POE Unit 3 • Lesson 3.11

Fluid Power in Aerospace Systems

Investigate where fluid power appears in aircraft, launch systems, landing gear, brakes, doors, and actuators.

Lesson Snapshot

Student Objective

I can identify aerospace uses of hydraulic and pneumatic power.

Main Activity

Investigate where fluid power appears in aircraft, launch systems, landing gear, brakes, doors, and actuators.

Deliverable

Aerospace fluid-power application chart

Tools / Materials

Notebook, images/video examples, simple syringe or pneumatic examples

1ProblemUnderstand the challenge and why it matters.

Some aerospace systems require large force, smooth motion, or compact actuators. Fluid power can transmit and multiply force in ways that are useful for motion and control.

2ConceptLearn the engineering idea or skill.

Fluid power uses liquids or gases to transmit force. Hydraulic systems use liquids, while pneumatic systems use gases.

3ApplyUse the skill in a guided task.

Identify at least three aerospace systems that could use hydraulic or pneumatic actuation and explain why fluid power is useful there.

4DocumentRecord your evidence and decisions.

Complete an application chart with system, fluid type, motion produced, advantage, and possible limitation.

5ReviewCheck quality and identify your next step.

Your chart should connect fluid power to real engineering needs, not just list examples.

Lesson Resources

Use these files and shared website resources when they support today’s work.

Engineering Graph Paper

Use for flowcharts, system diagrams, calculations, mission layouts, and design sketches.

Open Resource

Measurement Data Sheet

Use for rover trials, actuator tests, timing data, accuracy measurements, and observations.

Open Resource

Engineering Resource Library

Templates, reference sheets, sketch paper, and course support files.

Open Resource