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CE 271 - Fluid Mechanics I Laboratory Assignment

TITLE
Total Hydrostatic Pressure on Plane Surface

OBJECTIVE
To verify the total hydrostatic pressure equations by using TecQuipment laboratory apparatus,
1. Finding the Hydrostatic Pressure Force.
P = ghA
2. Finding the theoretical and experimental location of the Centre of Pressure.
I
Y p= + y
Ay

INTRODUCTION
The pressure exerted by a fluid at equilibrium at a given point within the fluid, due to the force
of gravity is the Hydrostatic pressure. Hydrostatic pressure increases in proportion to depth
measured from the surface because of the increasing weight of fluid exerting downward force
from above.

Hydrostatic equations are used to find the magnitude of the total hydrostatic pressure acting on
one side of a submerged plane surface and the distance from the free surface to the point of
action of which the pressure force acts.

From the study by hydrostatic, the following principles have been established:
There are no shear stresses present when the fluid is not in motion.
The pressure exerted by a fluid under hydrostatics conditions acts perpendicular to an
immersed surface.
Hydrostatic pressure various linearly, increasing with an increase in depth.

In this lab experiment this laboratory apparatus has allowed us to measure the moment due to
the fluid (hydrostatic) thrust on a fully or partially submerged plane. The plane works in either
a vertical or inclined (angled) position. Final measurements were compared with the theoretical
values.

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CE 271 - Fluid Mechanics I Laboratory Assignment

THEORY

CASE 1: (Partially Submerged Condition)

a) Theoretical Moment of the hydrostatic pressure force about the fulcrum

Theoretical Moment = P (YP + h)
where,
P = g b ( R 2 h )2
YP = 2/3 ( R2 - h)
where,
R2 - Radius from the outer edge of the container
b - Width of container
h - Vertical distance between the fulcrum and the free water surface

b) Moment using the weight (Experimental moment)

Experimental moment = (weight x arm radius)

CASE 2: (Fully Submerged Condition)

The experiment should be performed up to fully submerged condition

MATERIALS & APPARATUS

1. The TecQuipment hydrostatic thrust apparatus

2. Set of laboratory weights
3. Syringe

Figure 1 TecQuipment Hydrostatic Thrust Apparatus

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CE 271 - Fluid Mechanics I Laboratory Assignment

DISCUSSION

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CE 271 - Fluid Mechanics I Laboratory Assignment

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CE 271 - Fluid Mechanics I Laboratory Assignment

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CE 271 - Fluid Mechanics I Laboratory Assignment

CONCLUSION

The study of the total hydrostatic pressure forces acting on plane submerged surfaces is a
fundamental topic in the subject of hydrostatic involving assessment of the value of the net
thrust and the concept of center of pressure, which are so important in the design of
innumerable items of hydraulic equipment and civil engineering projects.
The objectives to determine the hydrostatic pressure force and location of the center of
requirements are achieved.
Finally we can conclude that this experiment was carried out successfully with the use of
TecQuipment hydrostatic pressure apparatus even though there is difference in the theoretical
value and experimental value. The considerable errors in obtaining the readings from the water
level and causes for those errors are broadly discussed under error analysis of this report.

REFERENCES:

J.F. Douglas & R.D. Matthews (2005) Fluid Mechanics, 3rd Edition

Total Hydrostatic Pressure on Plane Surface, [Online], Available:

http://fluid.itcmp.pwr.wroc.pl/~znmp/dydaktyka/fundam_FM/Lecture5.pdf [18 Apr 2015].

Total Hydrostatic Pressure on Plane Surface, [Online], Available:

http://site.iugaza.edu.ps/mymousa/files/Experiment-1-Fluid-mechanics-lab.pdf [18 Apr 2015].

Total Hydrostatic Pressure on Plane Surface, [Online], Available:

http://www.up.edu.ps/ocw/repositories/pdf-archive/ECGD3109.101_04042009.pdf [19 Apr 2015].

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