HYDRAULICS

(DFC 2053)
 CHAPTER 3

HYDROSTATIC FORCE
&
ITS APPLICATION
 CONTENT
¾ HYDROSTATIC FORCE CONCEPT

¾ CENTER OF PRESSURE

¾ SECOND MOMENT AREA

¾ BOUYANCY : ARCHEMEDES
PRINCIPLE
 HYDROSTATIC FORCE CONCEPT

A. Hydrostatic Force on a Submerged Plane

Surface :-

i. Hydrostatic Force on Inclined

Submerged Plane Surface
ii. Hydrostatic Force on
Horizontal Submerged Plane
Surface
iii. Hydrostatic Force on Vertical
Submerged Plane Surface
 HYDROSTATIC FORCE CONCEPT

.... Cont ‘

B. Hydrostatic Force on a Submerged

Curved Surface
 CENTER OF PRESSURE

‰ Pressure from fluid will create force to the contact surface.

‰ If all forces is summed → Resultant force.
‰ The direction & magnitude of force → perpendicular with
plane surface at Center of Pressure (CP).

Figure 3.1: Hydrostatic pressure at submerged plane surface

 CENTER OF PRESSURE
Free surface
M

hc
hp

Center point F

hc N K
hp
P = γh

M’

F
Center point
N’

Figure 3.2: Pressure distributions on two vertical plane areas

(viewed from edges)
 CENTER OF PRESSURE

‰ Figure 3.2 → distribution of pressure is not uniform.

‰ Pressure vary from 0 at M to NK at N.
‰ The resultant parallel forces must act → point below the
centriod of the area ( centriod of area → for resultant of
uniform forces would act).
‰ The direction & magnitude of force → perpendicular with
plane surface at Center of Pressure (CP).
‰ If plane is lower to position M’N’ → force act nearer to the
centriod → ∴ the deeper plane is submerged → the closer the
resultant force moves to the centriod.
 HYDROSTATIC FORCE ON A
SUBMERGED PLANE SURFACE
Hydrostatic Force on Inclined Submerged Plane Surface
Free surface
O

FR dF

c x
CP

A
dA
c
CP Center point

y Center of pressure

Figure 3.3: Notation for hydrostatic force on an inclined plane

surface of arbitrary shape
 HYDROSTATIC FORCE ON INCLINED SUBMERGED
PLANE SURFACE

‰ Figure 3.3 → Coordinate system is defined so that y axis is

directed along the plane surface.
‰ At any depth, force acting is perpendicular to the surface.

MAGNITUDE OF RESULTANT FORCE, FR

‰ Magnitude of resultant force, FR is calculated using equation 3.1:

FR = ρghc A ……………………… 3.1

where:
ρ = Density (kg/m3)
g = Gravity acceleration ( 9.81 m/s2)
hc = Vertical distance from fluid to the centriod of the
area (m)
A = Submerged plane area (m2)
 HYDROSTATIC FORCE ON INCLINED SUBMERGED
PLANE SURFACE

.... Cont ‘
LOCATION OF RESULTANT FORCE AT y DIRECTION, yR
‰ Location of force, yR is based on x-y coordinate system
originating from O as origin to the submerged center of pressure
at y direction.
‰ yR is calculated using equation 3.2:

I xc
yR = + yc
ycA ……………………… 3.2
where:
Ixc = Second moment of area with respect to an axis
passing through its centroid and parallel to the x axis
(m4) – See Table 3.1
yc = Distance from fluid surface at point O to the
submerged plane center directed along y coordinate
system (m).
 HYDROSTATIC FORCE ON INCLINED SUBMERGED
PLANE SURFACE

.... Cont ‘
LOCATION OF RESULTANT FORCE AT x DIRECTION, xR
‰ Location of force, xR is based on x-y coordinate system
originating from O as origin to the submerged center of pressure
at x direction.
‰ xR is calculated using equation 3.3:
I xyc
xR = + xc
ycA ……………………… 3.3
where:
Ixc = Moment of area upon x-y coordinate system through
center of area (m4) – See Table 3.1
yc = Distance from fluid surface at point O to the
submerged plane center directed along x coordinate
system (m).
 HYDROSTATIC FORCE ON INCLINED SUBMERGED
PLANE SURFACE

.... Cont ‘
DIRECTION OF RESULTANT FORCE

‰ Direction of resultant force is perpendicular to the submerged

plane surface ( see Figure 3.3 ).
 HYDROSTATIC FORCE ON A
SUBMERGED PLANE SURFACE

Hydrostatic Force on Horizontal Submerged Plane Surface

FR
hc = yc

C
xc

Figure 3.4: Notation for hydrostatic force on a horizontal

plane surface of arbitrary shape
 HYDROSTATIC FORCE ON HORIZONTAL
SUBMERGED PLANE SURFACE

‰ Calculation for magnitude, location and direction of resultant

force on horizontal submerged plane surface are same as
inclined plane surface.
‰ However distance of hc is equal to yc because of x-y coordinate
system is parallel to fluid surface ( Figure 3.4 ).
 HYDROSTATIC FORCE ON A
SUBMERGED PLANE SURFACE

Hydrostatic Force on Vertical Submerged Plane Surface

yR y
c

C
FR CP

Figure 3.5: Notation for hydrostatic force on a vertical plane

surface of arbitrary shape
 HYDROSTATIC FORCE ON VERTICAL
SUBMERGED PLANE SURFACE

‰ Calculation for magnitude, location and direction of resultant

force on vertical submerged plane surface are same as inclined
plane surface.
EXAMPLE 3.1

A rectanguar gate that leans against the

floor with an angle of 45° with the
horizontal is to be opened from its lower
edge by applying a normal force at its
center. Find the minimum force required to
open the water gate.

1.2 m

FR
B

3m

45° F

A
SOLUTION
Consider figure below:-

yR
1.2 m
yC
FR B

3m

x
45° F
A

y
SOLUTION .... Cont ‘
(i) Magnitude of resultant force, FR

FR = ρghc A
where; 3
h c = + 1. 2 = 2. 7 m
2
A = bh = (5)(4.24) = 21.2 m 2

3
sin 45° =
χ

hence;
FR = (1000 )( 9.81)( 2.7 )( 21.2)

FR = 561524 .4 N = 561.5 kN
SOLUTION .... Cont ‘
(ii) Location of resultant force, yR

I xc
yR = + yc
ycA
where;

bh 3 (5)(4.24)3
I xc = = = 31.76 m 4
12 12

2.7
yc
hc =2.7 m sin 45° =
yc
45ٛ

hence;
31.76
yR = + 3.82 = 4.21 m
( 3.82)( 21.2)
SOLUTION .... Cont ‘

Taking moment at point B = 0, therefore, the minimum force;

⎛h⎞ ⎛ h⎞
( F ) ⎜ ⎟ = (FR ) ⎜ y R − y c + ⎟
⎝ 2⎠ ⎝ 2⎠

⎛ 4.24 ⎞ ⎛ 4.24 ⎞
(F ) ⎜ ⎟ = (561 . 5 ) ⎜ 4 .21 − 3 .82 + ⎟
⎝ 2 ⎠ ⎝ 2 ⎠

F = 665 kN
Let’s take a
break!!!
 HYDROSTATIC FORCE ON A
SUBMERGED CURVED SURFACE

Figure 3.6: Fluid in open tank with semi circular shape at the
bottom ( elevation view )
 HYDROSTATIC FORCE ON A SUBMERGED CURVED
SURFACE

‰ Many surface of interest ( eg : dam, pipe and tanks ) are

nonplanar → curved design.
‰ Determination of resultant force exerted to the curved surface
can be identified by considering fluid free body diagram ( right
of semi circular – Figure 3.6 ).
‰ 5 forces ( W1, W2, FL, FH, and FV ) acting in the static fluid at
quarter circular surface – Figure 3.7 ).
HYDROSTATIC FORCE ON A SUBMERGED CURVED
SURFACE

yc
xc

yc
xc

Figure 3.7: Hydrostatic force at curved surface

 HYDROSTATIC FORCE ON A SUBMERGED CURVED
SURFACE

‰ According to Figure 3.7, each of the force component must be

obtained → to get resultant force exerted to the curved surface.

1. W1 FORCE
(i) MAGNITUDE
‰ Is the liquid weight over OB surface line and can be calculated as:

W1 = γA 1L (kN) ……………… 3.4

where,
γ = Unit weight of fluid (γwater = 9.81 kN/m2)
A1 = Fluid area at zone 1 ( above OB line → Table 3.1
(m2). In this case;
A1 = b ×→h (rectangular shape)
L = Length of plane (m)
 HYDROSTATIC FORCE ON A SUBMERGED CURVED
SURFACE

.... Cont ‘
(ii) LOCATION
‰ Act at the center point of zone 1 → obtained from Table 3.1 & in
this case;

h b
yc = & xc =
2 2

2. W2 FORCE
(i) MAGNITUDE
‰ Is the liquid weight over OB curved surface and can be calculated
as:
W2 = γA 2 L (kN)
……………… 3.5
 HYDROSTATIC FORCE ON A SUBMERGED CURVED
SURFACE

.... Cont ‘
where,
A2 = Fluid area at zone 2 ( at OBD curved surfae →
Table 3.1 (m2). In this case;

πR 2
A2 = → (quarter circular shape)
4

(ii) LOCATION
Act at the center point of zone 2 → from Table 3.1 & in this case;

4R
y c = xc =
3π
 HYDROSTATIC FORCE ON A SUBMERGED CURVED
SURFACE

.... Cont ‘
3. FL FORCE
(i) MAGNITUDE
‰ Is the horizontal force acting on the projected vertical plane from
BD curved surface & can be calculated as:

FL = γh c A (kN) ……………… 3.6

where,
hc = Vertical distance from fluid surface to the
submerged centriod of the area (m)
A = Projected vertical plane area → rectangular
shape : Figure 3.7 (m2). In this case;
A = L×a
 HYDROSTATIC FORCE ON A SUBMERGED CURVED
SURFACE

.... Cont ‘

(ii) LOCATION
‰ Act at the center of pressure and can be calculated as;

I xc
hcp = + hc
hc A ……………… 3.7

where,
Ixc = Second moment of area for projected plane area
(m4) which is;

La 3
I xc =
12
 HYDROSTATIC FORCE ON A SUBMERGED CURVED
SURFACE

.... Cont ‘
4. FH FORCE

‰ Is the horizontal component of the resultant force.

‰ Acting behind at BD curved surface.
‰ Magnitude is same as FL but opposite direction, therefore;

FH = FL ……………… 3.8

5. FV FORCE

‰ Is the vertical component of the resultant force.

‰ Acting behind at BD curved surface.
 HYDROSTATIC FORCE ON A SUBMERGED CURVED
SURFACE

.... Cont ‘
(i) MAGNITUDE
‰ Magnitude is same as summation of fluid weight (W1 + W2) but in
opposite direction, therefore;

FV = W1 + W2 ……………… 3.9

(ii) LOCATION
‰ Act at the resultant of the center of W1 & W2 & can be calculated
as;
A1 xc1 + A 2 xc 2
xc =
A1 + A 2 ……………… 3.10
 HYDROSTATIC FORCE ON A SUBMERGED CURVED
SURFACE

.... Cont ‘

Finally ….
9 The resultant force and its location can be determined using this
formula;

FR = FH 2 + FV 2
……………… 3.11

FV
α = tan − 1
FH ……………… 3.12

9 The diagram is shown in Figure 3.8.

HYDROSTATIC FORCE ON A SUBMERGED CURVED
SURFACE

Figure 3.8: Direction and location of resultant force at curved

surface
EXAMPLE 3.2

A curved water gate 3 m width is placed

at the side of reservoir that restores
water inside. Find:-

(i) Magnitude of horizontal and vertical

forces behind the gate.
(ii) Location of horizontal and vertical
forces.
(iii) Magnitude and location of resultant
force.
SOLUTION:

Consider the free body diagram below;

SOLUTION .... Cont ‘

2m

1
yc
xc c

w1
m
L=3
A B
R=2
m
c CP
L w2 H
yc 2
xc

C
R

v
SOLUTION .... Cont ‘
(i) Magnitude of horizontal and vertical force (FH & Fv);
(a) Horizontal component force, FL:

FL = γhc A

where; 2
hc = + 4 = 5m
2
A = La = ( 3)( 2) = 6 m 2
therefore;
FL = ( 9.81)( 5)(6)
FL = 294.3 kN

Hence;
FH = FL Opposite
direction
FH = 294.3 kN
SOLUTION .... Cont ‘
(b) Vertical component force, W1 & W2:

W1 = γA1L
where;
A1 = bh = ( 2)(4) = 8 m 2
therefore;
W1 = ( 9.81)( 8)( 3) = 235.4 kN

W2 = γA 2L
where;
πR 2 ( π )( 22 )
A2 = = = 3.142 m 2
4 4
therefore;
W2 = ( 9.81)( 3.142 )( 3) = 92.47 kN
Hence;
FV = W1 + W2
Opposite
FV = 235.4 + 92.47 direction
FV = 327.87 kN
SOLUTION .... Cont ‘

(ii) Location of horizontal and vertical forces (hcp & Xc );

I xc
hcp = + hc
hc A
where;
La 3 (3)(2)3
I xc = = = 2 m4
12 12
therefore;
2
hcp = +5
(5)(6)
h cp = 5.07 m (from water surface)
SOLUTION .... Cont ‘

A1 xc1 + A 2 xc 2
xc =
A1 + A 2
where;
b 2 4R (4)( 2)
xc1 = = = 1m xc 2 = = = 0.85 m
2 2 3π ( 3)( 3.142)
therefore;
(8)(1) + ( 3.142)(0.85)
xc =
8 + 3.142

xc = 0.96 m (from point C to plane base)

SOLUTION .... Cont ‘
(iii) Magnitude and location of resultant force (FR & α );

FR = FH 2 + FV 2

FR = 294.3 + 327.9

FR = 411.9 kN

FV
α = tan − 1
FH
327.9
α = tan − 1
294.3
α = 48.09°
SOLUTION .... Cont ‘
→ Sketch of the forces acting on the plane:

2m

hcp = 5.07 m
6m A B

FH = 294.3 kN

C
FR = 411.9 kN
x c = 0.96 m
Fv = 327.9 kN
SECOND MOMENT AREA

AS SHOWN IN
TABLE 3.1
Table 3.1: Area, center point, second moment of area, moment of area with respect to an
orthogonal set of axes ( x – y coordinate system)

SHAPE A y c and xc Ixc Ixyc

h
xc
yc =
2 1
RECTANGULAR h
c
bh bh 3 0
b 12
xc =
yc

b 2
h
yc =
d

3 1 1
h c 1 bh 3 bh 2 (b − 2d )
b+d
TRIANGULAR yc bh
2 xc = 36 72
xc b
3
y c = 0.424R
2
SEMI πR D 0.1098R4 0
CIRCULAR
2 xc =
2
xc
D
yc =
2
2 πR 4
CIRULAR πR D 0
yc
xc = 4
2
4R
yc =
QUARTER πR 2 3π
CIRCULAR 0.05488R4 -0.01647R4
yc
4 4R
xc =
xc 3π
 BOUYANCY
ARCHIMEDES PRINCIPLE

‰ States → Magnitude of buoyant force = weight of the fluid

displaced by the body ( directed vertically upward).

BOUYANCY CONCEPT

‰ When body is partly / whole submerged, 2 types of forces acts;

(i) Gravity force = Weight of body, W
- Act vertically downward through center of gravity (G)
of the body
(ii) Buoyant force, FB (Floating force)
- Caused by the fluid to the body.
- FB act vertically upward through center of gravity of
displaced fluid or known as center of buoyancy (B).
‰ Gravity force act to the weight of body & buoyant force to the
body (Figure 3.9).

Figure 3.9: Gravity and buoyant force for submerged and

floating bodies

‰ According to Figure 3.9;

Buoyant force, FB = Weight of fluid displaced, W

 BOUYANCY CONCEPT

.... Cont ‘

Figure 3.10: Buoyant force for submerged bodies

‰ According to Figure 3.10, buoyant force can be calculated as;

FB = ρgV ……………… 3.13

where;
V = Displaced fluid volume
ρ = Fluid density
 BOUYANCY CONCEPT

.... Cont ‘

Figure 3.11: Floating force for submerged body inside 2 fluids

‰ If the body is inside 2 or more fluids (Figure 3.11), buoyant

force calculation would become;

FB = ρ1gV1 + ρ 2 gV2
……………… 3.14
 BOUYANCY CONCEPT

.... Cont ‘

Figure 3.12: Stability body inside fluid

 BOUYANCY CONCEPT

.... Cont ‘

To conclude if;

(i) FB = W → Body suspended

(ii) FB < W → Body submerged to the base

(iii) FB > W → Body floating

 CENTER OF BUOYANCY & GRAVITY

Block A

Block B

Liquid

Figure 3.13: Center of buoyancy and gravity

‰ According to Figure 3.13, center of gravity (G) for block A &

B is same.
‰ However, center of buoyancy (B) is different (due to the fluid
surface to object location).
 CENTER OF BUOYANCY & GRAVITY

How to determine the location of G & B ?....

Figure 3.14: Determination of center of buoyancy and

gravity
 CENTER OF BUOYANCY & GRAVITY

.... Cont ‘
‰ According to Figure 3.14, point G is the centre line of the
object. In other words;

h
Po int G =
2

‰ Point B is the center line from liquid surface to the object. In

other words;

h1 + h 2
Po int B =
2

‰ Note that if body is floating → Point G is above Point B & if

submerged is vice versa.
EXAMPLE 3.3

A ship has displaced water of 115 m3.

Find:-

(i) Weight of the ship (assume ρseawater =

1025 kg/m3)
(ii) Volume of water at density of 1000
kg/m3 that will be displaced by the
ship
SOLUTION

Given:-
V = 115 m3
ρseawater = 1025 kg/m3

(i) Weight of the ship

Weight of ship = Weight of displaced fluid

W = ρgV
W = (1025)(9.81)(115)
W = 1156 .35 kN
SOLUTION .... Cont ‘

(ii) Volume of displaced water

W
V=
ρg

1156.35 × 103
V= = 118m 3
1000 × 9.81

V = 118 m 3
EXAMPLE 3.4

A 6500 kg barrel with 2 m diameter and 3

m length was put inside a tank that
consists raw water (ρw = 1000 kg/m3).
After a moment the barrel was stabilized
and found floating inside the water. Find:-

(i) Volume of displaced fluid

(ii) Height of h
(iii) Distance from center of gravity, (G)
to center of buoyancy, (B)
SOLUTION:
Given:-
m = 6500 kg
Φ=2m
h=3m
ρw = 1000 kg/m3
SOLUTION .... Cont ‘
(i) Volume of displaced fluid

FB = ρgV
re-arrange;
FB
V=
ρg
known that;
FB = W = mg
FB = ( 6500 )( 9.81)
FB = 63765 N
hence;

63765
V= = 6.5 m 3
(1000)(9.81)
SOLUTION .... Cont ‘
(ii) Height of h

πD 2
(h ) = V
4

π( 2) 2
( h ) = 6. 5
4
(6.5)(4)
h=
( π )( 2)2

h = 2.07 m
SOLUTION .... Cont ‘
(iii) Distance of BG

BG = AG − AB

where;
3 h
AG = AB =
2 2
hence;
3 h
BG = −
2 2
3 − 2.07
BG =
2

BG = 0.465
TIME’S UP …

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