What is an effect of high viscosity in hydraulic fluid?

High viscosity in hydraulic fluid significantly affects the flow characteristics of the fluid. Viscosity is a measure of a fluid's resistance to flow; thus, a higher viscosity indicates greater resistance. This means the fluid flows more slowly compared to fluids with lower viscosity.

When the viscosity is high, the internal friction within the fluid increases, which slows down the movement of the fluid through the hydraulic system. This slower flow can impact performance, as the hydraulic system may not be able to respond as quickly to changes in pressure or operational demands.

In contrast, lower viscosity fluids tend to flow more freely, allowing for quicker responses and potentially better overall system efficiency, but may lack the required lubrication and heat dissipation capabilities. High viscosity fluids are often used in applications requiring better lubrication properties, but the trade-off is typically a reduction in flow rate. Thus, slower fluid flow is a direct effect of high viscosity in hydraulic fluids.