How is hydraulic fluid viscosity defined?

Hydraulic fluid viscosity is defined as the measure of a fluid's resistance to flow. This property is crucial in hydraulic systems as it affects the efficiency and performance of system components. Viscosity determines how easily the fluid moves through pipes, valves, and actuators. A fluid with higher viscosity has a thicker consistency and resists flow more than a fluid with lower viscosity, which flows more freely. This characteristic influences factors such as pumping power, energy loss due to friction, and overall system response during operation.

Understanding viscosity is essential for selecting the appropriate hydraulic fluid for different applications. It affects how the system behaves under various temperatures and loads, which is why maintaining optimal viscosity is key to ensuring effective operation within hydraulic systems.