Course Code and Title: CLEC 306 FLUID MECHANICS

Topic: HYDROSTATICS (Total Pressure on Plane Surface)

HYDROSTATICS

TOTAL PRESSURE

When a static mass of fluid comes in contact with a plane or curved surface, the
fluid exerts a force on the surface. This force is called total pressure.

What is the direction in which this total pressure exerted by the fluid acts on the
surface?

When a fluid is at rest, no tangential force exists on the fluid. That is, when a
fluid is at rest, it cannot sustain any shear forces. Hence, the fluid at rest exerts a
force in a direction normal to the surface with which it comes in contact.

CENTRE OF PRESSURE

The point of application of total pressure on the surface is called centre of

pressure.

TOTAL PRESSURE ON A PLANE SURFACE FULLY IMMERSED IN

LIQUID AND HELD HORIZONTAL

Let us consider a plane surface of area A immersed fully in a static mass of

liquid of specific weight . The plane surface is held such that it is in a
horizontal position (parallel to the free liquid surface) at a depth h below the
free surface of liquid a shown in Figure 1.

Course Instructor: Dr. A. MURUGAPPAN Page No.: 1 of 29

Professor
Dept. of Civil Engineering, Annamalai University, Annamalainagar
Course Code and Title: CLEC 306 FLUID MECHANICS
Topic: HYDROSTATICS (Total Pressure on Plane Surface)

Free liquid surface

h
P
Horizontal Plane
surface of area A

Figure 1 Total Pressure on a Horizontal Plane Surface

As every point on the horizontal surface is at the same depth h below the free
surface of liquid, the pressure intensity p over the entire surface is constant
equal to h. Therefore, the total pressure force P acting on the surface is given
by

P = pressure intensity over the entire surface x area of the surface

=pxA

P = (h)A = Ah …… (1)

The total pressure force acts in a direction normal (perpendicular) to the

horizontal plane surface. It acts in the vertical downward direction through the
centroid of the surface.

TOTAL PRESSURE AND CENTRE OF PRESSURE FOR A PLANE

SURFACE FULLY IMMERSED IN LIQUID AND HELD VERTICAL

Figure below shows a plane surface of arbitrary shape and area A, fully
immersed in a static mass of liquid of specific weight . The plane surface is
held vertical such that the centroid of the surface is located at a vertical depth x
Course Instructor: Dr. A. MURUGAPPAN Page No.: 2 of 29
Professor
Dept. of Civil Engineering, Annamalai University, Annamalainagar
Course Code and Title: CLEC 306 FLUID MECHANICS
Topic: HYDROSTATICS (Total Pressure on Plane Surface)

below the free surface of liquid. Let us determine the magnitude and location of
point of application of the total pressure force acting on the vertical plane
surface.

Free liquid surface

x b

x
h
dP dx

CG
CP

Vertical plane surface

Edge view of vertical
plane surface
Figure 2 Total Pressure on a Vertical Plane Surface Immersed Fully in a Liquid

Here, the pressure intensity over the entire surface is not constant, that is, it
varies from point to point on the surface. Why?

As the depth of liquid varies from point to point on the surface, the pressure
intensity is not constant over the entire surface.

Let us now determine the magnitude of total pressure force P acting on the
vertical plane surface. For this purpose, let us divide the entire surface into a
number of elementary strips that are parallel to one another. Let us compute the
magnitude of total pressure on each of these elementary strips. The summation
of these total pressures on these small strips gives the magnitude of total
pressure on the complete surface.

Let us consider an elementary strip of width b and thickness dx located at a

vertical depth x below the free surface of liquid. As the thickness of the
elementary strip considered is too small, let us assume that the pressure intensity
over this strip is uniform and does not vary. Let the uniform pressure intensity
over the entire strip be p whose magnitude is equal to specific weight times the
depth of the strip below the free surface, that is p = x. Let the area of the strip
be represented as dA.
Course Instructor: Dr. A. MURUGAPPAN Page No.: 3 of 29
Professor
Dept. of Civil Engineering, Annamalai University, Annamalainagar
Course Code and Title: CLEC 306 FLUID MECHANICS
Topic: HYDROSTATICS (Total Pressure on Plane Surface)

dA = (width of strip) x (thickness of strip) = b x dx

Total pressure on the strip, dP = (pressure intensity over the strip) x (area of the
strip)
= p x dA
= (x) x (b x dx)

Therefore, total pressure on the entire surface can be obtained by integrating the
expression for dP. That is,

P =  dP   x b.dx 
=   xb.dx 
What the quantity xb.dx  represents?

b.dx  is the area of the elementary strip of width b and thickness dx.
xb.dx  represents the first moment of the area of the elementary strip about the
axis OO. It should be noted that axis OO is obtained by the intersection of the
free surface of liquid with the vertical plane in which the plane surface lies.
 xb.dx  represents the sum of the first moments of areas of elementary strips
covering the entire vertical plane surface about the axis OO. From the principle
of mechanics, this is equal to the product of the area A of the entire vertical
plane surface and the vertical distance x of the centroid of the vertical plane
surface below the free surface of liquid or axis OO. That is,

 xb.dx  = A x
Hence, P =   xb.dx  =  A x …… (2)

Equation (2) represents a general expression for the total pressure exerted by a
liquid on a plane surface.

In expression (2), as the quantity ( x ) represents the magnitude of pressure

intensity at the centroid of the plane surface, it can be stated that the total
pressure on a plane surface is equal to the product of the area of the surface and
the intensity of pressure at the location of the centroid of the area.

Can you determine the magnitude of total pressure on a horizontal surface

through equation (2)?

Yes. In a horizontal surface, the centroid of the surface x is located at a vertical

distance h below the free surface of liquid. That is, x = h.

Course Instructor: Dr. A. MURUGAPPAN Page No.: 4 of 29

Professor
Dept. of Civil Engineering, Annamalai University, Annamalainagar
Course Code and Title: CLEC 306 FLUID MECHANICS
Topic: HYDROSTATICS (Total Pressure on Plane Surface)

Centre of Pressure

The point of application of centre of pressure on a plane surface is known as

centre of pressure.

In case of a horizontal plane surface immersed in a liquid, the centre of pressure

coincides with the centroid of the surface. Why?

As the pressure intensity throughout the surface is uniform (constant), the total
pressure would pass through the centroid of the surface.

In case of a vertical plane surface immersed fully in a liquid, the centre of

pressure does not coincide with the centroid of the surface. Why?

As the pressure intensity increases with increase in the depth of liquid, the
centre of pressure lies below the centroid of the area.

Let us now determine the location of the centre of pressure for a vertical plane
surface immersed in a liquid. Let h be the vertical depth of the location of the
centre of pressure below the free surface of liquid. The moment caused by the
total pressure force P about the axis OO is P h .

As evaluated earlier, the total pressure on the elementary strip of width b and
thickness dx is give by

dP = (x) x (b x dx)

The moment caused by dP about the axis OO is given by

(dP) x = [(x) x (b x dx)] x x = x2 (b.dx)

Likewise, by considering all elementary strips of the entire vertical plane

surface and summing up the moments caused by the total pressures on these
strips about the axis OO, we have,

 (dP ) x   x (b.dx ) =   x (b.dx )

2 2

Course Instructor: Dr. A. MURUGAPPAN Page No.: 5 of 29

Professor
Dept. of Civil Engineering, Annamalai University, Annamalainagar
Course Code and Title: CLEC 306 FLUID MECHANICS
Topic: HYDROSTATICS (Total Pressure on Plane Surface)

The quantity x 2 (b.dx ) represents the second moment of the area dA (= b.dx) of
the elementary strip about the axis OO. The quantity  x 2 (b.dx ) represents the
sum of the second moments of areas of elementary strips covering the entire
surface about the axis OO. This is equal to the moment of inertia I0 of the plane
surface about the axis OO. That is,

I0 =  x 2 (b.dx ) …… (3)

The quantity   x 2 (b.dx ) represents the sum of moments of total pressures on

elementary strips covering the entire surface about the axis OO. By the principle
of moments, this is equal to the moment caused by the total pressure P acting on
the entire plane surface about the axis OO. The moment caused by P about the
axis OO is given by P h .

We have, P h =   x 2 (b.dx ) …… (4)

Introducing equation (3) in (4), we have,

P h =  I0
I 0
h
P
Substituting P =  A x , from equation (2) in above expression, we have,

I 0 I
h  0 …… (5)
A x A x

From the “Parallel Axes Theorem” for moment of inertia, we have,

2
I 0  IG  A x …… (6)

where IG = moment of inertia of the plane surface about an axis passing through
the centroid of the area and parallel to the axis OO.

Introducing equation (6) in (5), we have,

2 2
I  Ax I Ax I
h G  G   G x
Ax Ax Ax Ax
IG
h x …… (7)
Ax

Course Instructor: Dr. A. MURUGAPPAN Page No.: 6 of 29

Professor
Dept. of Civil Engineering, Annamalai University, Annamalainagar
Course Code and Title: CLEC 306 FLUID MECHANICS
Topic: HYDROSTATICS (Total Pressure on Plane Surface)

Equation (7) gives the position of centre of pressure for a plane surface
immersed vertically in a static mass of liquid.

Let us Mathematically prove that the centre of pressure for a vertical plane
surface is always below the centroid of the surface.

IG
In equation (7), the quantity is always positive. Hence, the value of h is x
Ax
plus a positive quantity. This shows that h is always greater than x . That is, the
position of centre of centre of pressure is always below the centroid of the
vertical plane surface.

When the vertical plane surface is immersed deeper and deeper below the liquid
surface, the centre of pressure becomes closer and closer to the centroid of the
surface. Why?

As the vertical surface is immersed deeper and deeper, the vertical depth x of
IG
the centroid of the surface becomes greater and greater. Hence, the quantity
Ax
IG
becomes lesser and lesser. As becomes lesser and lesser, h becomes closer
Ax
and closer to x .

Example 1. Determine the total force and location of center of pressure for the
cases shown in Figure.

0.5 m Water
2m

1m

2m 2m 4m

Figure Example 1

Solution.

Course Instructor: Dr. A. MURUGAPPAN Page No.: 7 of 29

Professor
Dept. of Civil Engineering, Annamalai University, Annamalainagar
Course Code and Title: CLEC 306 FLUID MECHANICS
Topic: HYDROSTATICS (Total Pressure on Plane Surface)

Case (a) Right – angled triangular plate immersed vertically in water with
its vertex at a depth 0.5 m below the free surface of water.

Required: Force exerted by water on the plate, P = ?

Position of center of pressure (CP) = ?

0.5 m
x A

1m
CG

CP
B C
2m

Figure Example 1 - Case (a)

Force exerted by water on the plate, P = A x

where,  = specific weight of water = 9810 N/m3

A = area of triangular plate in contact with water
1
= x(base)x(height )
2
1 1
= x BC x AB = x 2 m x 1 m = 1 m2
2 2
x = vertical location of centroid of the triangular plate below the
free surface of water
 2
= 0.5 m +   (1 m) = 1.167 m
 3
Hence, P = ( 9810 N/m3) x (1 m2) x (1.167 m) = 11445 N = 11.445 kN

Position of center of pressure (CP):

Let h be the vertical location of the center of pressure (CP) on the triangular
plate below the free surface of water.

I
h = x G
Ax
Course Instructor: Dr. A. MURUGAPPAN Page No.: 8 of 29
Professor
Dept. of Civil Engineering, Annamalai University, Annamalainagar
Course Code and Title: CLEC 306 FLUID MECHANICS
Topic: HYDROSTATICS (Total Pressure on Plane Surface)

where, IG = moment of inertia of the triangular plate about an axis passing

through the centroid of the plate parallel to the free surface of water
( 2m)(1m) 3
= = 0.056 m4
36
0.056 m 4
Hence, h = (1.167 m)  = 1.167 m + 0.048 m = 1.215 m
2
(1m )(1.167 m)

Case (b) Rectangular plate immersed vertically in water with its top edge at a
depth 0.5 m below the free surface of water.

Required: Force exerted by water on the plate, P = ?

Position of center of pressure (CP) = ?

0.5 m
x A
h

CG
1m

CP

B C
2m

Figure Example 1 - Case (b)

Force exerted by water on the plate, P = A x

where,  = specific weight of water = 9810 N/m3

A = area of rectangular plate in contact with water
= 2 m x 1 m = 2 m2
x = vertical location of centroid of the rectangular plate below the
free surface of water
1
= 0.5 +   = 1 m
2
Hence, P = ( 9810 N/m3) x (2 m2) x (1 m) = 19620 N = 19.62 kN

Position of center of pressure (CP):

Course Instructor: Dr. A. MURUGAPPAN Page No.: 9 of 29

Professor
Dept. of Civil Engineering, Annamalai University, Annamalainagar
Course Code and Title: CLEC 306 FLUID MECHANICS
Topic: HYDROSTATICS (Total Pressure on Plane Surface)

Let h be the vertical location of the center of pressure (CP) on the rectangular
plate below the free surface of water.

I
h = x G
Ax
where, IG = moment of inertia of the rectangular plate about an axis passing
through the centroid of the plate parallel to the free surface of water
(2m)(1m) 3
= = 0.167 m4
12
0.167 m 4
Hence, h = 1 m  = 1 m + 0.083 m = 1.083 m
2
(2 m )(1 m)

Case (c) Trapezoidal plate immersed vertically in water with its top edge at a
depth 0.5 m below the free surface of water.

Required: Force exerted by water on the plate, P = ?

Position of center of pressure (CP) = ?

0.5 m
2m
x A D
h
Centroidal axis
1m

B E C
4m

Figure Example 1 - Case (c)

Force exerted by water on the plate, P = A x

where,  = specific weight of water = 9810 N/m3

A = area of trapezoidal plate in contact with water
 AD  BC  2m4 m
=   AB =  1 m = 3 m2
 2   2 
x = vertical location of centroid of the trapezoidal plate below the
Course Instructor: Dr. A. MURUGAPPAN Page No.: 10 of 29
Professor
Dept. of Civil Engineering, Annamalai University, Annamalainagar
Course Code and Title: CLEC 306 FLUID MECHANICS
Topic: HYDROSTATICS (Total Pressure on Plane Surface)

free surface of water

To determine x , let us divide the trapezium into a rectangle ADEB and a

triangle DCE. Let x1 and x2 be the vertical locations of centroids of rectangle
ADEB and triangle DCE respectively. Let a1 and a2 be the areas of rectangle
ADEB and triangle DCE respectively.

Using Varignon’s theorem, we have,

Ax  a1x1  a2 x2

a1 = 2 m x 1 m = 2 m2
1
a2 = x 2 m x 1 m = 1 m2
2
x1 = vertical location of centroid of the rectangular portion ADEB below the
free surface of water
1
= 0.5 +   = 1 m
2
x2 = vertical location of centroid of the triangular portion DCE below the
free surface of water
 2
= 0.5 m +   (1 m) = 1.167 m
 3
Hence, we have,
3 m2 x  2 m2 1 m  1 m2 1.167 m
 x=
2 m2 1 m  1 m2 1.167 m = 1.056 m
3 m2
Hence, P = ( 9810 N/m3) x (3 m2) x (1.056 m) = 31078 N = 31.08 kN

Position of center of pressure (CP):

Let h be the vertical location of the center of pressure (CP) on the trapezoidal
plate below the free surface of water.

I
h = x G
Ax

where, IG = moment of inertia of the trapezoidal plate about an axis passing

through the centroid of the plate parallel to the free surface of water
I G  I XX 1  I XX 2
where IXX1 = moment of inertia of the rectangular portion ADEB about an axis,
Course Instructor: Dr. A. MURUGAPPAN Page No.: 11 of 29
Professor
Dept. of Civil Engineering, Annamalai University, Annamalainagar
Course Code and Title: CLEC 306 FLUID MECHANICS
Topic: HYDROSTATICS (Total Pressure on Plane Surface)

parallel to the free surface of water, passing through the centroid of

the trapezoidal plate.
IXX2 = moment of inertia of the triangular portion DCE about an axis,
parallel to the free surface of water, passing through the centroid of
the trapezoidal plate.

Let x be the height of the centroidal axis, of the trapezoidal plate, parallel to the
free surface of water = (0.5 m + 1 m) - x = 1.5 m – 1.056 m = 0.444 m
2 x 13
I XX 1   2 x 10.5  0.444 2  0.173 m 4
12
2 x 13  1  1
I XX 2    x 2 x 1 0.444    0.068 m 4
36 2  3
I G  0.173 m 4  0.068 m 4  0.241 m 4
0.241 m 4
Hence, h = 1.056 m  = 1.056 m + 0.076 m = 1.132 m
(3 m 2 )(1.056 m)

Assignment Problem 1. A triangular plate which has a base of 1.5 m and an

altitude of 2 m lies in a vertical plane. The vertex of the gate is 1 m below the
surface in a tank which contains oil of specific gravity 0.8. Find the force
exerted by the oil on the gate and the position of center of pressure.

Example 2. A vertical gate 5 m high and 3 m wide closes a tunnel running full
with water. The pressure at the bottom of the gate is 195 kN m-2. Determine the
total pressure on the gate and the location of the centre of pressure.

Solution.

As the tunnel runs full with water, it acts as a pressure pipe. Water is carried
under pressure through the tunnel. The pressure at the bottom of the rectangular
gate is 195 kN m-2.

If the rectangular gate is considered to be immersed vertically in a static mass of

water, to exert a pressure equal to 195 kN m-2 at the bottom of gate, the vertical
depth of the bottom of gate below the free surface of liquid is given by

pbottom 195 x 103 N m-2

h   19.878 m
w 9810 N m-3

Course Instructor: Dr. A. MURUGAPPAN Page No.: 12 of 29

Professor
Dept. of Civil Engineering, Annamalai University, Annamalainagar
Course Code and Title: CLEC 306 FLUID MECHANICS
Topic: HYDROSTATICS (Total Pressure on Plane Surface)

This is represented in Figure ( ).

h = 19.878 m
x h

3m

CG
5m
P
2.5 m CP

Figure Example 2

Area of gate, A = 3 m x 5 m = 15 m2
x = vertical location of centre of gravity of the rectangular gate below the
height of gate 5m
free surface of water = h - = 19.878 m -
2 2
= 19.878 m – 2.5 m = 17.378 m

Total pressure on the gate, P = A x

= 9810 N m-3 x 15 m2 x 17.378 m
= 2557173 N = 2.557 MN

Location of centre of pressure:

I
h = x G
Ax
IG = moment of inertia of the rectangular gate about the centroidal axis parallel
to the width of the gate
width x (height) 3 3 m x (5 m)3
=   31.25 m4
12 12
Course Instructor: Dr. A. MURUGAPPAN Page No.: 13 of 29
Professor
Dept. of Civil Engineering, Annamalai University, Annamalainagar
Course Code and Title: CLEC 306 FLUID MECHANICS
Topic: HYDROSTATICS (Total Pressure on Plane Surface)

31.25 m 4
Hence, h  17.378 m  = 17.498 m
2
(15 m ) x (17.378 m)

Example 3. A cylindrical vessel of 1 m diameter has water in it to a depth of 2

m. Oil of specific gravity 0.75 is kept over water column for another 1 m. Above
the oil, a dead weight of 5000 N, base diameter 1 m is kept. Estimate the total
force and the centre of pressure on a gate 30 cm in diameter placed along the
vertical surface of the vessel. The lowest point of the gate is on the base of the
vessel.

5000 N
A A

1m Oil

B B

Gate
2m Water

0.3 m dia
C C

Figure Example 2

Uniform pressure on the surface of oil due to the dead weight of 5000 N having
a base of diameter 1 m is given by

5000 N 5000 N
pA  =  6363 .6 N/m2

Area of base of dead weight 1 m2
4
Pressure at the interface of overlying oil and underlying water,

p B  p A   oil h AB  6363 .6  S oil  w h AB

= 6363.6 + 0.75 x 9810 1
= 6363.6 + 7357.5
= 13721.1 N/m2
Pressure at the base of the cylindrical vessel,

pc  p B   w hBC  13721 .1  9810 x 2 = 13721.1 + 19620 = 33341.1 N/m2

Course Instructor: Dr. A. MURUGAPPAN Page No.: 14 of 29

Professor
Dept. of Civil Engineering, Annamalai University, Annamalainagar
Course Code and Title: CLEC 306 FLUID MECHANICS
Topic: HYDROSTATICS (Total Pressure on Plane Surface)

If it is considered that this pressure of 33341.1 N/m2 is exerted by water column

alone, then we should have a column of water of height given by

p 33341 .1
h C   3.40 m above the base of the vessel
w 9810

This can be represented as shown in Figure below

Water
x 3.4 m h
Gate

0.3 m dia
0.15 m C C

Figure Example 3 - Solution

Total pressure on the ciruclar gate of diameter 0.3 m is given by

P = A x

where,  = specific weight of water = 9810 N/m3

A = area of circular gate in contact with water

= 0.3 m2 = 0.0707 m2
4
x = vertical location of centroid of the rectangular plate below the
free surface of water
0.3
= 3.4 - = 3.4 – 0.15 = 3.25 m
2
Hence, P = ( 9810 N/m3) x (0.0707 m2) x (3.25 m) = 2254 N = 2.254 kN

Position of centre of pressure (CP):

Course Instructor: Dr. A. MURUGAPPAN Page No.: 15 of 29

Professor
Dept. of Civil Engineering, Annamalai University, Annamalainagar
Course Code and Title: CLEC 306 FLUID MECHANICS
Topic: HYDROSTATICS (Total Pressure on Plane Surface)

Let h be the vertical location of the centre of pressure (CP) on the rectangular
plate below the free surface of water.

I
h = x G
Ax

where, IG = moment of inertia of the circular gate about an axis passing

through the centroid of the gate parallel to the free surface of water

= 0.34 = 0.00442 m4
64
0.00442 m 4
Hence, h = 3.25 m  = 3.25 m + 0.0192 m = 3.269 m
(0.0707 m 2 )(3.25 m)

Assignment Problem 2. A circular gate in a vertical wall has a diameter of 4 m.

The water surface on the upstream side is 8 m above the top of the gate and on
the downstream side 1 m above the top of the gate. Find the forces acting on the
two sides of the gate and the resultant force acting on the gate and its location.

Example 4. A rectangular gate covering an opening 3 m wide and 2 m high in a

vertical wall is hinged about its vertical edge by two pivots placed
symmetrically 0.25 m from either end. The door is locked by a clamp placed at
the centre of the vertical edge. Determine the reactions at the two hinges and the
clamp, when the height of water is 1.5 m above the top edge of the opening.

Solution.

O O

1.5 m
h 3m

0.25 m
RT Hinge x
1m
CG Clamp
RC 2m
P CP
Hinge
RB x
0.25 m

Figure Example 4

Course Instructor: Dr. A. MURUGAPPAN Page No.: 16 of 29

Professor
Dept. of Civil Engineering, Annamalai University, Annamalainagar
Course Code and Title: CLEC 306 FLUID MECHANICS
Topic: HYDROSTATICS (Total Pressure on Plane Surface)

Total pressure on the door, P = A x

where,  = specific weight of water = 9810 N/m3
A = area of door = 3 m x 2 m = 6 m2
x = vertical depth of centroid CG of door below the free surface of water
= 1.5 m + 
2m
 = 1.5 m + 1 m = 2.5 m
 2 
Therefore, P = (9810 N/m3) (6 m2) (2.5 m) = 147150 N

Location of centre of pressure, h

I
h = x G
Ax
where IG = moment of inertia of rectangular door about an axis passing through
the centroid parallel to the axis OO
= [width x (depth)3] / 12 = [3 m x (2 m)3] / 12 = 2 m4
h = 2.5 m + {2 m4 / (6 m2 x 2.5 m)} = 2.633 m

This total pressure P has to be resisted by the reactions offered by the top hinge,
bottom hinge and the clamp. Let the reaction offered by the top hinge be
denoted as RT. Let the reaction offered by the bottom hinge be denoted as RB.
Let the reaction offered by the clamp be denoted as RC.

We have, P = RT + RB + RC

By symmetry, half the total pressure P will be resisted by the reaction offered
by the clamp. The other half of the total pressure P will jointly be resisted by the
reactions offered by the two hinges (top and bottom hinges). That is,

RC = P/2 = 147150 / 2 = 73575 N

(RT + RB) = P/2 = 147150 / 2 = 73575 N

To solve for the magnitudes of reactions RT and RB, let us take moments of
forces about the top hinge and equate the algebraic sum of moments to zero.
While taking moments of forces, the sign convention adopted is that clockwise
moments are treated as positive quantities and anti-clockwise moments are
treated as negative quantities.

- RC x (1 m – 0.25 m) – RB x (2 m – 0.25 m – 0.25 m) + P ( h - 1.5 m – 0.25 m)

=0
 - (73575 N x 0.75 m) – (RB x 1.5 m) +
Course Instructor: Dr. A. MURUGAPPAN Page No.: 17 of 29
Professor
Dept. of Civil Engineering, Annamalai University, Annamalainagar
Course Code and Title: CLEC 306 FLUID MECHANICS
Topic: HYDROSTATICS (Total Pressure on Plane Surface)

147150 N x (2.633 m – 1.5 m – 0.25 m) = 0

 - 55181.25 N m – 1.5 RB + 129933.45 N m = 0
 1.5 RB = - 55181.25 N m + 129933.45 N m = 74752.2 N m
 RB = 74752.2 N m / 1.5 = 49834.8 N

Hence, RT = 73575 N – RB = 73575 N - 49834.8 N = 23740.2 N

Example 5. A vertical rectangular gate 4 m x 2 m is hinged at a point 0.25 m

below the centre of gravity of the gate. If the total depth of water is 7 m, what
horizontal force must be applied at the bottom of gate to keep it closed?

Solution.

7m
x h

4m

1m
P CG CG 2m
0.25 m Hinge O CP
F CP 0.75 m
Axis of Hinge

Figure Example 5

Total pressure on the door, P = A x

where,  = specific weight of water = 9810 N/m3
A = area of rectangular gate = 4 m x 2 m = 8 m2
x = vertical depth of centroid CG of rectangular gate below the free
surface of water
= 7 m - 
2m
 =7m+1m=6m
 2 
Therefore, P = (9810 N/m3) (8 m2) (6 m) = 470880 N = 47.089 kN

Course Instructor: Dr. A. MURUGAPPAN Page No.: 18 of 29

Professor
Dept. of Civil Engineering, Annamalai University, Annamalainagar
Course Code and Title: CLEC 306 FLUID MECHANICS
Topic: HYDROSTATICS (Total Pressure on Plane Surface)

Position of centre of pressure (CP):

Let h be the vertical location of the centre of pressure (CP) on the rectangular
gate below the free surface of water.

I
h = x G
Ax

where, IG = moment of inertia of the rectangular gate about an axis passing

through the centroid of the gate parallel to the free surface of water

=
4 m  x 2 m 3 = 2.667 m4
12
2.667 m 4
Hence, h = 6 m  = 6 m + 0.056 m = 6.056 m
2
(8 m )(6 m)

The hinge is located at a vertical distance 0.25 m below the CG of the gate; or in
other words, it is located at a vertical distance of ( x + 0.25 m) below the free
surface, that is, (6 m + 0.25 m) = 6.25 m below the free surface. As the location
of CP is 6.056 m below the free surface, the hinge is located at (6.25 m – 6.056
m) = 0.194 m below the CP. Since the line of action of P is above the hinge ‘O’,
the gate will open such that it causes a clock-wise moment about ‘O’. Hence, in
order to keep the gate closed, the horizontal force F that must be applied at the
bottom of the gate must be such that it should cause a counter clock-wise
moment about the hinge ‘O’. This necessitates that the line of action of F is in
the same direction and parallel to P.

For static equilibrium of the gate in closed position, the algebraic sum of
moments caused by the forces about the hinge must be equal to zero. Taking
moments of the forces about the hinge ‘O’ and equating the algebraic sum of
moments to zero,

- F x (0.75 m) + P x (0.194 m) = 0
 - F x (0.75 m) + (47.089 kN) x (0.194 m) = 0
9.1353 kN m
F= = 12.18 kN
0.75 m

Course Instructor: Dr. A. MURUGAPPAN Page No.: 19 of 29

Professor
Dept. of Civil Engineering, Annamalai University, Annamalainagar
Course Code and Title: CLEC 306 FLUID MECHANICS
Topic: HYDROSTATICS (Total Pressure on Plane Surface)

TOTAL PRESSURE AND CENTRE OF PRESSURE FOR AN INCLINED

PLANE SURFACE

Free liquid surface O



x x dP
y
h P
y
yp

Edge view of
inclined plane

CG O
CP Area dA

z
zp
View normal to inclined plane

Figure Total Pressure and Centre of Pressure on an Inclined Surface

Let us consider a plane surface of arbitrary shape and total area A, fully
submerged in a static mass of liquid. Let the specific weight of the liquid be .
The surface is immersed in the liquid such that it is inclined making an angle 
with the horizontal. The projection of the surface along its plane intersects with
Course Instructor: Dr. A. MURUGAPPAN Page No.: 20 of 29
Professor
Dept. of Civil Engineering, Annamalai University, Annamalainagar
Course Code and Title: CLEC 306 FLUID MECHANICS
Topic: HYDROSTATICS (Total Pressure on Plane Surface)

the free surface of liquid (at ‘O’ in the figure). The line passing through ‘O’
perpendicular to the plane of paper is the axis of intersection of the plane
surface projected with the free surface of liquid.

Let x be the vertical depth of the centroid of the plane surface below the free
surface of liquid. Let the distance of the centroid of the plane surface from the
axis of intersection through ‘O’ measured along the plane of the inclined surface
be y .

Let us consider a small strip of area dA on the plane surface. Let this strip be
located at a vertical depth x below the free surface. Let its location along the
plane of the inclined surface from the axis of intersection through ‘O’ be y. As
the area of the strip is very small, it is assumed that the pressure intensity over
the entire strip is uniform (not varying). The magnitude of pressure intensity on
the elementary strip of area dA is given by p = x. Hence, total pressure on the
strip is given by

dP = uniform pressure intensity over the strip x area of the strip

= p x dA = (x) x dA

As x = y sin 

dP = (. y sin ) x dA

The total pressure on the entire plane surface of area A can be obtained by
dividing the entire area into a number of elementary strips each of area dA and
evaluating the total pressures on every such strip and summing them. This can
be mathematically represented as

P =  dP =   ( y sin  )dA =  sin   y.dA

What  y.dA in the above expression represents? It represents the sum of first
moments of areas of the elementary strips about the axis of intersection passing
through ‘O’. By definition, this is equal to the product of the area A of the
inclined plane surface and the inclined distance y of the centroid of the area
from the axis of intersection through ‘O’. That is,

 y.dA = A y

Putting  y.dA = A y in the expression for P, we have,

Course Instructor: Dr. A. MURUGAPPAN Page No.: 21 of 29

Professor
Dept. of Civil Engineering, Annamalai University, Annamalainagar
Course Code and Title: CLEC 306 FLUID MECHANICS
Topic: HYDROSTATICS (Total Pressure on Plane Surface)

P =  sin  (A y )

x
From Figure, sin  =
y
Hence, x = y sin 
Therefore, P = A x = ( x ) A
where, ( x ) = pressure intensity at a vertical depth x below the free surface
of the liquid (or) pressure intensity at the centroid of the area

It is found that the expression for the magnitude of total pressure is the same
irrespective of whether the plane surface is fully submerged in the static mass of
liquid in the vertical position or in the inclined position. That is, the total
pressure is the product of the pressure intensity at the centroid of the plane
surface and the area of the plane surface.

Determination of Centre of Pressure for an Inclined Surface

Let the centre of pressure for the inclined surface be located at a vertical depth
h below the free liquid surface. Let the location of centre of pressure be at an
inclined distance yp along the plane of the surface from the axis of intersection
through ‘O’.

Total pressure on the elementary strip of area dA shown in figure above is

dP = (. y sin ) x dA

Moment caused by dP about the axis of intersection through ‘O’ is given by

(dP) y = {(. y sin ) x dA} y =  sin  y2 dA

By considering such elementary strips throughout the area A of the inclined

plane surface and summing up the moments caused by the total pressure on each
of these strips about the axis of intersection through ‘O’, we get, by the
“Principle of moments”,

Pyp =   sin  . y 2 dA   sin   y 2 dA

In the above equation, the quantity  y 2 dA represents the sum of second

moments of areas of the elementary strips about the axis of intersection through
‘O’. By definition, the sum of second moment of areas of elementary strips

Course Instructor: Dr. A. MURUGAPPAN Page No.: 22 of 29

Professor
Dept. of Civil Engineering, Annamalai University, Annamalainagar
Course Code and Title: CLEC 306 FLUID MECHANICS
Topic: HYDROSTATICS (Total Pressure on Plane Surface)

about the axis through ‘O’ represents the moment of inertia of the plane surface
Io about the axis through ‘O’. That is,

I O   y 2 .dA

Putting  y 2 dA  I O in the expression, Pyp =  sin   y 2 dA , we have,

Pyp =  sin  .I O
( sin  ) I O
 yp =
P

Further from the “Parallel axes theorem” for moment of inertia, we have,
2
I o = IG + A y

where IG is the moment of inertia of the inclined plane surface about the axis
passing through the centroid of the area of the plane surface. It should be noted
that the axis through the centroid of the plane surface is perpendicular to the
plane of the paper and parallel to the axis of intersection through the point ‘O’.

2 ( sin  ) I O
Putting Io = IG + A y in the expression yp = , we have,
P

2
( sin  )( I G  A y )
yp 
P

Putting P = A ( y sin ) in the above expression for yp

2 2
( sin  )( I G  A y )  sin  .I G  sin  . A y I
yp     G y
A( y sin  ) A( y sin  ) A( y sin  ) Ay

But from figure, we have,

h x
yp = and y 
sin  sin 

IG
Hence, the expression, yp =  y becomes
Ay

Course Instructor: Dr. A. MURUGAPPAN Page No.: 23 of 29

Professor
Dept. of Civil Engineering, Annamalai University, Annamalainagar
Course Code and Title: CLEC 306 FLUID MECHANICS
Topic: HYDROSTATICS (Total Pressure on Plane Surface)

h IG  x 
=   
sin   x   sin  
A 

 sin  
h I sin   x 
 = G   
sin  Ax  sin  
 I G sin   x  I sin 2 
 h      sin  = G
 x
 Ax  sin   Ax
I G sin 2 
 h x
Ax

The above equation gives the vertical depth of centre of pressure below the free
surface of liquid, for an inclined plane surface wholly submerged in a static
mass of liquid. When  = 90, that is, when the inclination of the plane surface
is 90 with the horizontal, it becomes the case of a vertical plane surface
immersed in a static mass of liquid. Putting  = 90 in the above expression for
h , we have,

I G sin 2 90  IG
h x  x
Ax Ax

This expression is the same as that derived for the vertical depth of centre of
pressure below the free surface of liquid for a vertical plane surface wholly
submerged in a static mass of liquid.

Example 4. A circular lamina 1.25 m in diameter is immersed in water so that

the distance of its edge measured vertically below the free surface varies from
0.6 m to 1.5 m. Find the total force due to the water acting on one side of the
lamina, and the vertical distance of the centre of pressure below the surface.

Solution.

Course Instructor: Dr. A. MURUGAPPAN Page No.: 24 of 29

Professor
Dept. of Civil Engineering, Annamalai University, Annamalainagar
Course Code and Title: CLEC 306 FLUID MECHANICS
Topic: HYDROSTATICS (Total Pressure on Plane Surface)

O

0.6 m
h x
A
1.5 m
G
CP
B
1.25 m

Pressure intensity at the upper edge of the plate, pA = hA = 9810 N m-3 x 0.6 m
= 5886 N m-2
Pressure intensity at the lower edge of the plate, pB = hB = 9810 N m-3 x 1.5 m
= 14715 N m-2
Total pressure on the plate = (average pressure intensity over the plate) x
(area of the plate)
p p  5886  14715  
=  A B  x D 2  =  2
 x 1.25 
 2  4   2  4 
= 12646 N = 12.646 kN

Let the projection of the plate meets the free water surface at O and make an
angle  with the free surface. It should be noted that the plate makes an angle 
with the imaginary horizontal line passing through the upper edge of the plate A.

 0.9
A sin  =
0.9 m 1.25
1.25 m   = 46.05
B

Location of centroid of the plate, G:

 1 .5  0 .6 
x = 0.6 +   = 1.05 m
 2 

Location of centre of pressure CP:

Course Instructor: Dr. A. MURUGAPPAN Page No.: 25 of 29
Professor
Dept. of Civil Engineering, Annamalai University, Annamalainagar
Course Code and Title: CLEC 306 FLUID MECHANICS
Topic: HYDROSTATICS (Total Pressure on Plane Surface)

I sin 2 
h x G
Ax
  x 1.254 
  x sin 2 46.05
h = 1.05   
64
= 1.05 + 0.048 = 1.098 m
1.2277 x 1.05

Example 5. A gate at the end of a sewer measures 0.8 m by 1.2 m wide. It is

hinged along its top edge and hangs at an angle of 30 to the vertical, this being
the angle of the banks of a trapezoidal river channel. (a) Calculate the
hydrostatic force on the gate and the vertical distance between the centroid of
the gate, G, and the centre of pressure, CP, when the river level is 0.1 m above
the top of the hinge.

O 0.1 m
Hinge x h
D = 0.8 m
0.8 cos 30 30
G
Sewer m CP

L= 1.2 m

Figure

Depth of rectangular gate along the bank of the trapezoidal river channel, D =
0.8 m.

Width of rectangular gate perpendicular to the plane of the paper, L = 1.2 m

Area of rectangular sluice gate in contact with water, A = (width of gate, L) x

(depth of gate, D)
= 1.2 m x 0.8 m
= 0.96 m2
Course Instructor: Dr. A. MURUGAPPAN Page No.: 26 of 29
Professor
Dept. of Civil Engineering, Annamalai University, Annamalainagar
Course Code and Title: CLEC 306 FLUID MECHANICS
Topic: HYDROSTATICS (Total Pressure on Plane Surface)

The upper edge of the plate (perpendicular to the plane of paper at hinge O) is at
a depth 0.1 m below the free surface of water. The gate is inclined at 30 to the
vertical. ‘G’ is the centre of gravity of the gate. ‘G’ is located at a distance 0.4
m along the gate below the hinge O. The vertical location of G below O is (0.8
cos 30) equal to 0.693 m.

Hence, the vertical location of G below the free surface of water,

x = 0.1 + 0.4 cos 30 = 0.1 + 0.4 (0.866) = 0.446 m

Total pressure exerted by water on the gate,

P = Ax = (9810 N m-3) x (0.96 m2) x (0.446 m) = 4200 N

P acts normal to the gate at the centre of pressure.

Location of centre of pressure CP:

I G sin 2 
h x
Ax
where θ is the angle which the projection of the top edge of the gate makes with
the free water surface in the river.

 1.2 x 0.83 
  x sin 2 60 
 12 
h = 0.446    = 0.446 + 0.090 = 0.455 m
0.96 x 0.446

Hence, the vertical distance between the centre of pressure, CP, and the centre
of gravity of the gate, G, is given by

h - x = 0.455 – 0.446 = 0.090 m

Example 6. In the figure shown, determine the force ‘F’ to close the gate, if the
mass of the gate is 1000 kg. Width of gate = 3 m

Course Instructor: Dr. A. MURUGAPPAN Page No.: 27 of 29

Professor
Dept. of Civil Engineering, Annamalai University, Annamalainagar
Course Code and Title: CLEC 306 FLUID MECHANICS
Topic: HYDROSTATICS (Total Pressure on Plane Surface)

Water

8m 10 m
h
x
Hinge
O

F CP CG 2m
P
W
A
1.5 m

Mass of the gate = 1000 kg

Weight of the gate = (mass of the gate) x (acceleration due to gravity)
= (1000 kg) x (9.81 m s-2)
W = 9810 N

Width of gate perpendicular to the plane of paper = 3 m

Let θ be the inclination of the gate with the horizontal.

2
tan    1.333
1.5
 θ = tan-1(1.333) = 53.1

Dimension OA of rectangular gate = 2 / sin θ = 2 / sin (53.1) = 2 / 0.8 = 2.5 m

Area of gate in contact with water, A = 3 m x 2.5 m = 7.5 m2

The centroid of the gate, CG, is located at a vertical depth 1 m below the hinge
O. Hence, the vertical depth of the centroid, CG, of the gate below the free
surface of water, x = 8 + 1 = 9 m

Total pressure acting on the inclined gate, P = Ax

  
= 9810 N m3 x 7.5 m2 x 9 m
= 662175 N
Course Instructor: Dr. A. MURUGAPPAN Page No.: 28 of 29
Professor
Dept. of Civil Engineering, Annamalai University, Annamalainagar
Course Code and Title: CLEC 306 FLUID MECHANICS
Topic: HYDROSTATICS (Total Pressure on Plane Surface)

Moment of inertia of the rectangular gate of dimensions 3 m x 2.5 m about the

centroidal axis is given by

3 m x 2.5 m 3
IG   3.90 m4
12

The vertical depth of the centre of pressure, CP, below the free surface of water
is given by

I sin 2 
h x G
Ax

= 9m
 
3.90 m 4 sin 2 53.1
= 9.036 m
4.8 m  x 9 m 
For static equilibrium of the gate, the algebraic sum of moments caused by
forces acting on the gate about the hinge O must be equal to zero. That is,

P x (perpendicular distance between the line of action of P and the hinge O) –

W x (perpendicular distance between the line of action of W and the hinge O) –
F x (perpendicular distance between the line of action of F and the hinge O) = 0

Perpendicular distance between the line of action of P and the hinge O

= distance along the edge of the gate between the centre of pressure ‘CP’ and
the hinge ‘’
= distance along the edge of the gate between the centre of pressure ‘CP’ and
the centre of gravity ‘CG’ of the gate + distance along the edge of the gate
between the centre of gravity ‘CG’ of the gate and the hinge ‘O’
h  x 2.5 m 9.036  9.0
=  =  1.25 m = 0.045 m + 1.25 m = 1.295 m
sin  2 sin 53.1

Perpendicular distance between the line of action of W and the hinge O = 1.5 / 2
= 0.75 m
 P1.295 m  W 0.75 m  F 1.5 m = 0
 (662175 N x 1.295 m) – (9810 N x 0.75 m) – (F x 1.5 m) = 0
 F = 566773 N

Hence, force required to close the gate, F = 566773 N

Course Instructor: Dr. A. MURUGAPPAN Page No.: 29 of 29

Professor
Dept. of Civil Engineering, Annamalai University, Annamalainagar