Chapter 1: Fluid Statics

INTRODUCTION

A simple substance can exist in three states:

a. Solid state:

This is an organized state of matter where the arrangement and distance between
molecules are stable over time. Additionally, a solid body has a well-defined shape.

b. Gaseous and liquid states:

These represent matter in a state of disorder. This state is reserved for fluids.

.1. Definition of a Fluid

A fluid can be defined as a substance composed of a large number of very small, free-moving
particles that can move relative to each other. It is a continuous, deformable medium without
rigidity that can flow. The cohesive forces between particles are too weak, and furthermore, a
fluid does not have its own shape; it always takes the shape of its container.

Fluids can be found in both gaseous and liquid forms.

● Comparison between liquids and gases:

A liquid has a free surface. If poured into a bowl, a distinct interface called a free
surface is observed. On the other hand, a gas tends to occupy the entire volume
available to it. The molecules of a gas rarely encounter each other, whereas for a
liquid, interactions are more frequent. At the atomic scale, a gas is a collection of
dispersed molecules far from each other. For example, if we assume that the size of a
molecule is on the order of "d," the distance between molecules is on the order of
"10d". In contrast, for a liquid with molecules of size "d", the distance between
molecules is on the order of "d".

BASIC FLUID PROPERTIES

Characteristics of a fluid which are independent of motion are called basic properties
1.1.1. Density

Density is a physical property that characterizes each type of fluid. It is defined as the mass of
a substance per unit volume.

In mathematical terms, it can be expressed as:

density = mass / volume

ρ : density (kg/m³)

m : mass (kg)

v : volume (m³)

Specific weight (ω):

It is the weight of the fluid to the volume occupied with it.

ϖ : Specific weight

g : acceleration due to gravity (m/s²)

m : mass (kg)

V : volume ( m³)

Specific gravity (G):

It is the ratio of density of fluid to the density of standard fluid. It is also referred as relative
density. In general, water is the standard fluid for liquids while air is for gases. For liquids,
liquid G = ρ /ρ water

For gases, G = ρ/ ρ air

Specific volume (V):

It is the volume occupied by the unit mass of fluid and is the reciprocal of density.

Units: m 3 /kg in SI system

1.2.4 Viscosity

1.2.4 Viscosity

Viscosity is a property that characterizes the internal friction of a fluid, in other words, its
ability to flow. It describes the resistance of a fluid to flow when subjected to an applied force.
In simpler terms, high-viscosity fluids resist flow, while low-viscosity fluids flow easily.
Viscosity can be measured using a falling-ball viscometer, in which the time taken for a ball
to fall through the fluid is measured.

1.2.4.1 Dynamic Viscosity

Dynamic viscosity is a measure of the internal resistance of a fluid to flow when subjected to
shear stress. It quantifies the force required to move one layer of fluid relative to another.
Dynamic viscosity is often denoted by the Greek letter μ and is expressed in Pascal-seconds
(Pa·s) or Poiseuille (Pl).

In the International System of Units (SI), the unit of dynamic viscosity is the Pascal-second
(Pa·s) or Poiseuille (Pl): 1 Pa·s = 1 Pl = 1 kg/m·s.

1.2.4.2 Kinematic Viscosity

Kinematic viscosity is a measure of a fluid's resistance to flow under the influence of gravity,
without considering external forces. It is calculated by dividing the dynamic viscosity by the
fluid's density.

Kinematic viscosity is denoted by the Greek letter nu (ν) and is expressed in m²/s or Stokes
(St). 1 Stokes = 10⁻⁴ m²/s

. 1.3 FLUID CLASSIFICATION

1.3.1 Classification by Compressibility

Fluids can be classified based on their compressibility as:

1.3.1.1 Incompressible Fluids A fluid is considered incompressible when the volume

occupied by a given mass does not vary with changes in external pressure. Liquids can be
considered as incompressible fluids (e.g., water, oil).

1.3.1.2 Compressible Fluids A fluid is considered compressible when the volume occupied
by a given mass varies with changes in external pressure. Gases are compressible fluids. For
example, air, hydrogen, and methane in their gaseous states are considered compressible
fluids.

1.3.2 Classification by Viscosity Effects

Fluids can be classified into two main categories based on their viscosity:

1.3.2.1 Perfect Fluids Also known as ideal or non-viscous fluids, perfect fluids have zero
viscosity. This means they have no internal friction and offer no resistance to changes in
shape, moving without any change in volume. The concept of a perfect fluid is used for
theoretical studies of fluid flow. At rest, all fluids can be considered as perfect fluids.
However, perfect fluids do not exist in nature.

1.3.2.2 Real Fluids Unlike perfect fluids, real fluids have significant internal tangential
friction forces that oppose the relative sliding of fluid layers. Their viscosity is non-zero and
considerable. Real fluids can be further classified into two categories based on their viscosity:

a. Newtonian Fluids: Newtonian fluids have a constant viscosity that can only vary with
temperature. Examples include water, air, and gases. The viscosity does not change regardless
of the applied force or the speed at which the fluid is stirred.

b. Non-Newtonian Fluids: Non-Newtonian fluids have a viscosity that varies depending on

the applied force and the speed at which they are manipulated. Examples include blood and
gels.

1.1. GENERAL PRINCIPLES AND THEOREMS

1.2. NOTION OF PRESSURE AND PRESSURE SCALE

Fluid statics is the study of fluids at rest, meaning the velocity is zero and therefore the
viscosity is zero. Since there is no flow between the fluid layers, we can define pressure as the
ratio of the force exerted by the fluid on a unit of surface area.

The force exerted by a fluid at rest is the gravitational force F=m.g. Therefore, P = dF/dS =
d(m.g)/dS Since V=S.h, we have P = d(ρ.V.g)/dS = ρ.g dV/dS = ρ.g dS.h/dS

 P: pressure at a point m in pascals

 ρ: density in kg/m³
 h: height of the fluid above point m in meters

 g: acceleration due to gravity in m/s²

 Note: According to the equation P = ρgh, the pressure at a point m is solely

dependent on the height of the fluid column above that point."

 The pressure at a point in a fluid is strictly a function of the height of the fluid
column above that point, as evidenced by the equation P = ρgh."

 "In fluid mechanics, the bar (10^5 Pa) is a commonly used unit of pressure. Pressure
can also be expressed in terms of an equivalent fluid column height (e.g., meters of
water) or in centimeters of mercury. One atmosphere is equivalent to 1.013 bar, 76 cm
Hg, or 10.33 meters of water column."

 "Fluid mechanics frequently employs the bar (10^5 Pa) as a unit of pressure.
Alternative units include the equivalent height of a fluid column (e.g., meters of water)
or centimeters of mercury. One standard atmosphere is equal to 1.013 bar, 76 cm Hg,
and 10.33 meters of water."

Application 1:

Calculate the water pressure at points f, m, and o.

Solution: Pf = ρ.ghf = 1000 kg/m³ * 9.81 m/s² * 3 m = 29430 Pa

Pm = ρ.ghm = 1000 kg/m³ * 9.81 m/s² * 2 m = 19620 Pa

Po = ρ.gho = 1000 kg/m³ * 9.81 m/s² * 1 m = 9810 Pa

Application 2:

Calculate the pressure in pa, in bar and in meters of water of a fluid of Specific gravity of 0.8
and height 2 m.

Solution:

P = ρ.gh = 0.7. 1000.9.81 .1 = 6867 Pa

P= 687. 10-5 = 0.0687 bar

In meter of water Pf= ρf.ghf = ρeau.g.heau

Df. ρeau.g. hf =hwater . ρeau.g =

Hwater =Df. hf = 0.7. 1= 0.7m

VARIOUS TYPES OF PRESSURE:

There are several types of pressure including:

a. Atmospheric pressure:

Atmospheric Pressure: Also known as barometric pressure, it is the normal atmospheric

pressure at sea level, which is 1.013 bar.

b. Relative or manometric pressure:

This is the pressure given by pressure measuring devices, can be positive, zero or negative

c. Absolute pressure

This is the sum between the relative and atmospheric pressure

Pa = patm+ p mano
Ex:

Calculate the relative and absolute pressure of the fluid stored in the tank shown in the figure:

Prel = ρ.g.h= 0.7. 1000. 9.81. 1.6 = 10987.2 pa

P abs= prel + pat

Pabs = 10987.2+ 1.013 .105

P abs = 112287.2 pa