Fluid Power Technology

Fluid power systems provide power and control of equipment used in industry. Fluid power technology is utilised in machines ranging from earthmoving machinery, machine tools, metalworking machinery and automotive equipment to aerospace and robotics. Fluid power technology has an ever-increasing importance in neuromechanic (autonomous mechanical systems) and mechatronic systems in which it provides force and motion control. The impact of fluid power technology is readily apparent in the engineering industry where, in order to remain competitive, companies must continuously develop their various competitive advantages – whether they are product related or due to their internal operating procedures. Fluid power technology is often a key determinant of machine efficiency and consequently corporate performance.

Research and Development

With the increasing acceptance of a corporate methodology which requires companies to focus on their core competencies, engineering companies must also ensure that their industrial research and development (R&D) is developed to global ‘best practice’ in order to retain their competitive advantage in the marketplace. As the level of experience, training and specialisation required to conduct industrial R&D continues to rise, companies are seeking to outsource this function. Specialist R&D and consulting companies are growing to meet this market need – Fluid Power Net International (FPNI) is operating at the cutting edge of this trend. There is not currently an Internet based industrial R&D organisation operating in the fluid power technology field. To date, most research and consulting activities in the fluid power industry as been provided by research institutes (normally attached to universities or technical institutes) or companies servicing their international and national market. FPNI will have a number of significant operating advantages over such existing organisations, in particular: Cost levels (overheads are reduced as resources are applied on a needs basis only). International composition and experience of the research teams. Increased range of expertise (i.e. demonstrable expertise and pedigree of researchers involved). Specialist equipment and laboratories from a range of universities and companies around the world, within the FPNI network.

Fluid Power Net International

Fluid Power Net International is a multi-national virtual engineering laboratory focused on the field of fluid power technology. In the field of fluid power there are a large number of small research centres and institutes around the world with highly specialist skills and experience in the development of fluid power technology. As a result of their small size and limited resources many of these groups have limited opportunities to develop or conduct large R&D, consulting and educational projects. Fluid Power Net International was formed in 1998 with the objective of providing the infrastructure to build an international network of researchers and facilities to carry out major projects, and to: Promote international research cooperation in the field of fluid power technology and related areas, Provide information about worldwide research and industrial activities in the field of fluid power technology and related areas, Promote engineering education in the field of fluid power technology and related fields. Fluid Power Net International was a joint initiative of: Fluidteknikk, Institutt for Termisk Energi og Vannkraft (Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Norway) Institute of Heavy Duty Machines (Cracow University of Technology, Poland) Department of Control and Engineering Design (Technical University of Denmark) Subsea Engineering Research Group, Department of Mechanical Engineering (Monash University, Australia)

Structure of FPNI

The structure of Fluid Power Net International is shown in fig. below. The Scientific Board of FPNI which consists of the National Convenors of the Fluid Power Net National Nodes.(N-FPN) is the overseeing body of Fluid Power Net International and determines the focus of FPNI activities. The Scientific Board’s Steering Committee identifies and presents issues for consideration by the Scientific Board. The Steering Committee is made up of the initiating bodies of FPNI in Australia, Denmark, Norway and Poland and up to 3 additional National Convenors as nominated by the Scientific Board of FPNI. Operation of Fluid Power Net is governed by statutes approved by Scientific Board of the Fluid Power Net International.

National Fluid Power Nodes

National Fluid Power Net Nodes, one in each country or nominated geographical region, are seated in a R&D organisation and are responsible for coordinating FPNI activities in these countries. Each of these Nodes will: Promote the field of fluid power research and education in their host country; Develop and maintains the links to the FPNI structure, including localised content and material for their N-FPN website; Conduct other activities as agreed with the Scientific Board of FPNI. Organisation of National Fluid Power Centres is shown in fig below. The National Fluid Power Net Convenor and/or National FPN Scientific Board will encourage Membership of other R&D organisations in the country or region to join N-FPN. FPNI aims to develop strong links with multinational and national fluid power Companies and Organisations. Such Organisations and Companies will be invited to become Associates of either FPNI or N-FPN.

FPNI Operations

Fluid Power Net International operates as a virtual R&D organisation and to meet its objectives FPNI: Applies for and execute joint institute and industrial research and development projects utilising the resources of FPNI linked centres and institutes. Commercial R&D projects will be undertaken by a separate legal entity in order to isolate any commercial risk from the members of FPNI. Provides Technology Transfer to industry by way of Conferences, Workshops, Industrial courses and other new media as appropriate, including the Internet. Promotes Postgraduate Study Programs in fluid power technology in member countries. Publishes scientific and educational books and monographs in the field of fluid power technology. Publishes a Scientific Journal in the field of fluid power technology. Created an Internet based overview of research and development initiatives and education activities carried out at the Universities and R&D Centers around the world in the field fluid power technology. Develops education programs in fluid power technology and related areas. Created an Internet based directory of the leading engineers involved in academia, research, consulting and industrial areas of fluid power technology. Created an Internet based directory of research and development (R&D) projects in the field of fluid power technology. Created an Internet based directory of conferences, workshops, seminars and professional courses on fluid power technology. Created Internet based bibliographies of books, conference and journal papers and reports on fluid power technology as well as links to other bibliographies. Created links to and disseminate information in related fields (simulation, modeling, and mechatronics) using the Internet. Created Internet based directories of industrial companies involved in the manufacture and application of fluid power technology. Provides an Internet based forum for exchange of opinions and information for the fluid power community.

Competitive advantage of FPNI

FPNI offers the global fluid power technology industry: Specialist R&D capabilities, ranging from turn key project implementation to trouble shooting from internationally recognised experts and authorities. Identifiable industry expertise, with local representatives. Access to up-to-date research (which can avoid duplication of research efforts (and budgets). Training from internationally recognised authorities. Consulting services or contractors from a global network (multi-skilled and multi-lingual). FPNI and the national FPN bodies endeavors to form strategic alliances and relationships with other organisations, such as fluid power technology companies or other research and development organisations or companies. These alliances will be generated by both national FPN groups and FPNI and reviewed by the respective Technical Committees. FPNI offers tangible advantages and benefits to all users, but has particular advantages for academic institutions, companies and researchers. ACADEMIC - Universities and Institutes Recognition of an N-FPN as the leading Centre of excellence in fluid power technology in that country. Internationalisation of research – i.e. establishing of international research (and educational cooperation) between Universities and Institutes. Increased potential research funding – e.g. participation in projects funded by EU and multinational companies. Avoidance of duplication of research – better utilization of research funding. Expanded opportunities for postgraduate research. Expended research infrastructure by being part of "virtual laboratory". Promotion of engineering research and education. Increased interaction with the corporate sector both, nationally and internationally. CORPORATE - Companies Modular research infrastructure is available utilising the FPNI "virtual laboratory". Availability of international research expertise through a centralised organisation. Ability to outsource fluid power or related R&D projects to leading exponents in the relevant field of expertise. Access to current fluid power technology related research information. Increased cost benefit in funding of research projects by avoiding duplication of research in various countries. Access to technology transfer (across national boundaries as required). Access to training (across national boundaries as required). RESEARCHERS Networking of research – specially important to small research groups. Access to specialised research infrastructure. Enhanced publishing opportunities. Extended research capability (due to international cooperation and collaboration). Opportunity to work on large R&D projects. Increased potential for networking.

FPNI Products and Services

Fluid Power Net International provides a range of services and activities, including: Research and Development Technology Transfer Conferences Consulting Education fluid.power.net FPNI Journal Publishing FPNI Technical Briefs Research and Development FPNI will develop research proposals, secure funding and execute joint research, industrial and development projects. FPNI provides a central point of access to companies seeking to engage in fluid power technology projects. FPNI offers an international network of recognised fluid power specialists utilizing state of the art facilities and equipment. FPNI is currently involved in following projects: Swing - Simulation in fluid power system as tool for a virtual prototyping in a concurrent engineering environment (Project funded by EU – FPN Norway, Denmark and Australia are cooperating on this project). Calumet - Computer aided Design and Condition Monitoring of cleanliness in fluid power and lubricating systems in a lifecycle perspective. FPN Norway, Sweden, Finland, UK, Poland, Italy and Australia as well as industrial companies Pall Europe (UK), and SKF (Sweden) and Fras Technology AS (Norway) are involved in developing research proposal for EU funding. Wave – water hydraulic research and technology transfer. . FPN Norway, and Denmark as well as Finland’s Tampere University of Technology and several industrial companies including Danfoss (Denmark), Fenner Fluid Power Ltd (UK), Hytar OY (Finland) and Walter Voss Gmbh (Germany) are involved in developing research proposal for EU funding. Technology Transfer FPNI provides Technology Transfer to industry by way of Workshops and Industrial courses. N-FPNN’s will run a series of workshops and industrial courses that focus on specific aspects of fluid power technology. Some workshops will be run in conjunction with companies or industry associations in order to promote further interaction with the fluid power technology community. FPNI workshop past and planned: Total Contamination Control, Melbourne, August 1997 (sponsored by Pall Australia). Proportional and Servo Technology, Melbourne 1997 (sponsored by Moog Australia and Vickers Systems). Water Hydraulics Workshop - Copenhagen, September 1998 (with Mechatronics Society of Denmark). Total Contamination Control – Focus on Lubrication, Melbourne, August 1998 (sponsored by Pall Australia). Total Contamination Control of Paper and Power Industry - Trondheim, April 1999. Total Contamination Control of Paper and Power Industry - Melbourne, August 1999 (sponsored by Pall Australia). Water Hydraulics Workshop - Copenhagen, May 2000 (with Mechatronics Society of Denmark). Total Contamination Control - Mining Industry, Melbourne, August 2000 (sponsored by Pall Australia). Total Contamination Control - Marine and Offshore Industry, Trondheim, April 2000. Water Hydraulics Workshop, Milwakee, September 2000. Water Hydraulics Workshop, Hamburg, September 2000. Advanced Control of fluid Power Systems, Melbourne, December 2000. In addition there is a proposal for a series of international Workshops to be run by FPNI in member countries. Conferences FPNI and the various national FPN groups organise conferences on fluid power technology related issues. The conferences are run jointly by FPNI and national FPN’s, with members from the network serving upon the conference specific Committees, including the Review Committee. FPNI conferences past and planned: The 1st International Scientific Forum 1998 on Developments in Fluid Power Control of Machinery and Manipulators, Cracow, Poland, June 1998. The 2nd International Scientific Forum 2000 on Developments in Fluid Power Control of Machinery and Manipulators, Cracow, Poland, June 2000. The 1st International Workshop 1999 on Computer Software for Design, Analysis and Control of Fluid Power Systems, Trondheim, Norway, February 1999. The 1st International PhD Conference on Fluid Power, Hamburg, Germany, September 2000. The 2nd International Workshop 1999 on Computer Software for Design, Analysis and Control of Fluid Power Systems, Ostrava, Czech Republic, September 2001. The 2nd International PhD Conference on Fluid Power, Modena, Italy, June 2002. The 3rd International Scientific Forum 2002 on Developments in Fluid Power Control of Machinery and Manipulators, Ferrara, Italy, June 2002. Conferences planned for 2003/2004: The 1st International Conference on on Computational Method in Hydraulics and Pneumatics, Melbourne, Australia, November 2003. The 3nd International PhD Conference on Fluid Power, Barcelona, Spain, June 2004. The 4th International Scientific Forum 2004 on Developments in Fluid Power Control of Machinery and Manipulators, Linz, Austria, Febryuary 2004. Consulting Specific to general troubleshooting and turnkey project implementation, FPNI draws upon the resources of its various national FPN groups (each made up of internationally recognised experts and authorities in their respective fields) and utilises staff and facilities from participating research groups. Education Educational activities are an important part of FPNI activities. A Proposal for European Master in Fluid Power is in preparations for discussion. Education Committee of FPNI will develop education programs in fluid power and related areas. The Fluid Power Net initiated awards that will promote Postgraduate Study Programs in fluid power. The awards for best paper and best poster were presented to PhD scholars at The 1st International PhD Conference on Fluid Power, Hamburg, Germany, September 2000. There ia an increased exchange of students between members of Fluid Power Net (Germany, Italy, France, Norway). fluid.power.net FPNI has established the web site fluid.power.net as an Internet based information resource for fluid power engineers and related industries. Fluid Power Net web site provides an overview of the research, development and education activities carried out by FPNI and at various Universities and R&D Centres. Specific objectives of the web site are to: Provide an overview of research, development and education activities carried out at the Universities and R&D Centers. Provide a directory of leading engineers involved in academia, research, and consulting and industrial areas of fluid power technology. Provide a directory of research and development (R&D) projects in the field of fluid power technology. Provide a directory of conferences, workshops, seminars and professional courses on fluid power technology. Provide bibliographies of books, conference and journal papers and reports on fluid power technology as well as links to other bibliographies. Provide links to related fields (simulation, modeling, and mechatronic). Provide directories of industrial companies involved in manufacture and application of fluid power technology. Disseminate information on research and development in fields associated with fluid power technology, e.g. modeling and simulation. Journal FPNI publishes an International Journal in Fluid Power, Prof. Monika Ivantysynova, Technical University of Hamburg-Harburg, Germany is the Editor-in-Chief of the Journal and the Chairman of the Editorial Board. The Journal is published jointly by Fluid Power Net and TUHH Technologie. The first issue of the Journal was published in March 2000. Publications Publishing scientific and educational books and monographs in the field of fluid power is an important activity of FPNI. FPNI provides a specialist outlet and publishing facility for fluid power technology books, papers, monographs, theses, etc. All publications derived from FPNI Conferences and Workshops will contain papers and/or material reviewed by FPN Review Committee. All publications will be published either directly by Fluid Power Net Publishing (FPNP) or jointly between FPNP and the local FPN or its host University or Centre. Published (Books): J. Stecki (editor) – Total Contamination Control, February 1998. J. Stecki and A. Garbacik (eds.), Proc. of Intl Scientific Forum on Developments in Fluid Power Control of Machinery and Manipulators, June 1998. A. Garbacik, K. Szewczyk and J. S. Stecki, Design of Hydraulic Systems, November 1998. A. Garbacik (ed.), Future Directions of Fluid Power, February 1999 (in Polish). J. Stecki (ed.), Total Contamination Control Vol. II, February 2001. Technical Briefs The FPNI Technical Briefs, to be published on an ‘ad-hoc’ basis, will provide information about research projects, interesting results of research and other matters on various aspects of fluid power technology resulting from FPNI work. The Briefs will demonstrate directly the FPNI capability to solve ‘real world’ problems and advance fluid power technology. The Briefs will be published by FPNI and distributed to members of fluid power research community and industry.

Current status of FPNI

FPNI consists of fluid power research groups in the following countries: Austria - Universitat Linz, Convenor: Prof. Rudolf Scheidl. Australia – Monash University, Convenor: Dr. Jacek S. Stecki. Brasil -Federal University of Santa Catarina, Convenor: A/Prof. Jonny Carlos da Silva. Canada – University of Saskatchewan, Convenor: Prof. Richard Burton. China - Zhejiang University, Convenor: A/Prof. Xin Fu. Czech Republic - Technical University of Ostrava, Convenor: A/Prof. Petr Noskievic. Denmark –Denmark Technical University, Convenor: Prof. Finn Conrad. Finland - Tampere University of Technology, Convenor: Prof. Jari Rinkinen. France - INSA, Toulouse, Convenor: Prof. Jean-Charles Mare. Germany - Technical University of Hamburg-Harburg, Convenor: Prof. Monika Ivantysynova. India - Indian Institute of Technology, Kharagpur, Convenor: Dr. Maiti Rathindranath. Italy – CEMOTER-CNR, Convenor: Dr. Luca G. Zarotti. Japan - Gifu University, Convenor: Prof. Takayoshi Muto. Netherlands - Eindhoven University of Technology, Convenor: Dr. W. Post. New Zealand - University of Canterbury, Convenor: A/Prof. Reg Dunlop. Norway – Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Convenor: Prof. Peter Chapple. Poland – Cracow Technical University, Convenor: Prof. Andrzej Sobczyk. Romania - University Politehnica of Bucharest, Convenor: Prof. Nicolae Vasiliu. Singapore - Nanyang Technological University, Convenor: Dr. Sai Cheong Fok. Spain - U.P.C.-Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya- Spain, Convenor: Prof. Esteve Codina. Sweden - Linkoping University, Convenor: Prof. Karl-Erik Rydberg. United Kingdom - University of Cardiff, Convenor: Prof. John Watton. USA - Purdue University, Convenor: Prof. Gary W. Krutz. In addition establishing of national nodes of FPNI in Argentina, Russia, Portugal and Hungary is currently being discussed. Overall strategic direction of FPNI is determined by the Scientific Board which members are chosen from convenors of National nodes of Fluid Power Net. The current members of the Steering Committee are: Finn Conrad, DTU Denmark - Secretary of FPNI Monika Ivantysynova, Technical University of Hamburg-Harburg, Germany - Editor of the International Journal of Fluid Power Jacek S. Stecki, Monash University, Australia – Chairman FPNI Luca Zarotti, Cemoter, Italy. The Secretariat of the Fluid Power Net International is located in the Department of Control and Engineering Design, Technical University of Denmark, Building 358, DK-2800 Kgs. Lyngby, Denmark. The Secretary of FPNI is Prof. Finn Conrad. Fax: +45 45 88 14 51 Phone: +45 45 25 62 86 E-mail: secretariat@fluid.power.net