Free vibration of a two-stage hydraulic cylinder

This paper presents the problem of natural vibration of a two-stage hydraulic cylinder subjected to Euler compression load. The considered hydraulic cylinder is freely supported at both of its ends. The linear vibration problem of the telescopic hydraulic cylinder is based on the kinetic stability criterion using Hamilton’s principle and the Bernoulli-Euler theory. The stiffness of the guide and sealing elements between successive stages of the hydraulic cylinder were considered in this paper. These stiffnesses were modelled using translational and rotational springs. The effects of cylinder wall thickness, piston rod diameter, and thickness of guiding and sealing elements on the natural vibration of the system were analysed. Results are presented in the form of characteristic curves on the plane load – natural frequency with different parameters characterizing the considered hydraulic cylinder.