Mission Statement

To become the primary authority and information resource on fluid power technology which provides power and control of equipment used in industry. Fluid Power Net International (‘FPNI’) is a virtual organisation, which is the joint initiative of: Fluidteknikk, Institutt for Termisk Energi og Vannkraft (Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Norway). Institute of Heavy Duty Machines (Krakow University of Technology, Poland). Department of Control and Engineering Design (Technical University of Denmark). Sub-sea Engineering Research Group, Department of Mechanical Engineering (Monash University, Australia).

Article 1 - Objectives

FPNI will seek to: Promote international research and development co-operation in fluid power technology and related areas. Provide information about worldwide research and industrial activities in the field of fluid power technology and related areas. Promote engineering education in fluid power technology and related areas. In order to fulfill these objectives, FPNI will: Provide Technology Transfer to industry by way of Conferences, Workshops, Industrial courses and other new media as appropriate, including the Internet. Promote Postgraduate Study Programs in fluid power technology in member countries Publish scientific and educational books and monographs in the field of fluid power technology. Publish a Scientific Journal in the field of fluid power technology. Create an Internet based overview of research and development initiatives and education activities carried out at the Universities and R&D Centers around the world in the field fluid power technology. Develop education programs in fluid power technology and related areas. Create an Internet based directory of the leading engineers involved in academia, research, consulting and industrial areas of fluid power technology. Create an Internet based directory of research and development (R&D) projects in the field of fluid power technology. Create an Internet based directory of conferences, workshops, seminars and professional courses on fluid power technology. Create Internet based bibliographies of books, conference and journal papers and reports on fluid power technology as well as links to other bibliographies. Create links to and disseminate information in related fields (simulation, modeling, and mechatronics) using the Internet. Create Internet based directories of industrial companies involved in the manufacture and application of fluid power technology. Provide an Internet based forum for exchange of opinions and information for the fluid power community. Apply for and execute joint institute and industrial research and development projects utilising the resources of FPNI linked centres and institutes. Commercial R&D projects will be undertaken by a separate legal entity in order to isolate any commercial risk from the members of FPNI.

Article 2 - Structure of FPNI

2.1 Scientific Board The Scientific Board of FPNI will be the overseeing body of Fluid Power Net International. The role of the Scientific Board is to determine the focus of FPNI activities. The Scientific Board will consist of the National Convenors of the Fluid Power Net National Nodes. The Founding Chairman of the Scientific Board will be Assoc. Prof. Jacek Stecki, who will act as Chairman for a period of 3 years. At the end of this initial period, and as required thereafter, the Scientific Board will nominate and elect by majority vote a Chairman of the Scientific Board (from among the National Convenors). The Chairman will, on the authority of FPNI, be responsible for the strategic development of FPNI The Scientific Board has a Steering Committee to identify and present issues for consideration by the Scientific Board, including the agenda and minutes of meetings of the Scientific Board. The Steering Committee is made up of the initiating bodies of FPNI in Australia, Denmark, Norway and Poland and up to 3 additional National Convenors as nominated by the Scientific Board of FPNI. 2.2 Secretariat The Founding Secretary of FPNI will be Mads Grahl-Madsen, who will act as Secretary for a period of 3 years. At the end of this initial period, and as required thereafter, the Scientific Board will nominate and elect by majority vote a Secretary of the Scientific Board from among the National Convenors. The Secretariat is responsible for the day to day coordination and operation of FPNI, including the appointment of professional third parties as required. The Secretariat is located at the Norwegian University of Science and Technology. 2.3 National Fluid Power Net Nodes (N-FPN) The Scientific Board will, on the recommendation of the Chairman, invite fluid power related R&D centres or institutes to act as the national representative or ‘seat’ of the National Fluid Power Net Node (‘N-FPN’) in their country of operation. There will be only one N-FPN per country or nominated geographical region. Each N-FPN will, in consultation with the Scientific Board, appoint a representative as National Convenor to represent it on the Scientific Board. The National Convenor of the N-FPN will serve a 2-year term which can be renewed by the Scientific Board. If required, an N-FPN may appoint a National Secretary of the local entity who will be responsible for coordinating the activities of the N-FPN and interaction with FPNI. The National Convenor will be responsible for ensuring that their N-FPN: Promotes the field of fluid power research and education in their host country; Develops and maintains the links to the FPNI structure, including localised content and material for their N-FPN website; Conducts other activities as agreed with the Scientific Board of FPNI. In the event that the National Convenor is no longer directly involved or associated with the centre or institute FPNI may, at the discretion of the Scientific Board and/or the centre or institute, seek to have an alternative National Convenor appointed. 2.4 N-FPN Scientific Boards In consultation with the FPNI Scientific Board, an N-FPN may establish a local Scientific Board, which will have similar scope of activity to the FPNI Scientific Board. In the event an N-FPN Scientific Board is established this body will also assume the responsibility of nominating and electing the National Convenor and/or Secretary of the N-FPN from the FPNI the Scientific Board. Involvement in an N-FPN Scientific Board will be open to representatives of the Members and Associates of the N-FPN.

Article 3 - Members

All fluid power related R & D organisations are eligible to become Members of FPNI by joining their local N-FPN. Members are invited to join by the National Convenor (or where applicable the N-FPN Scientific Board). Membership gives the right to access FPNI services and information. The duties and rights of Members will be defined by the National Convenor prior to the establishment of the membership. In the event a National Scientific Board is established the relevant National Scientific Board will define rights and duties of Members.

Article 4 - Associates

Companies with on-going activities in fluid power technology or related areas are eligible to become Associates of either their local N-FPN or (if the company has multinational operations) FPNI. The Scientific Board of FPNI may, on the recommendation of the Secretary, invite companies to become Associates of the FPNI. The FPNI Scientific Board will issue conditions for the acceptance of Associates at the international level. The National Convenor or N-FPN Scientific Board may invite local companies to become Associates of the National Fluid Power Net. The National Convenor or N-FPN Scientific Board will issue conditions for the acceptance of Associates at the national level. Associates will have preferential access to all Fluid Power Net Technology Transfer activities.

Article 5 - Logo

Fluid Power Net International and the N-FPN’s will have the authority to use the logo of Fluid Power Net International, subject to the rules of usage issued by the FPNI Scientific Board.

Article 6 - Change to Statutes

The statutes of the Fluid Power Net International can only be changed by the Scientific Board on the recommendation of the chairman with a 2/3 majority of members voting for the change.

Glossary

Associates   Associates of FPNI or N-FPN as specified Chairman   The Chairman of the Scientific Board Fluid Power Net International ‘FPNI’ An independent virtual organisation that promotes fluid power research and principles. Members   Members of FPNI or N-FPN as specified National Fluid Power Net Node ‘N-FPN’ Local operations of FPNI (country specific) N-FPN Scientific Board   The governing body of a N-FPN (if established) Scientific Board   The governing body of FPNI Secretariat   The Secretariat of the Scientific Board of FPNI Secretary   The Secretary of the Scientific Board of FPNI Steering Committee   The executive committee of the Scientific Board of FPNI