The buckling behaviour of hydraulic actuators is often established by using
simple analytical models. However, existing research does not take into ac
count rectilinear imperfections and friction effects at the restrained ends
and in the area of the rod-cylinder connection (the port through which the
rod enters the cylinder). Recent research has tried to establish the effec
ts of actual geometrical imperfections and friction on plunger-rod actuator
s, thus enabling better use of these very common mechanical components. Thi
s paper analyses the bending behaviour of hydraulic piston-type actuators u
sing analytical models, able to take into account friction, rectilinear imp
erfections and the actual geometric configuration of piston-type actuators.
The reliability of these analytical models was confirmed by means of exper
imental tests carried out on full-scale equipment.