The ability to analyze and model the unsteady, dynamic response of hydraulic systems has arisen from the need for operational stability, flexibility and controlled transient behavior. Following a general discussion, this paper discusses experiments and analysis directed toward identification of the dynamic response of hydraulic pumps, both cavitating and non-cavitating. It is shown that rather modest amounts of cavitation cause the pump to become dynamically active and therefore capable of exciting instabilities and resonance with the hydraulic system
