapping a volume of air in a small cushion pocket near end-of-stroke forces exhaust through a needle valve, absorbing kinetic energy smoothly ($E_k = \frac{1}{2}m v^2$).

Governing Equations

  • Cap Area (A_cap)π/4 · D² = 8.04 cm²
  • Rod Area (A_rod)π/4 · (D² - d²) = 6.91 cm²
  • Net Drive ForceP_A A_cap - P_B A_rod - F_fric
  • Air Mass Flowṁ = C · P_in · ρ_0 · √(T_0/T)

Actuator Specifications

  • Cylinder Bore (D)32 mm
  • Piston Rod Diameter (d)12 mm
  • Standard Stroke (S)200 mm
  • Fluid MediumFiltered Compressed Air
  • Cushioning Length18 mm (Both Ends)
  • Valve Type5/2 Solenoid / Spring Return
  • Max Operating Pressure10.0 bar (1.0 MPa)
  • Theoretical Max Force (6 bar)482 N (Extend) / 414 N (Retract)