7 University of Warith Al-Anbiyaa, College of Engineering, Civil Engineering Department.

Fluid Mechanics

Lecture Seven
Fluid static

Fluid Mechanics I Lecturer: Asst. Lect. Enas Hashim Abed 1

 University of Warith Al-Anbiyaa, College of Engineering, Civil Engineering Department.

The manometer
A standard technique for measuring pressure involves the use of liquid
columns in vertical or inclined tubes. Pressure-measuring devices based on
this technique are called manometers.

1. Piezometer Tube
The simplest type of manometer consists of a vertical tube, open at the top,
and attached to the container in which the pressure is desired.
Since manometers involve columns of fluids at rest, the fundamental equation
describing their use is:
𝑃 = 𝑃0 + 𝛾ℎ

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 University of Warith Al-Anbiyaa, College of Engineering, Civil Engineering Department.

Application of this equation to the piezometer tube of Figure indicates

that the pressure can be determined by the relationship:
𝑷𝑨 = 𝜸𝟏 𝒉𝟏

Note that since the tube is open at the top, the pressure 𝑃0 can be set
equal to zero.

Since point (1) and point A within the container are at the same
elevation,

𝑷𝑨 = 𝑷𝟏

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 University of Warith Al-Anbiyaa, College of Engineering, Civil Engineering Department.

2. U-Tube Manometer
Another type of manometer which is widely used consists of a tube
formed into the shape of a U, as is shown in Figure. To find the pressure
PA ,We start at one end of the system and work our way around to the
other end, we will start at point A and work around to the open end.

𝑷𝑨 + 𝜸𝟏 𝒉𝟏 − 𝜸𝟐 𝒉𝟐 = 𝟎

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 University of Warith Al-Anbiyaa, College of Engineering, Civil Engineering Department.

The procedure for determining the pressure inside the

container is:
(1) Start from one end, and work from one fluid level to
another, up to the open end of the manometer.
(2) Remember that pressure increases linearly with depth
for a fluid at rest.
The pressure at point A inside the tank is calculated as:

𝑷𝑨 + 𝜸𝟏 𝒉𝟏 − 𝜸𝟐 𝒉𝟐 = 𝟎
which gives:
𝑷𝑨 = 𝜸𝟐 𝒉𝟐 − 𝜸𝟏 𝒉𝟏

Once again, gage pressure is used in the above equation

(i.e., the atmospheric pressure at the open end is zero
gage). If the fluid in the tank is a gas, then the pressure
between point 1 and 2 is negligible, hence:

𝑷𝑨 = 𝜸𝟐 𝒉𝟐 5
Fluid Mechanics I Lecturer: Asst. Lect. Enas Hashim Abed
 University of Warith Al-Anbiyaa, College of Engineering, Civil Engineering Department.

The U-tube manometer also can be used to determine the pressure

difference between two systems. This type of manometer is called a
differential U-tube manometer. Consider the differential manometer
connected between tanks A and B, as shown in the figure. The pressure
will be determined by moving from point A to point B:

𝑷𝑨 + 𝜸𝟏 𝒉𝟏 − 𝜸𝟐 𝒉𝟐 − 𝜸𝟑 𝒉𝟑 = 𝑷𝑩

The pressure difference is given by:

𝑷𝑨 − 𝑷𝑩 = 𝜸𝟐 𝒉𝟐 + 𝜸𝟑 𝒉𝟑 − 𝜸𝟏 𝒉𝟏

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 University of Warith Al-Anbiyaa, College of Engineering, Civil Engineering Department.

Another type of manometer is the inclined-tube manometer which is used to

measure small pressure differences between two systems (say for gases). The
advantage of the inclined manometer is that the differential reading scales
along the tube can be made large compared to a vertical manometer for a
given pressure difference, hence improving the accuracy in reading the scale.

The pressure difference between point A and B is given by

𝑷𝑨 + 𝜸𝟏 𝒉𝟏 − 𝜸𝟐 𝑳𝟐 𝒔𝒊𝒏𝜽 − 𝜸𝟑 𝒉𝟑 = 𝑷𝑩

For cases where the columns h1 and h3 are gas(air),

the weights can be neglected, simplifying the
equation:

𝑷𝑨 − 𝑷𝑩 = 𝜸𝟐 𝑳𝟐 𝒔𝒊𝒏𝜽

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 University of Warith Al-Anbiyaa, College of Engineering, Civil Engineering Department.

Mechanical and electronic pressure-measuring devices

Although manometers are widely used, they are not well suited for measuring
very high pressures or pressures that are changing rapidly with time. In
addition, they require the measurement of one or more column heights,
which, although not particularly difficult, can be time consuming. To
overcome some of these problems numerous other types of pressure
measuring instruments have been developed. the most familiar device of this
kind is the Bourdon pressure gage, which is shown in Figure.

The aneroid barometer is another type of mechanical gage

that is used for measuring atmospheric pressure. Since
atmospheric pressure is specified as an absolute pressure,
the conventional Bourdon gage is not suitable for this
measurement.

8
Fluid Mechanics I Lecturer: Asst. Lect. Enas Hashim Abed
 University of Warith Al-Anbiyaa, College of Engineering, Civil Engineering Department.

EX1.A manometer is used to measure the pressure in a tank. The fluid

used has a specific gravity of 0.85, and the manometer column height
is 55 cm, as shown in Figure. If the local atmospheric pressure is 96 kPa,
determine the absolute pressure within the tank.?

Sol:

P= 𝑃𝒂𝒕𝒎 + 𝑝𝑔ℎ

1 𝐾𝑝𝑎
P=96+(850 𝑘𝑔ൗ𝑚3 )*9.81(𝑚Τ𝑠2 )*(0.55m )*(1000𝑁/𝑚2 )

P=100.6 kpa

9
Fluid Mechanics I Lecturer: Asst. Lect. Enas Hashim Abed
 University of Warith Al-Anbiyaa, College of Engineering, Civil Engineering Department.

EX2.A closed tank contains oil and compressed air (𝑆. 𝐺.𝑜𝑖𝑙 = 0.9) as is
shown in the following figure, a U-tube manometer using mercury
(𝑆. 𝐺.𝐻𝑔 = 13.6) is connected to a tank as shown. For column heights
ℎ1 =914.5 mm, ℎ2 =152.4 mm and ℎ3 = 228.6 mm. Determine the pressure
reading in 𝑝𝑎𝑖𝑟 of the gage?
Sol:
The pressure at level (1) is equal to the pressure at level
(2), since these two points are at the same elevation in a
homogeneous fluid at rest. The pressure at level (1) i
𝑃𝟏 = 𝑃𝒂𝒊𝒓 + 𝛾𝑜𝑖𝑙 (𝒉𝟏 + 𝒉𝟐 )
The pressure at level (2) is
𝑃𝟐 = 𝛾𝐻𝑔 𝒉𝟑

10
Fluid Mechanics I Lecturer: Asst. Lect. Enas Hashim Abed
 University of Warith Al-Anbiyaa, College of Engineering, Civil Engineering Department.

Thus, the manometer equation can be expressed as

∴ P𝑎𝑖𝑟 + 𝛾𝑜𝑖𝑙(ℎ1 + ℎ2) − 𝛾𝐻𝑔 ℎ3 = 0

P𝑎𝑖𝑟 = −0.9 ∗ 1000 ∗ 9.81 ∗ (0.9145 + 0.1524) + 13.6 ∗ 1000 ∗ 9.81 ∗

0.2286
= 21079.23 (𝑃𝑎).
This is the pressure read by the gage.

11
Fluid Mechanics I Lecturer: Asst. Lect. Enas Hashim Abed
 University of Warith Al-Anbiyaa, College of Engineering, Civil Engineering Department.

EX6.A U-tub manometer is used to measure the pressure of oil of specific gravity
0.85 flowing in pipe line. Its left end is connected to the pipe and the right limb is
open to the atmosphere. the center of the pipe is 100mm below the level of
mercury(specific gravity=13.6) in the right limb. If the difference of mercury level in
the two limbs is 60mm, determine the absolute pressure of the oil in the pipe.

Sol:
ℎ1 = 60𝑚𝑚
𝑃𝐴 + 𝛾1 ℎ1 - 𝛾2 ℎ2 = 0
𝑃𝐴 = - 0.85*9.81*0.06+13.6*9.81*0.16
= 20.85kpa

𝑃𝑎𝑏𝑠 = 𝑃𝒂𝒕𝒎 + 𝑃𝑔𝑎𝑔

note:Take 𝑃𝒂𝒕𝒎 =101.32 kpa

𝑃𝑎𝑏𝑠 = 101.32+20.85=122.17 kpa

12
Fluid Mechanics I Lecturer: Asst. Lect. Enas Hashim Abed
 University of Warith Al-Anbiyaa, College of Engineering, Civil Engineering Department.

EX3.(a)Determine an equation for 𝑝𝐴 - 𝑝𝐵 in terms of the specific

weight of the flowing fluid, 𝛾1 , 𝛾2 , and the various height indicated.(b)
for 𝛾1 =9.80kN/m3, 𝛾2 = 15.6kN/m3, ℎ1 = 1.0𝑚 , ℎ2 =0.5m , what is the
value of the pressure drop 𝑝𝐴 - 𝑝𝐵 ?

Sol:
a) 𝑃𝐴 − 𝛾1 ℎ1 − 𝛾2 ℎ2 + 𝛾1 (ℎ1 +ℎ2 ) = 𝑃𝐵
or
𝑃𝑨 - 𝑃𝑩 = ℎ2 (𝛾2 − 𝛾1 )

b)
𝑃𝑨 - 𝑃𝑩 =0.5(15.6-9.8) =2.9kpa

13
Fluid Mechanics I Lecturer: Asst. Lect. Enas Hashim Abed
 University of Warith Al-Anbiyaa, College of Engineering, Civil Engineering Department.

EX4.The water in a tank is pressurized by air, and the pressure is

measured by a multifidi manometer as shown in Figure. The tank is
located on a mountain at an altitude of 1400 m where the atmospheric
pressure is 85.6 kPa. Determine the air pressure in the tank if h1 = 0.1
m, h2 = 0.2 m, and h3 = 0.35 m. Take the densities of water, oil, and
mercury to be 1000 kg/m3, 850 kg/m3, and 13,600
kg/m3, respectively.
Sol:

Starting with the pressure at point 1 at the air–water

interface, moving along the tube by adding or
subtracting the pgh terms until we reach point 2, and
setting the result equal to Patm since the tube is open
to the atmosphere gives.

14
Fluid Mechanics I Lecturer: Asst. Lect. Enas Hashim Abed
 University of Warith Al-Anbiyaa, College of Engineering, Civil Engineering Department.

Sol:

𝑃𝑎𝑖𝑟 + 𝜌𝑤𝑎𝑡𝑒𝑟 𝑔ℎ1 + 𝜌𝑜𝑖𝑙 𝑔ℎ2 − 𝜌𝑚𝑒𝑟𝑐𝑢𝑟𝑦 𝑔ℎ3 = 𝑃𝑎𝑡𝑚

𝑃𝑎𝑖𝑟 = 𝑃𝑎𝑡𝑚 − 𝜌𝑤𝑎𝑡𝑒𝑟 𝑔ℎ1 − 𝜌𝑜𝑖𝑙 𝑔ℎ2 + 𝜌𝑚𝑒𝑟𝑐𝑢𝑟𝑦 𝑔ℎ3

=85600+9.81(13600 ∗ 0.35 − 1000*0.1 − 850*0.2)

=130000pa
=130kpa

15
Fluid Mechanics I Lecturer: Asst. Lect. Enas Hashim Abed
 University of Warith Al-Anbiyaa, College of Engineering, Civil Engineering Department.

EX5.For the Figure , determine the pressure difference between pipes

A and B? Take 𝑍1 = 0.45 m, 𝑍2 = 0.225 m, 𝑍3 = 0.675 m, 𝑍4 = 0.3 m.
Neglect pressure due to pressure of air column in the inclined tube.
Sol:
Starting from point A, the governing Manometric
equation is:
𝑃𝐴 + 𝛾𝑤 𝑍1 - 𝛾𝑚 (𝑍3 + 𝑍4 sin45° ) = 𝑃𝐵
𝑃𝐴 - 𝑃𝐵 = - 𝛾𝑤 𝑍1 + 𝛾𝑚 ( 𝑍3 + 𝑍4 sin45°)

= - (1000 × 9.81) × 0.45 + (13600 × 9.81) × (0.675 +

0.3 × sin45°) divided by 1000

= - 9.81× 0.45 + 13.6 × 9.81 × (0.675 + 0.3 × sin45°)

= - 4.414 + 118.357= 113.943 kpa

16
Fluid Mechanics I Lecturer: Asst. Lect. Enas Hashim Abed
 University of Warith Al-Anbiyaa, College of Engineering, Civil Engineering Department.

3.Inverted Tube Manometer.

This type of manometer is used for measuring difference of two
pressure where accuracy is the major consideration. refer to figure. it
consists of an inverted u-tub, containing light liquid, whose two ends
are connected to the points (A and B) whose difference of pressure is to
be found out.

𝑃𝐴 − 𝛾1 ℎ1 + 𝛾2 ℎ2 + 𝛾3 ℎ3 = 𝑃𝐵

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 University of Warith Al-Anbiyaa, College of Engineering, Civil Engineering Department.

4. single column manometer (Micromanometer)

A single column manometer is a modified form of a u-
tub manometer in which a shallow reservoir having a
larger gross-sectional area (about 100 times) as
compered to the area of the tube is connected to one
limb of the manometer, as shown in figure. for any
variation in pressure ,the change in the liquid level in the
reservoir will be so small that it may be neglected, and
the pressure is indicated by the height of the liquid in the
other limb. as such only one reading in the narrow limb
of the manometer need be taken for all pressure
measurements. the narrow limb may be vertical or
inclined.

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 University of Warith Al-Anbiyaa, College of Engineering, Civil Engineering Department.

4. single column manometer (Micromanometer).

• Vertical single column manometer:

Volume decrease in reservoir = volume increase in tube

𝐴 ∗ ∆ℎ = 𝑎 ∗ ℎ2
𝑎
∆ℎ = ℎ
𝐴 2

Where:
A: cross-sectional area of the reservoir .
a: cross-sectional area of the tub (right limb)
∆ℎ: fall of heavy liquid level in reservoir
ℎ2 : rise of heavy liquid (after experiment) in the right limb

𝑃𝐴 + 𝛾1 ℎ1 + 𝛾1 ∆ℎ − 𝛾2 ∆ℎ − 𝛾2 ℎ2 = 0
𝑃𝐴 = 𝛾2 ℎ2 − 𝛾1 ℎ1 + ∆ℎ(𝛾2 − 𝛾1 )
𝑎
𝑃𝐴 = 𝛾2 ℎ2 − 𝛾1 ℎ1 + ℎ2 (𝛾2 − 𝛾1 )
𝐴 19
Fluid Mechanics I Lecturer: Asst. Lect. Enas Hashim Abed
 University of Warith Al-Anbiyaa, College of Engineering, Civil Engineering Department.

EX6: Figure shows an inverted differential manometer having an oil of

specific gravity 0.8 connected to two different pipes carrying water
under pressure. determine the pressure in the pipe B if the pressure in
pipe A is 2m of water?
Sol:
𝑃A = 2𝑚 𝑜𝑓 𝑤𝑎𝑡𝑒𝑟 = 2 ∗ 9.81 = 19.62 𝐾𝑝𝑎

𝑃A − 𝛾1 ℎ1 + 𝛾2 ℎ2 + 𝛾3 ℎ3 = 𝑃B
19.62 − 9.81 ∗ 0.3 + 0.8 ∗ 9.81 ∗ 0.15 + 9.81
∗ 0.1 = 𝑃B

𝑃B = 18.835kpa

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 University of Warith Al-Anbiyaa, College of Engineering, Civil Engineering Department.

EX7: Figure shows a single column manometer connected to a pipe

containing liquid of S.g 0.8 .the ratio of area of the reservoir to that of
the limb is 100. find the pressure in the pipe.?
Note: Take S.g of mercury as 13.6.
Sol:
P

P + 𝛾1 ℎ1 + 𝛾1 ∆ℎ − 𝛾2 ∆ℎ − 𝛾2 ℎ2 = 0

𝑎
P = 𝛾2 ℎ2 − 𝛾1 ℎ1 + ℎ2 (𝛾2 − 𝛾1 )
𝐴
1
= 13.6 ∗ 9.81 ∗ 0.5 − 0.8 ∗ 9.81 ∗ 0.3 +
100
∗ 0.5 13.6 ∗ 9.81 − 0.8 ∗ 9.81

= 64.98144kpa
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 University of Warith Al-Anbiyaa, College of Engineering, Civil Engineering Department.

H.W1: The right limb of a simple u-tube manometer containing

mercury is open to the atmosphere while the left limb is connected to a
pipe in which a fluid of s.g 0.9 is flowing. the center of the pipe is 12
cm below the level of mercury in the right limb. find the pressure of
fluid in the pipe if the difference of mercury level in the two limbs is
20cm?

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 University of Warith Al-Anbiyaa, College of Engineering, Civil Engineering Department.

H.W2: A single column manometer is connected to a pipe containing a

liquid of sg.0.9. find the pressure in the pipe if the area of the reservoir
is 100 times the area of the tube for the manometer reading shown in
fig. the specific gravity of mercury is 13.6?

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 University of Warith Al-Anbiyaa, College of Engineering, Civil Engineering Department.

Fluid Mechanics I Lecturer: Asst. Lect. Enas Hashim Abed 24