FLUID MECHANICS I-MENG 215

LECTURE 3

HYDROSTATIC PRESSURE ON IMMERSED

SURFACES IN FLUIDS
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When solids come in contact with static masses of fluids, the fluids exert
pressure normal to the solid surfaces. Such pressures are referred to
hydrostatic pressures and vary significantly with depth.
Hydrostatic forces on surfaces are important factors in the design of storage
tanks, ships, dams and other similar structures that are in contact with fluids

When solid bodies are immersed totally or partially in static masses of fluids
they can exert pressure on such surfaces based on their orientation and
nature/profile of the surfaces.

By the orientation of plane surfaces in contact with fluids; we mean;

1) Horizontal orientation relative to free surface
2) Vertical orientation relative to free surface
3) Oblique orientation relative to free surface
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Reservoir

Transmission line

𝑭𝑹𝑽
DAM

𝑭𝑹𝑯 𝑭𝑹𝑯
Generator
𝑭𝑹
Turbine

Penstock
Fig. 2: Liquid tank

Fig. 1: Hydroelectric Dam

Fig. 3: Ship in water

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Free surface of fluid

Free surface of fluid

𝑭𝑹
𝑭𝑹

Fig. 4: Horizontally immersed Fig. 5: vertically immersed

Surfaces Surfaces
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Free surface of fluid

𝜃
𝑭𝑹 𝜃 𝑭𝑹

𝜃 𝜃

Fig. 6: Obliquely immersed

Surfaces

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By nature/profile of plane surfaces in contact with fluids; we mean either
1) Plane/flat surfaces
2) Circular/curved surface in some cases according to some law (quadratic,
etc.)

Curved surface

Fig. 7: Plane /flat shape Fig. 8: circular/curved shape

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When surfaces are immersed in a static mass of fluid; we note the following with
regards analysis.

 Total pressure (𝑭𝑻 ).This is the resultant force exerted by a static fluid on a
surface (plane or curved) when the fluid makes physical contact with the
surface. The force is always at right angle (normal) to the surface.

 Centre of pressure (𝑪). This is the point of action/application of the total

pressure on the surface.

 Centre of area/centroid (G). This is the geometrical centre of the surface

ഥ
 Distance of centre of pressure from surface of static fluid (𝒉)
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 Distance of centre of area/centroid from free surface of static fluid (ഥ

𝒚)

Hydrostatic pressure on horizontally immersed surfaces in fluids

Consider a horizontally immersed surface in a O surface of fluid O

fluid in Fig.9 of the following properties;

 Centre of pressure is coincident with the ഥ=𝒚

𝒉 ഥ
centre of area (𝑪 and 𝑮)
 Area of immersed surface = 𝑨 𝑭𝑹

 Depth of centre of area = 𝒚ഥ G

C
 Density of fluid = 𝝆
 Specific weight of fluid = 𝝎 = 𝝆𝒈
Fig. 9: Horizontally immersed surface

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The total pressure on the surface is given by;

𝑭𝑹 = 𝝆𝒈𝑨ഥ ഥ
𝒚 = 𝝎𝑨𝒉
Hydrostatic pressure on vertically immersed surfaces in fluids
surface of fluid
Consider a vertically immersed surface in a fluid in O O

Fig.10 of the following properties;

𝒚
 Centre of pressure is not coincident with the centre 𝒃
ഥ
𝒚 ഥ
𝒉
of area (𝑪 and 𝑮 are not the same)
 Area of immersed surface = 𝑨 𝒅𝑭
𝒅𝒚

 Depth of centre of area below free surface = 𝒚ഥ G

 Depth of centre of pressure below free surface = 𝒉ഥ C

𝑭𝑹
Fig. 10: vertically immersed surface
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In order to determine the total pressure on the vertical surface; let us

consider a thin horizontal strip of the surface of thickness 𝒅𝒚 and breadth 𝒃
as in Fig. 10.
 Let the intensity of pressure on the strip be; 𝑝 = 𝜌𝑔𝑦 = 𝜔𝑦
 So pressure on elemental strip will be ; 𝑑𝐹 = 𝑝. 𝑏𝑑𝑦 = 𝑝𝑑𝐴
= 𝜔𝑦𝑑𝐴
 Now, total pressure on area will be;
𝐹𝑇
න 𝑑𝐹 = 𝜔 න 𝑦𝑑𝐴
0
𝑭𝑻 = 𝝎𝑨ഥ
𝒚 = 𝝆𝒈𝑨ഥ
𝒚
Note that
‫=𝑦𝐴 = 𝐴𝑑𝑦 ׬‬First
ത moment of area about axis through free surface of fluid.

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To determine the distance of the centre of pressure from the free surface of
the fluid, since it is not the same as the distance of the centre of area, due to
the none uniform distribution of intensity of pressure with depth, let us
consider the following.
 Pressure on elemental strip is; 𝑑𝐹 = 𝑝𝑑𝐴
 Moment on strip about free surface is; 𝑑𝑀 = 𝑦𝑑𝐹 = 𝑝𝑑𝐴 𝑦 = 𝜔𝑦 . 𝑦𝑑𝐴
𝑀
 Total moment of area about free surface is; ‫׬‬0 𝑑𝑀 = 𝜔 ‫ 𝑦 ׬‬2 𝑑𝐴
 Hence

𝑀 = 𝜔 න 𝑦 2 𝑑𝐴 = 𝜔𝐼𝑂

Where
‫ 𝑦 ׬‬2 𝑑𝐴 = 𝐼𝑂 =Second moment of area about axis through free surface of fluid.

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Also moment of pressure on surface about the free surface of the fluid is given
by;
𝑀 = 𝐹𝑅 ℎത
So;
𝑀 = 𝐹𝑅 ℎത = 𝜔𝐼𝑂

𝜔𝐼𝑂 𝜔𝐼𝑂 𝐼𝑂
ℎത = = =
𝐹𝑅 𝜔𝐴𝑦ത 𝐴𝑦ത
Using the parallel axes theorem, we have
𝐼𝑂 = 𝐼𝐺 + 𝐴𝑦ത 2
So;
𝐼𝑂 𝐼𝐺 + 𝐴𝑦ത 2 𝑰𝑮
ഥ=
𝒉 = = ഥ
+𝒚
𝐴𝑦ത 𝐴𝑦ത 𝑨ഥ𝒚
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Hydrostatic pressure on inclined/obliquely immersed surfaces in fluids

Consider an obliquely immersed surface O surface of fluid O
in a fluid in Fig.10 of the following 𝒚 = 𝒍𝒔𝒊𝒏𝜽
𝜽

properties; ഥ
𝒉 ഥ
𝒚 𝒅𝑭
 Centre of pressure is not coincident 𝑭𝑹

with the centre of area (𝑪 and 𝑮 are

not the same) O’
 Area of immersed surface = 𝑨
 Depth of centre of area below free G
surface = 𝒚 ഥ C
 Depth of centre of pressure below
free surface = 𝒉 ഥ
 Inclination of immersed surface to Fig. 11: obliquely immersed surface
liquid surface = 𝜽
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In order to determine the total pressure on the obliquely immersed surface;

let us consider a thin horizontal strip of the surface of thickness 𝒅𝒚 and
breadth 𝒃 as in Fig. 10.
 Let the intensity of pressure on the strip be; 𝑝 = 𝜌𝑔𝑙𝑠𝑖𝑛𝜃 = 𝜔𝑙𝑠𝑖𝑛𝜃
 So pressure on elemental strip will be ; 𝑑𝐹 = 𝑝. 𝑏𝑑𝑦 = 𝑝𝑑𝐴
= 𝜔𝑙𝑠𝑖𝑛𝜃𝑑𝐴
 Now, total pressure on area will be;
𝐹𝑇
න 𝑑𝐹 = 𝜔 න 𝑙𝑠𝑖𝑛𝜃𝑑𝐴 = 𝜔𝑠𝑖𝑛𝜃 න 𝑙𝑑𝐴
0
ത
‫=𝑌𝐴 = 𝐴𝑑𝑙 ׬‬First moment of area about axis through OO’.
𝐴𝑦ത
= 𝜔𝑠𝑖𝑛𝜃. 𝐴𝑌ത = 𝜔𝑠𝑖𝑛𝜃.
𝑠𝑖𝑛𝜃
𝑭𝑻 = 𝝎𝑨ഥ 𝒚 = 𝝆𝒈𝑨ഥ 𝒚
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As in the case of the vertical surface, we can determine the distance of the
centre of pressure from the free surface of the fluid, since it is not the same as
the distance of the centre of area, let us consider the following.

 Pressure on elemental strip is; 𝑑𝐹 = 𝑝𝑑𝐴 = 𝜔𝑙𝑠𝑖𝑛𝜃𝑑𝐴

 Moment on strip about OO’ is; 𝑑𝑀 = 𝑙𝑑𝐹 = 𝜔𝑙𝑠𝑖𝑛𝜃𝑑𝐴 𝑙 = 𝜔𝑠𝑖𝑛𝜃 . 𝑙 2 𝑑𝐴
𝑀
 Total moment of area about free surface is; ‫׬‬0 𝑑𝑀 = 𝜔𝑠𝑖𝑛𝜃 ‫ 𝑙 ׬‬2 𝑑𝐴
Hence

𝑀 = 𝜔𝑠𝑖𝑛𝜃 න 𝑙 2 𝑑𝐴 = 𝜔𝑠𝑖𝑛𝜃𝐼𝑂

Where
‫ 𝑙 ׬‬2 𝑑𝐴 = 𝐼𝑂 =Second moment of area about axis OO’.
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But moment of area about axis through surface OO’ is given by.
ഥ = 𝜔𝑠𝑖𝑛𝜃𝐼𝑂
𝑀 = 𝐹𝑅 . 𝐻

ℎത
𝜔𝐴𝑦.
ഥ = 𝜔𝑠𝑖𝑛𝜃𝐼𝑂
𝑠𝑖𝑛𝜃

𝐼𝑂 𝑠𝑖𝑛2 𝜃
ℎത =
𝐴𝑦ത
Using the parallel axes theorem, we have.
𝐼𝑂 = 𝐼𝐺 + 𝐴𝑌ത 2

2
𝑠𝑖𝑛2 𝜃 𝑠𝑖𝑛 2𝜃 𝑦ത
ℎത = 𝐼𝐺 + 𝐴𝑌ത =
2 𝐼𝐺 + 𝐴
𝐴𝑦ത 𝐴𝑦ത 𝑠𝑖𝑛𝜃
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𝑰𝑮 𝒔𝒊𝒏𝟐 𝜽
ഥ=
𝒉 ഥ
+𝒚
𝑨ഥ𝒚
Hydrostatic pressure on curved immersed surfaces in fluids
Consider a curved surface surface MN immersed in a static fluid of specific
weight 𝜔 = 𝜌𝑔 as shown in Fig. 12 (a and b).

𝑭𝑹 𝐹𝑉
M

M 𝐹𝑉
𝑭𝑹
𝐹𝐻 𝜃

𝜃
𝐹𝐻

N
Fig. 12a Fig. 12b
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 The pressure on immersed surfaces act normal to the surface regardless of
profile (plane or curved).
 For curved surfaces, the pressure must be inclined; hence it should be
resolved into orthogonal components in the vertical and horizontal
directions as shown in Fig. 12 (a and b).

 The horizontal component (𝑭𝑯 ) is the total pressure on the projected area
of the curved surface on the vertical plane.

𝑭𝑯 = 𝝎𝑨ഥ
𝒚
𝐹𝐻

Fig. 13
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 The vertical component (𝑭𝑽 ) is the weight of liquid supported by the

curved surface up to the free surface of liquid

E C
𝐹𝑉

F B
𝑭𝑽 = 𝑾 = 𝒎𝒈
D
= 𝝆𝑽𝒈 = 𝝆 𝑨′ 𝒍 𝒈

Fig. 14
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Now the resultant pressure and its direction are given by;

𝑭𝑹 = 𝑭𝟐𝑯 + 𝑭𝟐𝑽

𝑭𝑽
𝜽= 𝒕𝒂𝒏−𝟏
𝑭𝑯

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DAMS
Dams are massive structures (barriers) built mostly of Reinforced Cement
Concrete (RCC) or stone or earth across the flow of a mass of surface or
underground water for the purpose of stopping, impounding or storage.

 Dams can be built with varying geometrical cross-sections (rectangular or

trapezoidal, trapezoidal with a curved upstream face)

 The side of the dam to which water from the stream of water approaches the
dam is referred to as upstream and the other side downstream.

 A dam which resists hydrostatic pressure by it sheer weight only is referred

to as a gravity dam.
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 As Engineers, we can determine the position of the centre of gravity , the
resultant force, stresses on the base and the conditions for and states of
stability.

Fig. 14. The three gorges dam in China Fig. 15. The Bumbuna hydroelectric dam
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Fig. 16
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Water surface

Trapezoidal
Section of dam

Base
T
Toe
Upstream Downstream
H
Fig. 17 Heel
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 Let us consider a dam with a trapezoidal cross-section with a vertical face

and a straight slope for the back as shown in Fig. 18. below.
Let,
𝑎 =Top width of dam
𝑏 =Top width of dam
𝐻 =Height of dam, and
ℎ =Height of water column
𝑊 =Weight of RCC masonry
𝑃 =Horizontal component of pressure
𝑅 =Resultant force on dam
𝑥ҧ =distance between G and vertical
𝑥ҧ face of dam
𝑥′ =distance between L and M
Fig. 18.
𝑒 =eccentricity
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Now to determine 𝑥, let us consider the moment of the area of cross-section of

the dam about the vertical face as follows;

Considering a unit length of the dam.

𝑤𝑒𝑖𝑔ℎ𝑡 𝑜𝑓 𝑚𝑎𝑠𝑜𝑛𝑟𝑦 = 𝐴𝑟𝑒𝑎 × 𝑙𝑒𝑛𝑔𝑡ℎ × 𝑑𝑒𝑛𝑠𝑖𝑡𝑦 𝑜𝑓 𝑚𝑎𝑠𝑜𝑛𝑟𝑦 × 𝑔

𝟏
𝑾= 𝒂 + 𝒃 𝑯 × 𝟏 × 𝝆𝒎 𝒈
𝟐

Hydrostatic pressure on vertical face of dam is given by;

ℎ 𝝎𝒘 𝒉𝟐
𝑷 = 𝜔𝑤 𝐴𝑦ത = 𝜔𝑤 ℎ × 1 × =
2 𝟐
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The resultant of the weight of the dam and the hydrostatic pressure is
responsible for failure by overturning. When R acts either through or outside of
the downstream toe of the dam, it will rotate and overturn.
𝑹 = 𝑷𝟐 + 𝑾𝟐

𝑷
𝜶= 𝒕𝒂𝒏−𝟏
𝑾
To determine the distance of centre of gravity (G) 𝑥 from the vertical face let us
divide the trapezoidal section of the dam into a rectangle and a triangle as shown
in Fig. 17.
Taking moment of the two areas about the dam face, we have;

𝑎 1 𝑏−𝑎 1
𝑎𝐻 × + 𝑏−𝑎 𝐻× 𝑎+ = 𝑎𝐻 + 𝑏 − 𝑎 𝐻 𝑥ҧ
2 2 3 2
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Multiplying through by 6, we have;

3𝑎2 𝐻 + 𝑏 − 𝑎 𝐻 3𝑎 + (𝑏 − 𝑎) = 6𝑎𝐻 + 3 𝑏 − 𝑎 𝐻 𝑥ҧ

3𝑎2 + 𝑏 − 𝑎 3𝑎 + (𝑏 − 𝑎) = 6𝑎 + 3 𝑏 − 𝑎 𝑥ҧ

3𝑎2 + 𝑏 − 𝑎 2𝑎 + 𝑏) = 6𝑎 + 3𝑏 − 3𝑎 𝑥ҧ

3𝑎2 + 2𝑎𝑏 + 𝑏 2 − 2𝑎2 − 𝑎𝑏) = 6𝑎 + 3𝑏 − 3𝑎 𝑥ҧ

𝒂𝟐 + 𝒂𝒃 + 𝒃𝟐
ഥ=
𝒙
𝟑(𝒂 + 𝒃)

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From Fig.18, it can be established that the distance of the point where the
resultant force cuts to base from the heel of the dam is given by;

𝑥ҧ + 𝑥′
Such that;
𝑃 𝑥′ ′
𝑃
tan 𝛼 = = 𝑜𝑟 𝑥 = ℎΤ3
𝑊 ℎΤ3 𝑊
Hence;

𝟐 𝟐
′
𝒂 + 𝒂𝒃 + 𝒃 𝑷
ഥ+𝒙 =
𝒙 + 𝒉Τ𝟑
𝟑(𝒂 + 𝒃) 𝑾
The eccentricity of the resultant force 𝑅 is given by;

ഥ + 𝒙′ − 𝒃Τ𝟐
𝒆= 𝒙
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 If e is +𝒗𝒆; maximum stresses develop towards the toe (T), and if it is – 𝒗𝒆;
maximum stresses develop towards the heel (H)

Stresses at the base of a dam:

We are going to consider two stresses at the base of the dam

 Direct stress

 Bending stress
𝑊𝑒𝑖𝑔ℎ𝑡 𝑜𝑓 𝑚𝑎𝑠𝑜𝑛𝑟𝑦 𝑊 𝑾
𝑫𝒊𝒓𝒆𝒄𝒕 𝒔𝒕𝒓𝒆𝒔𝒔, 𝝈𝒅 = = =
𝐴𝑟𝑒𝑎 𝑜𝑓 𝑏𝑎𝑠𝑒 (𝑏 × 1) 𝒃
This stress is compressive.

Bending will obtain about the Y-Y axis as shown in Fig. 18 below
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𝑌
𝑒

𝑋 1 𝑋

𝑏
𝑌
Fig. 19.
𝑀𝑦 (𝑊𝑒) × (𝑏Τ2) 𝟔𝑾𝒆
𝑩𝒆𝒏𝒅𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒔𝒕𝒓𝒆𝒔𝒔, 𝝈𝒃 = ± = 3
=± 𝟐
𝐼 1Τ12 × 1 × 𝑏 𝒃
The – 𝒗𝒆 sign here denotes tensile stress )
The maximum intensity of stress on the dam will now be;

𝝈𝒎𝒂𝒙 = 𝝈𝒅 + 𝝈𝒃
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𝑊 6𝑊𝑒 𝑾 𝟔𝒆
𝝈𝒎𝒂𝒙 = + + 2 = + 𝟏+
𝑏 𝑏 𝒃 𝒃
The maximum stress is compressive

The minimum intensity of stress on the dam will now be;

𝝈𝒎𝒊𝒏 = 𝝈𝒅 − 𝝈𝒃

𝑊 6𝑊𝑒 𝑾 𝟔𝒆
𝝈𝒎𝒊𝒏 =+ − 2 =+ 𝟏−
𝑏 𝑏 𝒃 𝒃

The minimum stress can be either compressive or tensile

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Possible dam failure modes

Possible dam failure modes are as follows:

 Failure due to sliding along its base
This failure mode of dams cam be caused by the horizontal hydrostatic
pressure (P) due sudden surge of water say from flooding and overfilling of
reservoir beyond safe depths. In this case the foundation offers frictional
resistance which counters sliding. Given the coefficient of friction between any
two adjacent layers of the dam as 𝜇.

𝑭𝒓𝒊𝒄𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏𝒂𝒍 𝒇𝒐𝒓𝒄𝒆 𝑭 = 𝝁𝑾
At the point of limiting static friction;
𝑃=𝐹
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 Failure due to tension or compression:

A dam will be stable if there is no tensile stress across the cross-section.
This implies that the direct stress 𝝈𝒅 on any section must always be greater
than or equal to the bending stress 𝝈𝒃 on that section.

𝝈 𝒅 ≥ 𝝈𝒃

 Failure due to shear at the weakest section:

Given 𝑨′ as the least cross-sectional area of the dam and 𝝈𝒔(𝒎𝒂𝒙) as the
maximum safe shear stress of the dam material; then,

𝑹𝒆𝒔𝒊𝒔𝒕𝒂𝒏𝒄𝒆 𝒂𝒈𝒂𝒊𝒏𝒔𝒕 𝒔𝒉𝒆𝒂𝒓 = 𝐴′𝝈𝒔(𝒎𝒂𝒙)

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 HYDROSTATIC PRESSURE

 Failure due to overturning

The horizontal hydrostatic pressure in dams tends to overturn the wall
about he the toe (T). This overturning moment is resisted by the weight W of
the dam. Taking moment about the toe (T) of the dam we have.

𝑂𝑣𝑒𝑟𝑡𝑢𝑟𝑛𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑚𝑜𝑚𝑒𝑛𝑡 𝑀𝑂 = 𝑃 × (ℎΤ3)

𝑅𝑒𝑠𝑖𝑠𝑡𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑚𝑜𝑚𝑒𝑛𝑡 𝑀𝑅 = 𝑊(𝑏 − 𝑥)

For the stability of a dam under the given moment conditions;

𝑴 𝑹 ≥ 𝑴𝑶

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Pressure distribution diagrams

Pressure distribution diagrams refers to graphical representations of the

pressure variation from point to point along the surface of bodies immersed in
static masses of fluids. These diagrams are used for the computation of shear
forces and hence shear stresses at any point on structures subjected to
hydrostatic loadings.
There are two ways pressure can vary along the surfaces of immerse plane
surfaces in fluids.
 For vertical or oblique plane surfaces hydrostatic pressure can vary linearly
from zero are the free surface to a maximum at the lowest depth.

 For horizontal surfaces; the pressure is uniform on the surface at the same
level in the fluid
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 HYDROSTATIC PRESSURE

 It must be noted also that gases in containers exert uniform pressures on all
surfaces they are in contact with.

𝑭𝑹
𝐻 𝐻
𝑭𝑹 D C
𝜌𝑔𝐻
C A B
B 𝜌𝑔𝐻 𝐿

Fig. 20 Fig. 21
𝑅𝑒𝑠𝑢𝑙𝑡𝑎𝑛𝑡 𝑝𝑟𝑒𝑠𝑠𝑢𝑟𝑒 = 𝐴𝑟𝑒𝑎 𝑜𝑓 𝑝𝑟𝑒𝑠𝑠𝑢𝑟𝑒 𝑑𝑖𝑎𝑔𝑟𝑎𝑚 𝑅𝑒𝑠𝑢𝑙𝑡𝑎𝑛𝑡 𝑝𝑟𝑒𝑠𝑠𝑢𝑟𝑒 = 𝐴𝑟𝑒𝑎 𝑜𝑓 𝑝𝑟𝑒𝑠𝑠𝑢𝑟𝑒 𝑑𝑖𝑎𝑔𝑟𝑎𝑚
1 = 𝐵𝐶 × 𝐴𝐵
= × 𝐵𝐶 × 𝐴𝐵
2 = 𝜌𝑔𝐻𝐿 (𝑝𝑒𝑟 𝑢𝑛𝑖𝑡 𝑤𝑖𝑑𝑡ℎ)
1
= 2 𝜌𝑔𝐻2 (𝑝𝑒𝑟 𝑢𝑛𝑖𝑡 𝑤𝑖𝑑𝑡ℎ)
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Some common geometrical plane shapes and their properties

Fig. 23
Fig. 22

Fig. 24 Fig. 25
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 HYDROSTATIC PRESSURE
Table 1. Some geometrical properties of some common plane shapes
SN Name of Figure Distance of G. Area I about an axis through I about
from the base G and parallel to the the
base base
1 Fig 13. ℎ 𝑏ℎ 𝑏ℎ3 𝑏ℎ3
𝑥=
Triangle 3 2 36 12
2 Fig. 14. 𝑑 𝑏𝑑 𝑏𝑑3 𝑏𝑑3
𝑥=
Rectangle 2 12 3
3 Fig. 15. 𝑑 𝜋𝑑 2 𝜋𝑑 4 -
𝑥=
Circle 2 4 64
4 Fig. 16. 2𝑎 + 𝑏 ℎ 𝑎+𝑏 ℎ 𝑎2 + 4𝑎𝑏 + 𝑏 2 2
-
Trapezium 𝑥= ×ℎ
𝑎+𝑏 3 2 3𝑏(𝑎 + 𝑏)

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END OF LECTURE 3
QUESTIONS

FLUID MECHANICS I-MENG 215/FBC/USL/STN

 PRESSURE IN FLUIDS

LECTURE 3 -TUTORIALS

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 HYDROSTATIC PRESSURE-TUTORIALS

Example 1. A 10m wide salinity control gate shown in Fig.E1 is used to control
the subsurface movement of salt water into inland areas.(a) Determine the
magnitude and location of the net hydrostatic pressure on the gate. (b) If the
gate is mounted on rollers with a coefficient of friction equal to 0.2 and the
gate weight is 10kN, calculate the force required to lift the gate. The density of
seawater at 200C can be taken as 1025kg/m3 and that of fresh water as
1000kg/m3 .Take g=9.81 N/kg

Fig.E1
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Data
Coefficient of friction of rollers 𝝁 = 𝟎. 𝟐
Weight if gate 𝑾 = 𝟏𝟎𝒌𝑵
Density of freshwater 𝝆𝟏 = 𝟏𝟎𝟎𝟎 𝒌𝒈𝒎−𝟑
Density of salt water 𝝆𝟐 = 𝟏𝟎𝟐𝟓 𝒌𝒈𝒎−𝟑
Required
Magnitude and location of net pressure on gate 𝑭𝑵 =?
Force required to lift gate 𝑭𝑳 =?

𝑭𝑹𝟏
𝑭𝑵 𝑭𝑹𝟐

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Considering the freshwater side of the gate.

The pressure on the gate will be given by
6
𝐹𝑅1 = 𝜌1 𝑔𝐴1 𝑦ത1 = 1000 × 9.81 × 6 × 10 × = 𝟏𝟕𝟔𝟓. 𝟖 𝐤𝐍
2
𝐼𝐺
D 10𝑚
ത
ℎ1 = + 𝑦ത1
𝐴1 𝑦ത1
For the rectangular area of contact of fresh water
C with gate we have
Fresh water ℎത1 G
𝑭𝑹𝟏 10 × 63
𝐼𝐺 = = 180𝑚4
B
c 12
6𝑚 Hence

𝐼𝐺 180 6
ℎത1 = + 𝑦ത1 = + = 𝟒𝒎
A 𝐴1 𝑦ത1 6 2
(6 × 10) ×
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2
 HYDROSTATIC PRESSURE-TUTORIALS

Considering the saltwater side of the gate.

The pressure on the gate will be given by
3
𝐹𝑅2 = 𝜌2 𝑔𝐴2 𝑦ത2 = 1025 × 9.81 × 3 × 10 × = 𝟒𝟓𝟐. 𝟓𝐤𝐍
2
𝐼𝐺
ത
ℎ2 = + 𝑦ത2 10𝑚
𝐴2 𝑦ത2
D’
For the rectangular area of contact of salt
water with gate we have
10 × 33 4 ℎത 2 C’
𝐼𝐺 = = 22.5𝑚 B’
12 𝑭𝑹𝟐
Hence 3𝑚 Salt water
𝐼𝐺 22.5 3
ത
ℎ2 = + 𝑦ത2 = +
𝐴2 𝑦ത2 3 2 A’
(3 × 10) ×
2
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 HYDROSTATIC PRESSURE-TUTORIALS

The net pressure on the gate will be given by

𝑭𝑵 = 𝐹𝑅1 − 𝐹𝑅2 = 1765.8 − 452. 5 = 𝟏𝟑𝟏𝟑. 𝟑 𝒌𝑵

Now to determine the distance ℎത 𝑁 of the net pressure about the surface of
the fresh water we have by taking moments about an axis through that
surface;
𝐹𝑁 . ℎത 𝑁 = 𝐹𝑅1 . ℎത1 − 𝐹𝑅2 . ℎത 2 + 3

1765.8 . 4 − 452. 5 . 2 + 3
ഥ𝑵 =
𝒉 = 𝟑. 𝟔𝟔𝒎
(1313.3)

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Total force required to lift gate will be the sum of the

weight of gate and the frictional resistance at the
rollers on the vertical sides of the gate ; 𝑓

𝑭𝑳𝒊𝒇𝒕 = 𝑊𝑔 + (𝑓 + 𝑓) 𝑭𝑵

= 𝑊𝑔 + μ𝐹𝑁 = 10 + 0.2(1313.3)
𝑊𝑔

= 𝟐𝟕𝟐. 𝟔𝟔𝒌𝑵

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Example 2. A circular opening 2.5m in diameter in the vertical side of a water

tank is closed by a disc of 2.5m diameter which can rotate about a horizontal
hinge XX, as shown in Fig.E2.Take 𝝎 = 𝟗𝟖𝟏𝟎𝐍𝐦−𝟑 for water. Determine;
(a) The force on the disc
(b) The torque required to maintain the disc in equilibrium in vertical position
when the head of water above the horizontal diameter is 3.5m.

𝑦ത =

Fig.E2 FLUID MECHANICS I-MENG 215/FBC/USL/STN

 HYDROSTATIC PRESSURE-TUTORIALS
Data
See Figure for dimensions
Specific weight of water𝝎 = 𝟗𝟖𝟏𝟎𝐍𝐦−𝟑
Required
The force on the disc 𝑭𝑹 =?
Torque required to keep gate in equilibrium 𝑻 =?

𝑦ത
water ℎത
𝑇 𝑀
𝑇
G X X
𝐹𝑅 C

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 HYDROSTATIC PRESSURE-TUTORIALS

Area of opening ,
𝜋𝑑 2 𝜋
𝐴= = × 2.52 = 4.91𝑚2
4 4
Depth of centre of area,
𝑦ത = 3.5𝑚
(a) Force on disc is given by;
𝐹𝑅 = 𝜌𝑔𝐴𝑦ത = 𝜔𝐴𝑦ത = 9810 × 4.91 × 3.5 = 168600N = 𝟏𝟔𝟖. 𝟔𝐤𝐍

(b) In order to determine the torque (T) required to maintain the disc in
equilibrium, we must determine the distance of the centre of pressure of water
on the disc from the free surface.

𝐼𝐺
ℎത = + 𝑦ത
𝐴𝑦ത
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But for circular area;

𝜋𝑑4 𝜋 × 2.54 𝑇
𝐼𝐺 = = = 1.918m4 G
64 64 X
ℎത − 𝑦ത
X
Hence; 𝐹𝑅 C
𝐼𝐺 1.918
ℎത = + 𝑦ത = + 3.5 = 3.61m
𝐴𝑦ത 3.5 × 4.91
Moment of 𝐹𝑅 about horizontal hinge XX will be;

𝑀 = 𝐹𝑅 × ℎത − 𝑦ത = 168600 × 3.61 − 3.50 = 18550Nm

Hence torque will be,

𝑻 = 𝟏𝟖𝟓𝟓𝟎𝐍𝐦 (𝐜𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐜𝐥𝐨𝐜𝐤𝐰𝐢𝐬𝐞)

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Example 3. A circular lamina 125cm in diameter is immersed in water so that

the distance of the edge measured vertically below the free surface varies from
60cm to 150cm. Find the total pressure due to the water acting on one side of
the laminar and the vertical distance of the centre of pressure below the
surface. Take 𝝎 = 𝟗𝟖𝟏𝟎𝐍𝐦−𝟑 for water.

Data
See Figure for dimensions
Specific weight of water𝝎 = 𝟗𝟖𝟏𝟎𝐍𝐦−𝟑
Required
(a)The force on the disc 𝑭𝑹 =?
ഥ=
(b) Distance of centre of pressure on one side of lamina from free surface 𝒉
?.

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Consider a sketch of the hydrostatic system in Fig E3. below.

𝜃
60𝑐𝑚
Water
𝑦ത B B
150𝑐𝑚
𝐹𝑅 G 125𝑐𝑚
C
A A
Fig E3

Total pressure on one side of the lamina is given by;

𝐹𝑅 = 𝜌𝑔𝐴𝑦ത = 𝜔𝐴𝑦ത
𝜋𝑑2 𝜋
𝐴= = × 1. 252 = 1.22768𝑚2
4 4
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M N O
𝜃
60𝑐𝑚
150𝑐𝑚 𝑦ത
C X
𝜃 B

90𝑐𝑚
G

A Fig E3’

To determine 𝐹𝑅 , we need 𝑦ത which can be found from the geometry in Fig E3’
above. From ∆𝐴𝐵𝐶,
𝐴𝐶 90 18
𝑠𝑖𝑛𝜃 = = =
𝐴𝐵 125 25

From ∆𝐺𝑋𝐵,
𝑋𝐺 18 18 18 𝐴𝐵 18 125
𝑠𝑖𝑛𝜃 = =  𝑋𝐺 = × 𝐺𝐵 = × = × = 45𝑐𝑚
𝐺𝐵 25 25 25 2 25 2
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 HYDROSTATIC PRESSURE-TUTORIALS
𝑦ത = 𝑋𝐺 + 𝐵𝑂 = 45 + 60 = 105𝑐𝑚
Hence;
𝑭𝑹 = 𝜌𝑔𝐴𝑦ത = 𝜔𝐴𝑦ത = 9810 × 1.22718 × 1.05 = 12640.56 𝑁
= 𝟏𝟐. 𝟔𝟒𝟎𝟓𝟔𝐤𝐍
Centre of pressure is given by;
𝐼𝐺 𝑠𝑖𝑛2 𝜃
ℎത = + 𝑦ത
𝐴𝑦ത
For the circular lamina.
𝜋𝑑4 𝜋 × 1.254
𝐼𝐺 = = = 0.11989m4
64 64
Hence;
2
18
𝐼𝐺 𝑠𝑖𝑛2 𝜃 0.11989 ×
ഥ=
𝒉 + 𝑦ത = 25 + 1.05 = 𝟏. 𝟎𝟗𝟖𝐦 ≅ 𝟏. 𝟏𝐦
𝐴𝑦ത 1.22768 × 1.05
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Example 4. The Fig.E4 below shows the cross-section of a dam with parabolic
face, the vertex of the parabola being at O. The axis of the parabola is vertical
and 12.5m from the face at the water level. Estimate the resultant force in
newtons per horizontal metre run due to the water, its inclination to the
vertical and how far from O its line of action cuts the horizontal OP. Show that
the centroid of the half parabolic cross-section of water is 4.687m from the
vertical through O. Take Take 𝝎 = 𝟗𝟖𝟏𝟎𝐍𝐦−𝟑 for water.

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12.5m

50m 𝑥ҧ

G 𝐹𝐻
𝜃 𝐹𝑅
𝑦 DAM
𝐹𝑉

𝑥 Q P
O X

Fig.E4

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 HYDROSTATIC PRESSURE-TUTORIALS
Data
Dam face is parabolic of the form 𝒚 = 𝒂𝒙𝟐 in the 𝑥 − 𝑦 plane
See Fig E4 for dimensions.
𝝎 = 𝟗𝟖𝟏𝟎𝐍𝐦−𝟑 for water

Required
(a) Resultant pressure 𝑭𝑹 on dam face and its inclination 𝜽 to the vertical.
(b) To show that the centroid of the half parabolic cross-section of water is
𝟒. 𝟔𝟖𝟕𝐦 from the vertical through O

The resultant pressure 𝑭𝑹 and its direction 𝜽 are given by;

𝐹𝐻
𝑭𝑹 = 𝐹𝐻2 + 𝐹𝑉2 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝜽 = 𝑡𝑎𝑛−1
𝐹𝑉
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X’
Y’
1𝑚

𝐹𝑉 = 𝑊
Y X (12.5,50) X
Y
𝑦 = 𝑎𝑥 2 + 𝑏𝑥 + 𝑐
water

𝑥
𝑑𝑦

O’
𝑦

0 𝑥 O
Fig.E4a Fig.E4b

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The gradient function of the curve is;

𝑑𝑦
= 2𝑎𝑥 + 𝑏
𝑑𝑥
At turning point which is at the origin;

𝑑𝑦
= 2𝑎𝑥 + 𝑏 = 0  𝑏 = −2𝑎𝑥 = −2𝑎 0 = 0
𝑑𝑥 (𝑥=0)
At the coordinate 𝑋 12.5, 50 ,
𝑦 = 𝑎𝑥 2  50 = (12.5)2 𝑎

50
𝑎= 2
= 0.32
(12.5)
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Hence the equation of the dam profile is;

𝑦 = 0.32𝑥 2

Now to determine the area 𝐴, le us consider an elemental strip of area 𝑑𝐴

between the half parabola and the 𝑦 − 𝑎𝑥𝑖𝑠.
𝑦=50
𝑑𝐴 = 𝑥𝑑𝑦 𝐴 = න 𝑥𝑑𝑦
𝑦=0
𝑦 1
𝑦 = 0.32𝑥 2  𝑥 = = 1.7677𝑦 2
0.32
𝑦=50 50
1 2 3 1.7677 × 2
𝐴=න 1.7677𝑦 2 𝑑𝑥 = 1.7677 𝑦 2 = 501.5
𝑦=0 3 0 3
= 416.67𝑚2
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Hence,
𝐹𝑉 = 𝑤𝑒𝑖𝑔ℎ𝑡 𝑜𝑓 𝑤𝑎𝑡𝑒𝑟 𝑜𝑛 𝑡𝑜𝑝 𝑜𝑓 𝑑𝑎𝑚 𝑓𝑎𝑐𝑒 = 𝑚𝑔 = 𝜌𝑉𝑔 = 𝜌 𝐴𝑙 𝑔
= 1000 × 9.81 × 416.67 × 1 = 4.0875MN

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′
50 X’ X
𝐹𝐻 = 𝜔𝐴 𝑦ത = 9810 × 1 × 50 ×
2
= 12.2625 MN
𝑦ത
Hence; ℎത
G
𝑭𝑹 = 𝐹𝑉2 + 𝐹𝐻2 = 4.08752 + 12.26252 50𝑚

𝐹𝐻 C
= 𝟏𝟐. 𝟗𝟐 𝐌𝐍

𝐹𝐻 12.2625
𝜽= 𝑡𝑎𝑛−1 = 𝑡𝑎𝑛 −1 = 𝟕𝟏. 𝟓𝟕𝒐 O’
𝐹𝑉 4.0875 O
1𝑚

Fig.E4c
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The resultant thrust/pressure 𝐹𝑅 cuts the horizontal axis OP at a distance OQ

from O such that;
𝑂𝑄 = 𝑂𝑋 + 𝑋𝑄
12.5m

ℎത
𝑦
50m 𝑥ҧ

G 𝐹𝐻
𝜃 𝐹𝑅
𝑦 DAM
𝐹𝑉

𝑥 Q P
O X 𝑑𝑥
Fig.E4d
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But 𝑂𝑋 = 𝑥,ҧ where 𝑥ҧ is the distance of the centroid of the parabolic plane from
the vertical axis through O.
𝑀𝑜𝑚𝑒𝑛𝑡 𝑜𝑓 𝐴 𝑎𝑏𝑜𝑢𝑡 𝑎𝑥𝑖𝑠 𝑡ℎ𝑟𝑜𝑢𝑔ℎ 𝑂
= 𝑆𝑢𝑚 𝑜𝑓 𝑚𝑜𝑚𝑒𝑛𝑡𝑠 𝑜𝑓 𝑒𝑙𝑒𝑚𝑒𝑛𝑡𝑎𝑙 𝑎𝑟𝑒𝑎𝑠 𝑎𝑏𝑜𝑢𝑡 𝑠𝑎𝑚𝑒 𝑎𝑥𝑖𝑠

𝑥=12.5 𝑥=12.5
𝐴𝑥ҧ = න 𝑥𝑑𝐴. = න 𝑥. 𝑦𝑑𝑥
𝑥=0 𝑥=0

𝑥=12.5 𝑥=12.5 3 𝑥=12.5 3

‫=𝑥׬‬0 𝑥(0.32𝑥 2 )𝑑𝑦 0.32 ‫=𝑥׬‬0 𝑥 𝑑𝑥 ‫=𝑥׬‬0 𝑥 𝑑𝑥
𝑥ҧ = 𝑥=12.5 = 𝑥=12.5 2 = 𝑥=12.5 2
‫=𝑥׬‬0 (0.32𝑥 2 )𝑑𝑥 0.32 ‫=𝑥׬‬0 𝑥 𝑑𝑥 ‫=𝑥׬‬0 𝑥 𝑑𝑥

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4 12.5
𝑥 12.54 04
4 −
0 4 4
ഥ = 𝑂𝑋 =
𝒙 12.5 = 3 3 = 9.375𝑚
𝑥 3 12.5 0
−
3 3 3
0

𝑋𝐺 = 50 − ℎത
But,
𝐼𝐺
ℎത = + 𝑦ത
𝐴𝑦ത

1 × 503 1 × 503 × 2 50 2
𝐼𝐺 = ℎത = + = 50
12 1 × 50 × 50 2 3
 HYDROSTATIC PRESSURE-TUTORIALS

Hence;
2
𝑋𝐺 = 50 − 50 = 16.67𝑚
3
From ∆𝑋𝑄𝐺,
𝑋𝑄 12.2625
𝑡𝑎𝑛𝜃 =  𝑋𝑄 = 𝑋𝐺𝑡𝑎𝑛𝜃 = 16.67 × = 50.01𝑚
𝑋𝐺 4.0875

Hence;
𝑶𝑸 = 𝑂𝑋 + 𝑋𝑄 = 9.375 + 50.01 = 𝟓𝟗. 𝟑𝟖𝒎

FLUID MECHANICS I-MENG 215/FBC/USL/STN

 HYDROSTATIC PRESSURE-TUTORIALS
Example 5. A concrete dam in Fig. E5 of trapezoidal section having water on a
vertical face is 12m high. The base of the dam is 8m wide and top 2m wide.
Determine the resultant thrust on the base of the dam per metre length of dam
and the point where it intersects the base. Take the specific weight of masonry
as 24 kN𝒎−𝟑 and water level coinciding with the top of the dam.

𝑥ҧ
Fig. E5
FLUID MECHANICS I-MENG 215/FBC/USL/STN
 HYDROSTATIC PRESSURE-TUTORIALS

Data
See Fig E5 for dimensions.
𝝎 = 24 kN𝒎−𝟑 for masonry
Required
 Resultant thrust on base of dam
 Distance of point where resultant thrust cuts the baseline

Resultant thrust is given by;

𝑃
𝑅= 𝑃2 + 𝑊2 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝛼 = 𝑡𝑎𝑛−1
𝑊
Weight masonry is given by:
1
𝑊 = 8 + 2 × 12 × 1 × 24 = 1440 𝑘𝑁
2
Horizontal hydrostatic pressure on unit length of vertical face of dam is given by:
FLUID MECHANICS I-MENG 215/FBC/USL/STN
 HYDROSTATIC PRESSURE-TUTORIALS

𝜔𝑤 ℎ2 9.810 × 122
𝑃= = = 706.32𝑘𝑁
2 2

𝑹= 𝑃2 + 𝑊 2 = 706.322 + 14402 = 𝟏𝟔𝟎𝟑. 𝟗𝟎𝒌𝑵

−1
706.32
𝜶 = 𝑡𝑎𝑛 = 𝟐𝟔. 𝟏𝟑𝒐
1440
Distance of point where resultant thrust cuts the baseline is given by;

𝐻𝑀 = 𝑥ҧ + 𝑥′

𝑎2 + 𝑎𝑏 + 𝑏 2 22 + (2)(8) + (8)2
𝑥ҧ = = = 2.8𝑚
3(𝑎 + 𝑏) 3(2 + 8)

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𝑃 𝑥′ ′
𝑃 706.32 12
tan 𝛼 = = 𝑜𝑟 𝑥 = ℎΤ3 = = 1.962𝑚
𝑊 ℎΤ3 𝑊 1440 3
Hence;

𝑯𝑴 = 𝑥ҧ + 𝑥 ′ = 1.28 + 1.96 = 𝟑. 𝟐𝟒𝒎

FLUID MECHANICS I-MENG 215/FBC/USL/STN

 HYDROSTATIC PRESSURE-TUTORIALS

Example 5. The Fig.E5 below shows a tank containing water and a liquid of
specific gravity 0.9 up to height 0.25 m and 0.5 m respectively. Calculate.
(a)The total pressure on the side of the tank
(b) The position of the centre of pressure from one side of the tank which is 1.5
m wide. Take 𝜌 = 𝟏𝟎𝟎𝟎𝐤𝐠𝐦−𝟑 for water and 𝒈 = 𝟗. 𝟖𝟏𝑵𝒌𝒈−𝟏

FLUID MECHANICS I-MENG 215/FBC/USL/STN

 HYDROSTATIC PRESSURE-TUTORIALS

Data
Specific gravity of liquid = 𝟎. 𝟗
Specific gravity of water= 𝟏
𝒈 = 𝟗. 𝟖𝟏𝑵𝒌𝒈−𝟏
See figure dimensions

Required
(a)Total pressure due to liquid and water on one side
of tank of width 1.5m
(b) Distance of total pressure free liquid surface Fig.E5

Using pressure intensity diagram, we have from Fig. E5a below

FLUID MECHANICS I-MENG 215/FBC/USL/STN

 HYDROSTATIC PRESSURE-TUTORIALS

ℎ𝐹1
ℎ1 =
ℎ𝐹2
ℎ𝐹3 ℎ𝑅
𝐹1

E
D
𝑭𝑹
𝐹2 ℎ2 =
𝐹3
A B C
𝑝2 = 𝜌2 𝑔ℎ2 𝑝1 = 𝜌1 𝑔ℎ1

Fig.E5a

FLUID MECHANICS I-MENG 215/FBC/USL/STN

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Total pressure is the total area of the pressure intensity diagrams multiplied
by the width of the tank.
𝐹𝑅 = 𝐹1 + 𝐹2 + 𝐹3
𝐹𝑅 = 𝐴1 + 𝐴2 + 𝐴3 × 𝑤𝑖𝑑𝑡ℎ
1
𝐴1 = Area of ∆𝐸𝐷𝐹 = × 𝜌1 𝑔ℎ1 × 0.5
2
= 0.5 × 900 × 9.81 × 0.5 × 0.5 = 1103.625
𝐹1 = Area of ∆𝐸𝐷𝐹 × 𝑤𝑖𝑑𝑡ℎ = 1103.625 × 1.5 = 1655.4375 𝑁

𝐴2 = Area of rect BCDE = 𝜌1 𝑔ℎ1 × 0.25

= 900 × 9.81 × 0.5 × 0.25 = 1103.625
𝐹2 = Area of rect BCDE × 𝑤𝑖𝑑𝑡ℎ = 1103.625 × 1.5 = 1655.4375𝑁
1
𝐴3 = Area of ∆𝐴𝐵𝐸 = × 𝜌2 𝑔ℎ2 × 0.25
2
FLUID MECHANICS I-MENG 215/FBC/USL/STN
 HYDROSTATIC PRESSURE-TUTORIALS
= 0.5 × 1000 × 9.81 × 0.25 × 0.25 = 306.5625
𝐹3 = Area of ∆𝐴𝐵𝐸 × 𝑤𝑖𝑑𝑡ℎ = 306.5625 × 1.5 = 459.84375𝑁

𝐹𝑅 = 𝐹1 + 𝐹2 + 𝐹3 = 1655.4375 + 1655.4375459.84375 = 𝟑. 𝟕𝟕𝟏𝑲𝑵

To determine 𝒉𝑭 we take the sum of the moment about the free surface of the
fluid at F of all the forces to be equal to the moment of the resultant thrust
about same point.
𝐹𝑅 . ℎ𝑅 = 𝐹1 . ℎ𝐹1 + 𝐹2 . ℎ𝐹2 + 𝐹3 . ℎ𝐹3

2 0.25 2
1.6554 × (0.5) + 1.6554(0.5 + ) + 0.4598(0.5 + (0.25)
3 2 3
𝒉𝑹 =
3.766

(0.3677 + 0.6894 + 0.204) × 1.5

= = 𝟎. 𝟎. 𝟓𝟎𝟐 𝒎
3.766
FLUID MECHANICS I-MENG 215/FBC/USL/STN