# Can I transfer vibration with hydraulics?

I need to transfer vibration to 10 meters. I can do this with solid metal rod, but its making mechanical design complex. So, I am thinking to do it hydraulically (tubes can easily be bend). But, I am not confident with hydraulics for vibration transfer.

Vibration is an exclusive attribute of solids. Can pressurized liquid in hydraulic device hold and transfer vibration?

What would happen if I apply vibration to one end of hydraulic pump? I want to see it at molecular level, too. Mathematical model is encouraged.

-
Any fluid has a bulk modulus, which is a pressure volume relationship. Elastic waves can propagate through it, but I would be more concerned about damping and losses. – ja72 Jul 6 '12 at 0:09
@ja72 In hydraulics, volume is kept constant. That's why I want to see it at molecular level as well as with mathematical model. – SS-3 Jul 6 '12 at 3:40
that is not true .. read here engineeringtoolbox.com/bulk-modulus-elasticity-d_585.html – ja72 Jul 6 '12 at 12:55
The speed of sound (and hence vibration transfer) is $c=\sqrt{\frac{K}{\rho}}$ with $K$ the bulk modulus, and $\rho$ the density. For SAE oil this is about $c=1390\; \rm m/s$. – ja72 Jul 6 '12 at 13:11
Well you weren't specific that the excitation frequency is going to be much less than the natural frequency of the hydraulic system. Otherwise the question is unclear on what phenomenon are you trying to model exactly. – ja72 Jul 6 '12 at 17:58