Course Overview
The course builds on the fundamentals of physics to provide students with a theoretical framework of hydraulic and pneumatic systems. Through practical labs, students gain familiarity with actual hydraulic and pneumatic components and circuits found in common industrial and mobile applications. Pumps, compressors, cylinders, motors and hydraulic accumulators are covered with reference to their principles of operation and performance characteristics. The operation of control elements such as pneumatic pressure regulators, directional control valves, needle valves, check valves and direct-, and pilot-operating relief valves are covered and used in circuits for directional, speed, pressure, and flow control. Complete fluid power systems are analysed to determine overall system performance.
Registration requirements
Departmental approval is required to register for this course. Departmental approval is required for this course. You will not be able to register without it.
Domestic fees
$932.38
International fees are typically 3.25 times the domestic tuition. Exact cost will be calculated upon completion of registration.
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- Identify the application of fluid power systems in terms of power-to-weight ratio, dynamic stiffness, response speed, relative cost, and controllability. [1]
- Describe the operation and calculate the displacement volume of cylinders, external gear-, vane-, reciprocating piston-, and axial piston hydraulic pumps and motors. [2]
- Describe the operation and identify the applications of pressure regulators, directional control valves, needle valves, check valves, and direct- and pilot-operated relief valves. [1]
- Select suitable control elements to achieve directional, speed, pressure, and flow control objectives and explain the advantages of different control strategies. [1]
- Describe the operation of weight-, spring-, and gas-charged hydraulic accumulators, discuss their typical applications, and calculate their sizes. [1]
- Analyze complete hydraulic systems for operating pressures, pump and actuator flow rates, volumetric efficiencies, energy consumption, and energy efficiencies. [1, 2, 4, 5]
- Describe an ideal air compression cycle and an expansion cycle on a pressure-volume diagram with reference to a displacement volume, and actuator swept volume and intake ratio. [1, 7]
- Identify deviations from an ideal air compression cycle or expansion cycle caused by residual volume, pump backflow, and actuator bypass. [1, 7]
- Interpret symbols for common fluid power components using both ANSI and ISO standards. [7]
- Build basic pneumatic and hydraulic systems, operate them, and collect experimental data. [3, 6, 7]
Effective as of Winter 2024
Related Programs
Fluid Power (MECH 3356) is offered as a part of the following programs:
- Indicates programs accepting international students.
- Indicates programs eligible for students to apply for Post-graduation Work Permit (PGWP).
School of Energy
- Mechanical Engineering
Bachelor of Engineering Full-time
- Mechanical Engineering Technology (Mechanical Design Option)
Diploma Full-time
- Mechatronics and Robotics
Diploma Full-time
Course Offerings
Spring/Summer 2026
Below is one offering of MECH 3356 for the Spring/Summer 2026 term.
CRN 70089
Dates
May 02 - Jul 11 Loading
- CRN 70089
- $932.38 Domestic fees
Class meeting times
| Dates | Days | Times | Locations |
|---|---|---|---|
| May 02 - Jul 11 | Sat | 09:00 - 16:00 | Burnaby SW09 Rm. 121 |
Duration
10 weeks
Instructor
Jalal Taheri Kahnamouei
Course outline
Course outline TBD — see Learning Outcomes in the interim.
Important information
- No class on May 16 2026, due to the Victoria Day Weekend. For questions about this course, please contact the Program Assistant at soepts@bcit.ca. Please include your BCIT student ID (if you have one). Note: BCIT reserves the right to cancel courses. In the event of a part-time studies course cancellation, you will be notified at least two business days prior to the course start. Please ensure that your contact information is current.
Confirmation
Required
To proceed with registration and add this course to the cart, please confirm:
No approval yet? Request approval Departmental approval is required for this course. You will not be able to register without it.
Status
If you have any questions about this course, please contact us.
Programs and courses are subject to change without notice. Find out more about BCIT course cancellations.