CPD Course Structure
The following graphic shows the structure of our CPD course programme. Click on the boxes for detailed information about the course content.
Foundation courses
FP1 - Introduction to Hydraulic Circuits and Components
This introductory course provides a good working knowledge of hydraulic circuits and components by introducing their principles of operation, their performance characteristics, and standard ISO symbol representation. On completion, participants will be able to draw circuit diagrams, and design simple circuits for linear actuators, hydrostatic transmissions and velocity control. They will also appreciate the characteristics of hydraulic fluids, the need for contamination control, and understand the functions of auxiliary devices such as accumulators and coolers. A number of tutorials and extensive laboratory work strengthen the material and show how the new theoretical knowledge can be applied in practice. read more »
FP2 - Component Selection for Hydraulic Systems
This module covers the selection and sizing of actuators, valves, pumps as well as associated equipment like oil coolers, accumulators, and filters. It introduces the theoretical background of orifices, pressure losses, hydraulic stiffness, and component efficiency. Worked examples, design exercises, computer simulation classes, and lab sessions demonstrate how to select commercially available hydraulic units to be used in practical open- and closed-loop hydraulic circuits, taking into account the constraints imposed by application-specific design requirements. read more »
ED - Electrical Drives for Mechanical Engineers
This introductory module presents the fundamental theory of electromagnetism, power electronics, and electromechanical energy conversion. Upon completion, participants will know the principles of electrical motors, be able to select drives for given applications, appreciate requirements for controllers, and understand power electronic circuits. The concepts of speed/position control for DC, AC, and stepper motors are presented and typical problems associated with electrical drives, including dynamic characteristics, noise, and electromagnetic interference, are elaborated in the classroom and laboratory. read more »
Advanced courses
FPN - Noise in Hydraulic Systems
This module builds on the work of the FP1 and FP2 modules by concentrating on various aspects that influence the design and analysis of hydraulic systems. These include the design of valve actuator and motor systems, characteristics of proportional valves, the effect of duty cycles and load on circuit design, power economy, airborne and structure borne noise, methods for evaluating failure modes, and requirements on cleanliness and condition monitoring systems. read more »
C - Introduction to Control of Mechatronic Systems
The 2-day C module, gives an introduction to practical control theory. Fundamental principles of system modelling and analysis, numerical simulation, and controller design are covered. It presents ways to examine the behaviour of a variety of physical systems commonly used in control applications and develops an understanding of the operational behaviour of control systems. read more »
FPC - Control of Electrohydraulic Systems
Delegates taking the FPC course will attend the C module for the first 2 days and then concentrate on more advanced modelling and control strategies for electrohydraulic systems for the remaining time. At the end, participants should be able to predict the behaviour of electrohydraulic systems, determine a system’s frequency response and stability characteristics, and improve the steady state and dynamic response using appropriate compensation techniques. read more »
Special courses
FPN - Noise in Hydraulic Systems
This course can be run on request either in Bath or at the customer's premises. It provides a description of the mechanisms by which fluid-borne noise is generated and transmitted. Experimental methods for measuring the fluid-borne noise characteristics of pumps and other components are discussed, methods for reducing noise are outlined, and methods for predicting the fluid-borne noise characteristics of hydraulic circuits are explained. read more »
FPS - Simulation of Hydraulic Systems
This training course, run in conjunction with LMS International, will cover the theory of hydraulics system modelling and simulation. Using a combination of theory sessions about hydraulic system components, workshop sessions to investigate the modelling of hydraulic systems and lab sessions to cover the real life performance of hydraulic components, the course will introduce engineers to hydraulic system modelling using an industry leading tool.read more »
PA - Piezoelectric Actuation
This module provides a practical introduction to piezoelectric actuation. Fundamental physical effects and material characteristics are explained before common actuator types such as stacks and bimorphs are presented. The principles piezoelectric motors and mechanical amplification are discussed, and various practical applications are investigated. read more »