Experiment : Centre of Pressure Apparatus

Objective:

1. To measure the moment due to the fluid thrust on either a complete or partial submerged plane
surface.

Equipment :

Quadrant of a semi-circular Perspex tank , weight hanger , some weights (each 20g) , main frame back
panel with linear scale , base leveling feet , spirit level

Theory:

The hydrostatic force on any surface is due to the fluid pressure acting on that surface. Pressure is a
normal stress which is positive when in compression. Since the pressure is everywhere normal to the
surface, the resultant pressure force (Fp) is also normal to the surface.

The effect of hydrostatic pressure is major significant in many area of engineering, such as shipbuilding,
the construction of weirs and locks, and in sanitary and building services engineering. The hydrostatic
pressure of liquid is the “gravitational pressure”. It rises due to the intrinsic weight as the depth t
increase,.

A linear pressure profile is acting on acting on the active surface shown, because the hydrostatic
pressure rises proportional to the depth t. The resultant force ,Fp is therefore not applied at the centre of
force C of active surface, but always slightly below it, at the so-called centre of pressure D. To determine
the distance e of pressure from the planar centre of force, the following model demonstration is used:

Imagine an area A in front of the active surface, formed by the height h and the pressure profile of the
hydrostatic pressure p1 -p2. This area is in the form of a trapezium.

1
The centre of pressure D lies on the extension of the planar centre of force of this area A. A can be
broken down into partial areas A1 and A2. The respective planar centres of force are identified by black
dots.

2
Procedure:

Setup

1. Screwing the adjustable feet to level the base plate and observing the spirit level.
2. Fit the hopper fabrication onto center support of the main frame assembly with the quadrant
tank held to the right.

Experiment:

1. Set the weight hanger to the hanger support on the top left of the hopper .
2. Pour water into the trim tank gently until the required position(0o position).
3. 20g weight added to the weight hanger.
4. The water were pour into the quadrant tank until a 0o balance is restored.
5. Record the water height , h.
6. Repeat step 3-5 with adding 20g weight every time.

3
Result:

Angle,0o Mass, W Moment, M Water h3 (m3) After plotting

(kg) (×10-2 Nm) height, h(m) (×105) first graph,
𝑊∗9.81∗𝑅3 𝜔𝐵(𝑅2 )^2
= 1000
M+ ℎ
2

0.02 3.92 1.70 49.13 2.8896

0.04 7.85 1.60 40.96 6.8802
0.06 11.77 1.54 36.52 10.8366
0o 0.08 15.70 1.46 31.12 14.8151
0.10 19.62 1.40 27.44 18.7715
0.12 23.54 1.36 25.15 22.7157
0.14 27.47 1.30 21.97 26.6821
0.16 31.39 1.26 20.00 30.6263
0.02 3.92 1.55 37.24 2.8632
0.04 7.85 1.46 31.12 6.8546
0.06 11.77 1.38 26.28 10.8291
0.08 15.70 1.30 21.97 14.8137
30o 0.10 19.62 1.25 19.53 18.7678
0.12 23.54 1.21 17.72 22.7150
0.14 27.47 1.16 15.61 26.6791
0.16 31.39 1.12 14.05 30.6264
0.18 35.32 1.08 12.60 34.5837
0.20 39.24 1.04 11.25 38.5309

4
 Graph Moment,Nm against water height,h for 0o
35

30

25
Moment,Nm

20

15

10

0
0 0.2 0.4 0.6 0.8 1 1.2 1.4 1.6 1.8
Water height,h

𝑦 −𝑦
Gradient = 𝑥2−𝑥1
2 1

5−25
= 1.68−1.35

= -0.6061

𝜔𝐵
-0.6061 = − (𝑅22 )
2

0.088𝜔
-0.6061= − (0.22)
2

𝜔=344.375

5
 Graph Moment,Nm against water height,h for 30o
45

40

35

30
Moment,Nm

25

20

15

10

0
0 0.2 0.4 0.6 0.8 1 1.2 1.4 1.6 1.8
Water height,h

𝑦2 −𝑦1
Gradient =
𝑥2 −𝑥1

5−35
=
1.52−1.08

= -0.6818
𝜔𝐵
-0.6818 = − (𝑅22 )
2

0.088𝜔
-0.6818 = − (0.22)
2

𝜔= 387.3864

6
Discussion :

The cylindrical sides of the quadrant have their central axis coincidental with the moment measurement
axis. The total fluid pressures on these curved surfaces therefore exert no moment about this pivot.
Therefore, the moment is only due to the fluid pressure on the plane test surface.

Conclusion:

References:

1.