Module 3 Relative Equilibrium of Liquids

MODULE 3: RELATIVE EQUILIBRIUM OF LIQUIDS

Introduction
This module will discuss about the tension acting on a circular pipes and tanks; steps in
analyzing the factors of safety (FSO and FSS) of a gravity dam; the buoyant force acting on a
submerged body; the stability of a floating body; the pressure and forces acting on a body
moving horizontally, vertically, in an inclined surface or rotating on its own axis.
Intended Learning Outcomes
ILO 2
Discuss the Continuity Equation with reference to the conservation of mass, Energy Equation with
reference to the Euler equation, and Momentum Equation with reference to the 2nd Law of Newton
on motion.

ILO 3
Perform calculations related to (a) fluid pressure and forces with the liquid is at rest, (b) flow
velocity, flow rate, pressure, and forces when liquid is flowing in pipes and open channels, (c)
flow velocity and flow rates in conjunction with different flow measuring devices.

Topic Outcomes
At the end of the module, the student must learn:
1. Determine the hoop tension in a circular pipes and tanks.
2. Analyze the safety of a gravity dam.
3. Calculate the buoyant force acting on a submerged body.
4. Determine the stability of floating bodies,
5. Calculate the pressure and forces in accelerating and rotating containers.

Hoop Tension in Circular Pipes and Tanks

Static forces are introduced in pipes and tanks by the relative internal and external
pressures of the contained fluid and the surrounding medium.
One case is when the internal or bursting pressure exceeds the external or collapsing
pressure that is 𝑃𝑖 > 𝑃𝑒 . This is generally true in the case of high-pressure lines where the design
of the pipe is often controlled by the internal pressure. With 𝑃𝑖 > 𝑃𝑒 , the pipe wall is subjected
to a tensile stress or hoop tension and for a unit length (1m) of the pipe, the effective bursting
force is:
𝑭𝑩 = 𝒑𝑨 𝒐𝒓 𝑭𝑩 = (𝑷𝒊 − 𝑷𝒆 ) 𝑫 𝒑𝒆𝒓 𝒎 𝒍𝒆𝒏𝒈𝒕𝒉 𝒐𝒇 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒑𝒊𝒑𝒆

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Module 3 Relative Equilibrium of Liquids

where D- inside diameter of the pipe in m

FB – the bursting force in N/m
Pi- internal pressure in Pa
Pe- external pressure
T- tensile force in N/m

• By summation of forces, the tensile force in the wall is

• The unit stress in the pipe wall is

𝑻
𝝉 =
𝒕

where 𝜏 – stress in pipe wall in Pa

T- tensile force in N/m
t- thickness of the pipe wall in m

Important:
1. If the outside surface of the pipe line is exposed to the atmosphere or Pe=0
2. If Pe>Pi, the values of the T and S becomes negative implying that the pipe is now
subjected to a compressive stress and this will create a collapsing force.
3. The theoretical thickness,

𝑻
𝒕𝒕 =
𝝉𝒂
where
tt- theoretical thickness
𝜏𝑎 – allowable stress
T- tensile force in the wall

4. The bursting force,

where P’- pressure due to water hammer

Water hammer is a fluid dynamics phenomenon cause by a sudden closure of valve in

the line.

5. Wooden- Stave Pipes

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Module 3 Relative Equilibrium of Liquids

𝛕𝐚 𝐀 𝐡
𝐒 =
𝐓

where 𝜏𝑎 - allowable stress in hoop

Ah- cross sectional area of the hoop
T- tensile force in the wall
S- spacing of metal hoops

Example 3.1:
A pipeline carrying oil under a head of 135 cm is horizontally submerged in water to a
depth of 1m. If the inside diameter of the pipe is 150cm and has a thickness of 6mm, determine
the pipe wall stress (s.g. =0.85).
Given:
ℎ𝑜𝑖𝑙 = 135 𝑐𝑚
ℎ𝑤𝑎𝑡𝑒𝑟 = 1 𝑚
𝐷𝑖𝑛𝑠𝑖𝑑𝑒 = 150 𝑐𝑚
𝑡 = 6𝑚𝑚
𝑠𝑜𝑖𝑙 = 0.85
Required:
𝜏 =?
Solution:
𝐹𝐵 = (𝑃𝑖 − 𝑃𝑒 ) 𝐷
𝑁 𝑁
𝐹𝐵 = [(1.35𝑚)(0.85)(9810 3
) − (1𝑚)(9810 3 )] (1.5 𝑚)
𝑚 𝑚
𝑁
𝐹𝐵 = 2170.463
𝑚

𝐹𝐵
𝑇 =
2
𝑁
2170.463 𝑚
𝑇 =
2
𝑁
𝑇 = 1085.231
𝑚

𝑇
𝜏 =
𝑡
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Module 3 Relative Equilibrium of Liquids

𝑁
1085.231
𝑚
𝜏 =
0.006 𝑚

𝝉 = 𝟏𝟖𝟎 𝟖𝟕𝟏. 𝟖𝟕𝟓 𝑷𝒂

DAMS
The structure that block the flow of a river, stream, or other waterway. Some dams divert
the flow of river water into a pipeline, canal or channel.

Purpose of a Dam
1. Irrigation and Drinking
2. Power Supply
3. Navigation
4. Flood Control

Types of Dams
1. Gravity
2. Embankment
3. Arch
4. Buttress

Gravity Dam
It uses only the force of gravity to resist water pressure. The gravity dam must consist of
a mass so heavy that the water in a reservoir cannot push the dam downstream or tip it over.

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Module 3 Relative Equilibrium of Liquids

Embankment Dam
A gravity dam formed out of loose rock earth or a combination of these materials.

Arch Dam
Concrete or masonry structures that curve upstream into a reservoir stretching from one
wall of a river canyon

Buttress Dam
Consist of a wall or face supported by several buttresses on the downstream side. The
distance of each buttress is 6-30 m.

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Module 3 Relative Equilibrium of Liquids

Analysis of Gravity Dam

A dam is subjected to hydrostatic force due to water which is raised on its upstream side.
These forces cause the dam to slide horizontally on its foundation and overturn it about its
downstream edge or toe.
These tendencies are resisted by friction on the base of the dam and gravitational forces
which causes a moment opposite to overturning moment, OM.
These may also be prevented from sliding by keying its base.

Forces Acting on a Gravity Dam

1. Weight of the Dam
2. Water Pressure
3. Uplift Pressure
4. Wave Pressure
5. Earth and Silt Pressure
6. Earthquake Forces
7. Ice Pressure

A. Vertical Forces
1. Gravity Force (Weight of the Dam)
• The largest force acting on the mass of the dam is its weight or gravity
force.
• The weight or the gravity force is
where Wc- weight of the concrete
𝜸c – unit weight of the concrete
𝜸c = 23.54 KN/m3
Vc- volume of the concrete

2. Gravity Force (Weight of Water if any)

Where Ww- weight of the water
𝜸w – unit weight of the water
𝜸w = 9.81 KN/m3
Vw- volume of the water
3. Hydrostatic Uplift
• Some water under pressure find their way between the base of the dam and the
foundation.
• This causes part of the total weight of the structure to be supported by water which
consequently reduces the reaction of the foundation and the general stability of the
dam. The effect is called hydrostatic uplift.
• In any design, the amount of uplift force U is mainly a matter of judgment based upon
the following factors:
❖ The physical characteristics of the foundation.
❖ The measures taken to prevent percolation.
❖ The projected efficiency of foundation drains.
❖ The method of construction to be employed.

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Module 3 Relative Equilibrium of Liquids

• Based from the design and construction of existing dam, the acceptable practice is to
consider the full hydrostatic pressure applied over two-thirds of the horizontal base
area.
4. Seismic Force
• Earthquake occurs in practically all parts of the world and hence, adequate allowance
should be made to include seismic forces in the design of gravity dams.

Steps in the Analysis of Gravity Dams

I. Consider 1unit (1m) length of the dam (perpendicular to the sketch)
II. Determine all the forces acting
A. Vertical Forces
1. Weight of the dam
2. Weight of the water
3. Weight of the permanent structures of the dam
4. Hydrostatic uplift
B. Horizontal Force
1. Total Hydrostatic force acting on the projection of the submerged
portion of the dam
2. Wind Pressure
3. Wave Action
4. Floating Bodies
5. Earthquake load

III. Solve for the reaction

A. Vertical Reaction, Ry
B. Horizontal Reaction, Rx
IV. Moment About the Toe
A. Righting Moment, RM (rotation towards the upstream side)
B. Overturning Moment, OM (rotation towards the downstream side)
V. Location of Ry
VI. Factor of Safety Against Sliding, FSS
Factor of Safety Against Sliding, FSO
µ - coefficient of friction between the base of the dam and the foundation

Example 3.2:
The section of the masonry dam is shown. Assuming uplift pressure varies
linearly from maximum hydrostatic pressure at the heel to zero at the location of the drain,
determine the (a) location of the resultant force (b) factor of safety against sliding if 𝝁 = 0.75 (c)
factor of safety against overturning.

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Module 3 Relative Equilibrium of Liquids

I. Consider 1m length of dam.

II. Forces
𝑊1 = 𝛾1 𝑉1
𝑘𝑁 1
𝑊1 = (23.54 𝑚3 ) [2 (5.2𝑚)(52𝑚)(1𝑚)]

𝑾𝟏 = 𝟑𝟏𝟖𝟑 𝒌𝑵

𝑊2 = 𝛾2 𝑉2
𝑘𝑁
𝑊2 = (23.54 𝑚3 )[(7𝑚)(52𝑚)(1𝑚)]

𝑾𝟐 = 𝟖𝟓𝟔𝟗 𝒌𝑵

𝑊3 = 𝛾3 𝑉3
𝑘𝑁 1
𝑊3 = (23.54 𝑚3 ) [2 (26𝑚)(52𝑚)(1𝑚)]

𝑾𝟑 = 𝟏𝟓 𝟗𝟏𝟑 𝒌𝑵

𝑘𝑁 1
𝑊4 = (9.81 𝑚3 ) [2 (5𝑚)(50𝑚)(1𝑚)]

𝑾𝟒 = 𝟏𝟐𝟐𝟔. 𝟑 𝒌𝑵

𝟏 𝑘𝑁
𝑼= (9.81 𝑚3 )(50𝑚)(23.2 𝑚)(1𝑚)
𝟐

𝑼 = 𝟓 𝟔𝟗𝟎 𝒌𝑵

̅𝑨
𝑭 = 𝜸𝒉

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𝑘𝑁
𝑭 = (9.81 𝑚3 )(25𝑚)(50𝑚)(1𝑚)

𝑭 = 𝟏𝟐 𝟐𝟔𝟑 𝒌𝑵
III. Reaction
𝑅𝑥 = 𝐹
𝑹𝒙 = 𝟏𝟐 𝟐𝟔𝟑 𝒌𝑵

𝑹𝒚 = 𝑾𝟏 + 𝑾𝟐 + 𝑾𝟑 − 𝑼

𝑹𝒚 = 3183 𝑘𝑁 + 8569 𝑘𝑁 + 15 913 𝑘𝑁 + 1226.3 𝑘𝑁 − 5 690 𝑘𝑁

𝑹𝒚 = 𝟐𝟑 𝟐𝟎𝟏. 𝟑 𝒌𝑵

IV. Moment
𝑅𝑀 = 𝑊1 𝑥̅1 + 𝑊2 𝑥̅2 + 𝑊3 𝑥̅3 + 𝑊4 𝑥̅4
𝑅𝑀 = 3183 𝑘𝑁 (34.73𝑚) + 8569𝑘𝑁 (29.5𝑚) + 15915 𝑘𝑁 (17.33𝑚) + 1226.3 𝑘𝑁 (36.53𝑚)

𝑹𝑴 = 𝟔𝟖𝟑 𝟗𝟎𝟎. 𝟏𝟐 𝒌𝑵 − 𝒎

̅̅̅ − (𝑼)(𝒛)
𝑶𝑴 = (𝑭)(𝒚)
𝟓𝟎
𝑶𝑴 = 𝟏𝟐 𝟐𝟔𝟑 𝒌𝑵 ( 𝟑 𝒎) − 𝟓𝟔𝟗𝟎 𝒌𝑵 (𝟑𝟎. 𝟒𝟕𝒎)

𝑶𝑴 = 𝟑𝟕𝟕 𝟕𝟓𝟖 𝒌𝑵 − 𝒎

V. Location of 𝑅𝑦

𝑅𝑦 𝑥̅ = 𝑅𝑀 − 𝑂𝑀

(23 201.3 𝑘𝑁) 𝑥̅ = (683 900.12 𝑘𝑁 − 𝑚) − (377 758 𝑘𝑁 − 𝑚)

̅ = 𝟏𝟑. 𝟐 𝒎
𝒙
The resultant force is 13.2m from the toe.
VI. Factors of Safety
𝜇𝑅𝑦
𝐹𝑆𝑠 = 𝑅𝑥

(0.75) (23 201.3 𝑘𝑁)

𝐹𝑆𝑠 = 12 263 𝑘𝑁

𝑭𝑺𝒔 = 𝟏. 𝟒𝟐

𝑅𝑀
𝐹𝑆𝑂 = 𝑂𝑀
683 900.12 𝑘𝑁−𝑚
𝐹𝑆𝑂 = 377 758 𝑘𝑁−𝑚

𝑭𝑺𝑶 = 𝟏. 𝟖𝟏

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VII. Foundation Pressures

𝐵
𝑒 = − 𝑥̅
2
38.2 𝑚
𝑒 = − 13.2 𝑚
2
𝐵
𝑒 = 5.9 𝑚 < 6

−𝑅𝑦 6𝑒
𝑞 = (1 ± )
𝐵 𝐵
−23 201.3 𝑘𝑁 6(5.9𝑚)
𝑞 = [1 ± ]
38.2 𝑚 38.2 𝑚

Stress at the toe (use +)

𝒒𝒕 = − 𝟏𝟏𝟕𝟎. 𝟐𝟏 𝒌𝑷𝒂

Stress at the heel (use -)

𝒒𝒉 = − 𝟒𝟒. 𝟓𝟐 𝒌𝑷𝒂

VIII. Unit Horizontal Shearing Stress, 𝑆𝑆

𝑅𝑥
𝑆𝑆 = 𝐴𝑏𝑎𝑠𝑒

12 263 𝑘𝑁
𝑆𝑆 = 38.2𝑚 (1𝑚)

𝑺𝑺 = 𝟑𝟐𝟏 𝒌𝑷𝒂

BUOYANCY
The force that causes objects to float. The buoyant force BF is acting at the center of
buoyancy.

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Archimedes Principle
A body immersed in a fluid is acted upon by an upward force (buoyant force) equal to
the weight of the displaced fluid.
Also known as the Law of Hydrostatics, applies to both floating and submerged bodies to
all fluids.

Where
BF- buoyant force
WB- weight of the body
𝜸B – unit weight of the body
𝜸F – unit weight of the fluid
VB- volume of the body
VD- volume displaced
To solve problems in buoyancy, identify the forces acting and apply conditions of static
equilibrium:

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Module 3 Relative Equilibrium of Liquids

• For homogenous solid body of volume V floating in a homogenous fluid at rest

If the body of height H has a constant horizontal cross-sectional area A such as vertical
cylinders

• If the body is of uniform cross-sectional area A, the area submerged AS

Example 3.3 :
An iceberg having specific gravity of 0.92 is floating in seawater of specific
gravity 1.03. If the volume of ice above the water surface is 1000 m3 , what is the total volume of
the ice?

Given:
𝑠𝑖𝑐𝑒𝑏𝑒𝑟𝑔 = 0.92
𝑠𝑠𝑒𝑎𝑤𝑎𝑡𝑒𝑟 = 1.03
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Module 3 Relative Equilibrium of Liquids

𝑉𝑎𝑏𝑜𝑣𝑒 = 1000𝑚3

Required:
𝑉𝑖𝑐𝑒𝑏𝑒𝑟𝑔 = ?

Solution:
𝐵𝐹 − 𝑊𝑖𝑐𝑒 = 0
𝛾𝑠𝑒𝑎𝑤𝑎𝑡𝑒𝑟 𝑉𝑑𝑖𝑠𝑝𝑙𝑎𝑐𝑒𝑑 − 𝛾𝑖𝑐𝑒𝑏𝑒𝑟𝑔 𝑉𝑖𝑐𝑒𝑏𝑒𝑟𝑔 = 0

𝑘𝑁 3
𝑘𝑁
(1.03)(9.81 )(𝑉𝑖𝑐𝑒𝑏𝑒𝑟𝑔 − 1000𝑚 ) − (0.92)(9.81 )𝑉 = 0
𝑚3 𝑚3 𝑖𝑐𝑒𝑏𝑒𝑟𝑔

10.1043 𝑉𝑖𝑐𝑒𝑏𝑒𝑟𝑔 − 10104.3 − 9.0252 𝑉𝑖𝑐𝑒𝑏𝑒𝑟𝑔 = 0

𝑽𝒊𝒄𝒆𝒃𝒆𝒓𝒈 = 𝟗𝟑𝟔𝟑. 𝟔𝟑𝟔 𝒎𝟑

Example 3.4:
A wooden buoy of specific gravity 0.62 is 50mm x 50mm x 3m long and is made to float
in sea water of specific gravity 1.025. How many N of steel of specific gravity 7.85 should be
attached to the bottom to make the buoy float with exactly 450mm exposed above the water
surface?

Given:
𝒔𝒘𝒐𝒐𝒅 = 𝟎. 𝟔𝟐
𝒔𝒔𝒕𝒆𝒆𝒍 = 𝟕. 𝟖𝟓
𝒔𝒔𝒆𝒂𝒘𝒂𝒕𝒆𝒓 = 𝟏. 𝟎𝟐𝟓
Wood dimensions = 50mm x 50mm x 3m long
Length exposed = 450 mm
Required:
𝑾𝒔𝒕𝒆𝒆𝒍 = ?
Solution:
∑ 𝑭𝒗 = 𝟎
𝑩𝑭𝒘𝒐𝒐𝒅 + 𝑩𝑭𝒔𝒕𝒆𝒆𝒍 − 𝑾𝒘𝒐𝒐𝒅 − 𝑾𝒔𝒕𝒆𝒆𝒍 = 𝟎
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𝑩𝑭𝒔𝒕𝒆𝒆𝒍 = 𝜸𝒔𝒘 𝑽𝒔𝒕𝒆𝒆𝒍

𝑁
𝑩𝑭𝒔𝒕𝒆𝒆𝒍 = (1.025)(9810 )𝑉𝑠𝑡𝑒𝑒𝑙
𝑚3
𝑩𝑭𝒔𝒕𝒆𝒆𝒍 = 𝟏𝟎𝟎𝟓𝟓. 𝟐𝟓 𝑵 𝑉𝑠𝑡𝑒𝑒𝑙

𝑩𝑭𝒘𝒐𝒐𝒅 = 𝜸𝒔𝒘 𝑽𝒅𝒊𝒔𝒑𝒍𝒂𝒄𝒆𝒅

𝑁
𝑩𝑭𝒘𝒐𝒐𝒅 = (1.025)(9810 )(0.05𝑚)(0.05𝑚)(2.55𝑚)
𝑚3
𝑩𝑭𝒘𝒐𝒐𝒅 = 𝟔𝟒. 𝟏 𝑵

𝑾𝒘𝒐𝒐𝒅 = 𝜸𝒘𝒐𝒐𝒅 𝑽𝒘𝒐𝒐𝒅

𝑁
𝑾𝒘𝒐𝒐𝒅 = (𝟎. 𝟔𝟐)(9810 )(0.05𝑚) (0.05𝑚)(3𝑚)
𝑚3
𝑾𝒘𝒐𝒐𝒅 = 𝟒𝟓. 𝟔𝟐 𝑵

𝑾𝒔𝒕𝒆𝒆𝒍 = 𝜸𝒔𝒕𝒆𝒆𝒍 𝑽𝒔𝒕𝒆𝒆𝒍

𝑁
𝑾𝒔𝒕𝒆𝒆𝒍 = (7.85)(9810 )𝑉𝑠𝑡𝑒𝑒𝑙
𝑚3

𝑾𝒔𝒕𝒆𝒆𝒍 = 𝟕𝟕𝟎𝟎𝟖. 𝟓 𝑵 𝑉𝑠𝑡𝑒𝑒𝑙

𝟏𝟎𝟎𝟓𝟓. 𝟐𝟓 𝑵 𝑉𝑠𝑡𝑒𝑒𝑙 + 𝟔𝟒. 𝟏 𝑵 − 𝟒𝟓. 𝟔𝟐 𝑵 − 𝟕𝟕𝟎𝟎𝟖. 𝟓 𝑵 𝑉𝑠𝑡𝑒𝑒𝑙 = 𝟎

𝑉𝑠𝑡𝑒𝑒𝑙 = 0.000276 𝑚3

𝑊𝑠𝑡𝑒𝑒𝑙 = 𝛾𝑠𝑡𝑒𝑒𝑙 𝑉𝑠𝑡𝑒𝑒𝑙

𝑘𝑁
𝑊𝑠𝑡𝑒𝑒𝑙 = (7.85) (9.81 3
)( 0.000276𝑚3 )
𝑚
𝑾𝒔𝒕𝒆𝒆𝒍 = 𝟐𝟏. 𝟐𝟓𝟓 𝑵

Stability of Floating Bodies

A floating body in equilibrium is supported by a buoyant force which is equal ,
opposite to and along the same line of action as its gravity or weight.
A floating body may be classified in any one of the following conditions of
equilibrium:
1. Stable equilibrium
2. Neutral equilibrium
3. Unstable equilibrium
Stable Equilibrium
If the body will restored back to its original position after having been slightly displaced,
either linearly or rotationally.
It will always be maintained if the position of the center of gravity, G of the floating body
is below the center of buoyancy Bo.
Neutral Equilibrium

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Homogenous cylinder or sphere having the center of gravity at its geometrical centroid
will float in a condition of neutral equilibrium.
The buoyant force BF and the weight W will always be concurrent. There will be no RM or
OM.
Unstable Equilibrium
It continues moving in the direction of the displaced motion. It is possible for a floating body
where Bo is below G except in the case of a homogenous sphere or cylinder.
Where
• RM –restoring moment or the moment that will bring back the body to its original
position
• OM or UM- overturning or upsetting moment which will cause the initial motion
to continue in the direction of the displacement until the vessel capsizes. This is
the case of unstable equilibrium.

Elements of Floating Body

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W-weight of the body

BF-buoyant force (always equal to W for floating body)
G- center of gravity of the body
Bo- center of buoyancy in the upright position (centroid of the displaced body)
Bo’- center of buoyancy in the tilted position
VD- volume displaced
M- metacenter, the point of intersection between the line of action of the buoyant
force and the axis of the body
c- center of gravity of the wedges (immersion and emersion)
s- horizontal distance between the center of gravity of the wedges.
v- volume of the wedge immersion
𝜽 – angle of tilting
GBo- distance from G to Bo
MBo- distance from M to Bo
MG – metacentric height, distance from M to G
(use – if G is above Bo and + if G is below Bo)
Note: M is always above Bo

Example 3.5:
A rectangular scow, 9m wide 15m long and 3.6m high has a draft of 2.4m in seawater. Its
center of gravity is 2.70m above its bottom. (a) Determine the initial metacentric height. (b) If
the scow tilts until one side is just at the point of submergence, determine the righting or the
overturning moment.
Solution:
a. Initial Metacentric Height

𝐵2 𝑡𝑎𝑛2 𝜃
𝑀𝐵𝑂 = [1 + ] where 𝜃 = 0°
12 𝐷 2

(9𝑚)2 𝑡𝑎𝑛2 0
𝑀𝐵𝑂 = [1 + ]
12 (2.4𝑚) 2

𝑴𝑩𝑶 = 𝟐. 𝟖𝟏𝟐𝟓 𝒎

𝐺𝐵𝑂 = 2.7𝑚 − 1.20 𝑚 = 1.50𝑚

𝐼𝑛𝑖𝑡𝑖𝑎𝑙 𝑀𝑒𝑡𝑎𝑐𝑒𝑛𝑡𝑟𝑖𝑐 𝐻𝑒𝑖𝑔ℎ𝑡, 𝑀𝐺 = 𝑀𝐵𝑂 − 𝐺𝐵𝑂
𝐼𝑛𝑖𝑡𝑖𝑎𝑙 𝑀𝑒𝑡𝑎𝑐𝑒𝑛𝑡𝑟𝑖𝑐 𝐻𝑒𝑖𝑔ℎ𝑡, 𝑀𝐺 = 2.8125𝑚 − 1.50𝑚
𝑰𝒏𝒊𝒕𝒊𝒂𝒍 𝑴𝒆𝒕𝒂𝒄𝒆𝒏𝒕𝒓𝒊𝒄 𝑯𝒆𝒊𝒈𝒉𝒕, 𝑴𝑮 = 𝟏. 𝟑𝟏𝟐𝟓 𝒎

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b.

12
𝑡𝑎𝑛 𝜃 = = 14.93°
4.5

𝐵2 𝑡𝑎𝑛2 𝜃
𝑀𝐵𝑂 = [1 + ]
12 𝐷 2

(9𝑚)2 𝑡𝑎𝑛2 14.93°

𝑀𝐵𝑂 = [1 + ]
12 (2.4𝑚) 2

𝑴𝑩𝑶 = 2.91 m

Accelerated Liquids in Relative Equilibrium

The entire mass, including the vessel is neither in equilibrium or at rest relative to earth.
The mass of liquid in relative equilibrium is free from any shear stress due to the absence of any
motion between each particle and also between the liquid mass itself and the container.
Cases of Relative Equilibrium
1. Translation of liquid mass horizontally and vertically
2. Rotation of liquid mass
Translation of Liquid Mass Under Constant Acceleration
a. Horizontal acceleration

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Example 3.6:
An open rectangular tank mounted on a truck is 5m long 2m wide and 2.5m high is filled
with water to a depth of 2m. (a) What maximum horizontal acceleration is imposed on the tank
without spilling any water? (b) Determine the acceleration forces on the liquid mass. (c ) If the
acceleration is increased to 6 m/s2, how much water is spilled out?

Solution:
a. The figure shows the water level under maximum a when no water is spilled out.
0.5𝑚 𝑎
𝑡𝑎𝑛 𝜃 = 2.5𝑚 = 0.2 but 𝑡𝑎𝑛 𝜃 = 𝑔

𝑎
0.2 =
𝑔
𝑚
𝑎 = 0.2 (9.81 )
𝑠2
𝒎
𝒂 = 𝟏. 𝟗𝟔𝟐
𝒔𝟐
b.
𝐴𝑐𝑐𝑒𝑙𝑒𝑟𝑎𝑡𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝐹𝑜𝑟𝑐𝑒, 𝐹 = 𝑀𝑎
but 𝑀𝑎𝑠𝑠, 𝑀 = 𝜌𝑉𝑙𝑖𝑞𝑢𝑖𝑑
𝑘𝑔
𝑀𝑎𝑠𝑠, 𝑀 = (1000 ) ( 5𝑚)(2𝑚)(2𝑚) = 20000 𝑘𝑔
𝑚3

𝐹 = 𝑀𝑎
𝑚
𝐹 = (20000𝑘𝑔) (9.81 𝑠2 )

𝑭 = 𝟑𝟗𝟐𝟒𝟎 𝑵

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𝑚
b. When a = 6 𝑠2

𝑚
𝑎 6 2
𝑠
𝑡𝑎𝑛 𝜃 = 𝑔 = 𝑚
9.81 2
𝑠

𝜃 = 31.45°

𝑥 = 2.5𝑐𝑜𝑡 31.45°
𝑥 = 4.0875𝑚 < 5𝑚 (there will be volume spilled)

1
𝑉𝑓𝑖𝑛𝑎𝑙 = (4.0875𝑚 )(2.5𝑚 )(2𝑚) = 10.22 𝑚3
2
𝑉𝑖𝑛𝑖𝑡𝑖𝑎𝑙 = (2𝑚)(2𝑚)(5𝑚) = 20 𝑚3

𝑉𝑠𝑝𝑖𝑙𝑙𝑒𝑑 = 𝑉𝑖𝑛𝑖𝑡𝑖𝑎𝑙 − 𝑉𝑓𝑖𝑛𝑎𝑙

𝑽𝒔𝒑𝒊𝒍𝒍𝒆𝒅 = 𝟗. 𝟕𝟖𝒎𝟑

c. Inclined Motion

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Use + for upward motion and – for downward motion.

Example 3.7:
A vessel containing oil is accelerated on a plane 15˚ with the horizontal at 1.2 m/s2.
Determine the inclination of the oil surface when the motion is (a) upwards and (b) downwards.
Solution:
𝑎ℎ
𝑡𝑎𝑛 𝜃 =
𝑔 ± 𝑎𝑣

𝑚
𝑎ℎ = 𝑎 𝑐𝑜𝑠𝛼 = (1.2 ) cos 15°
𝑠2
𝑚
𝑎ℎ = 1.159 2
𝑠

𝑚
𝑎𝑣 = 𝑎 𝑠𝑖𝑛 𝛼 = (1.2 2 ) sin 15°
𝑠
𝑚
𝑎𝑣 = 0.31 2
𝑠

a. When the motion is upward

𝑚
1.159
2
𝑡𝑎𝑛 𝜃 = 𝑠
𝑚
𝑔 + 0.31 2
𝑠
𝜽 = 𝟔. 𝟓𝟑𝟑°
b. When the motion is downward
𝑚
1.159
2
𝑡𝑎𝑛 𝜃 = 𝑠
𝑚
𝑔 − 0.31 2
𝑠
𝜽 = 𝟔. 𝟗𝟓𝟓°

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c. Vertical Motion
Consider a mass of fluid accelerated upwards or downwards with an acceleration of a as
shown in the figure.

Use + for upward and – for downward. Use +a for acceleration and –a for
deceleration.

Example 3.8:
An open tank containing oil (s.g. =0.80) is accelerated vertically at 8m/s. Determine the
pressure 3m below the surface if the motion is (a) upward with a positive acceleration (b) upward
with negative acceleration ( c) downward with positive acceleration and (d) downward with
negative acceleration.
Solution:
The pressure at a depth h is given by:
𝒂
𝑷 = 𝜸𝒉 (𝟏 ± )
𝒈
a. Upward motion with a positive acceleration
𝑚
𝑘𝑁 8 2
𝑃 = 9.81 3 (0.8)(3𝑚)(1 + 𝑠
𝑚 𝑚)
9.81 2
𝑠
𝑷 = 𝟒𝟐. 𝟕𝟒 𝒌𝑷𝒂
b. Upward motion with a negative acceleration

𝑚
𝑘𝑁 −8 2
𝑃 = 9.81 3 (0.8)(3𝑚)(1 + 𝑠
𝑚 𝑚)
9.81 2
𝑠
𝑷 = 𝟒. 𝟑𝟒 𝒌𝑷𝒂

c. Downward motion with a positive acceleration

𝑚
𝑘𝑁 8 2
𝑃 = 9.81 3 (0.8)(3𝑚)(1 − 𝑠 )
𝑚 𝑚
9.81 2
𝑠

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𝑷 = 𝟒. 𝟑𝟒 𝒌𝑷𝒂

d. Downward motion with a negative acceleration

𝑚
𝑘𝑁 −8 2
𝑃 = 9.81 3 (0.8)(3𝑚)(1 − 𝑠
𝑚 𝑚)
9.81 2
𝑠
𝑷 = 𝟒𝟐. 𝟕𝟒 𝒌𝑷𝒂

Rotation of Liquid Mass (Rotating Vessel)

When a liquid mass is rotated about a vertical axis at a constant angular speed of 𝝎 (in
radian per second), every particle experiences a normal acceleration of aN, which is equal to
where x- particle’s distance from the axis of rotation
Note: 1 rpm = 𝝅/30 rad/sec
1 rad/sec = 30/𝝅 rpm

Where tan 𝝦 – slope of the paraboloid at any point x from the axis of rotation
For cylindrical container of radius r revolved about its vertical axis, the height h of the
paraboloid

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At any point in the parabola, at a distance x from the vertical axis, the height y is

The volume of the paraboloid of revolution

The squared property of the parabola

Liquid Surface Conditions

A. For open cylindrical tanks more than half full of liquid rotated about its vertical axis

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Example 3.9:
An open cylindrical tank, 2m in diameter and 4m high contains water to a depth of 3m. It is
rotated about its own vertical axis with a constant angular speed 𝟂. (a) If 𝟂 = 3 radian/second,
is there any liquid spilled ? (b) What maximum value of 𝟂 (in rpm) can be imposed without
spilling any liquid? (c ) If 𝟂 = 8 radian/second, how much water is spilled out? (d) What angular
speed will just zero the depth of water at the center of the tank? (e) If 𝟂 = 100 rpm, how much
area at the bottom of the tank is uncovered?

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Solution:
𝜔2𝑟 2
a. ℎ = 2𝑔
𝑟𝑎𝑑 2
(3 𝑠 ) (1𝑚)2
ℎ = 𝑚
2 (9.81 2 )
𝑠
ℎ = 0.46 𝑚
ℎ
= 0.23 𝑚 < 1𝑚
2
Therefore, no liquid spilled out.

ℎ
b. The maximum ω so that there is no liquid spilled is such that 2 = 1𝑚 or h =2m.

𝜔2𝑟 2
ℎ = 2𝑔

𝜔2 (1𝑚)2
2𝑚 = 𝑚
2 (9.81 2 )
𝑠
𝑟𝑎𝑑 30
𝜔 = 6.26 ( )
𝑠 𝜋
𝝎 = 𝟓𝟗. 𝟕𝟖 𝒓𝒑𝒎

𝜔2𝑟 2
c. ℎ = 2𝑔
𝑟𝑎𝑑 2
(8 𝑠 ) (1𝑚)2
ℎ = 𝑚
2 (9.81 2 )
𝑠
ℎ = 3.26 𝑚

ℎ
= 1.63 𝑚 > 1𝑚
2
Some liquid are spilled but the vortex of the paraboloid is inside the tank since h<4m.

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𝑉𝑠𝑝𝑖𝑙𝑙𝑒𝑑 = 𝑉𝑎𝑖𝑟 𝑓𝑖𝑛𝑎𝑙 − 𝑉𝑎𝑖𝑟 𝑖𝑛𝑖𝑡𝑖𝑎𝑙

𝑉𝑎𝑖𝑟 𝑓𝑖𝑛𝑎𝑙 = 𝑉𝑝𝑎𝑟𝑎𝑏𝑜𝑙𝑜𝑖𝑑

1
𝑉𝑎𝑖𝑟 𝑓𝑖𝑛𝑎𝑙 = 𝜋 (1𝑚)2 (3.26𝑚)
2
𝑉𝑎𝑖𝑟 𝑓𝑖𝑛𝑎𝑙 = 5.121 𝑚3

𝑉𝑎𝑖𝑟 𝑖𝑛𝑖𝑡𝑖𝑎𝑙 = 𝜋 (1𝑚)2 (1𝑚)

𝑉𝑎𝑖𝑟 𝑖𝑛𝑖𝑡𝑖𝑎𝑙 = 3.142 𝑚3

𝑉𝑠𝑝𝑖𝑙𝑙𝑒𝑑 = 𝑉𝑎𝑖𝑟 𝑓𝑖𝑛𝑎𝑙 − 𝑉𝑎𝑖𝑟 𝑖𝑛𝑖𝑡𝑖𝑎𝑙

𝑉𝑠𝑝𝑖𝑙𝑙𝑒𝑑 = 5.121 𝑚3 − 3.142 𝑚3

𝑽𝒔𝒑𝒊𝒍𝒍𝒆𝒅 = 𝟏. 𝟗𝟕𝟗 𝒎𝟑

d. The vortex touches the bottom when h=4m

𝜔2 𝑟 2
ℎ =
2𝑔
𝜔2 (1𝑚)2
4𝑚 = 𝑚
2 (9.81 2 )
𝑠
𝑟𝑎𝑑 30
𝜔 = 8.86 ( )
𝑠 𝜋
𝜔 = 84.6 𝑟𝑝𝑚

𝜋 𝑟𝑎𝑑
e. 𝜔 = 100 𝑟𝑝𝑚 (30 ) = 3.33𝜋 𝑠
2 2
𝜔 𝑟
ℎ =
2𝑔
𝑟𝑎𝑑 2
(3.33𝜋 𝑠 ) (1𝑚)2
ℎ = 𝑚
2 (9.81 2 )
𝑠

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ℎ = 5.58𝑚 > 4𝑚
The vortex of the paraboloid is already below the tank (imaginary).

𝑨𝒓𝒆𝒂 = 𝝅𝒙𝟐
𝒚 = 𝟓. 𝟓𝟖𝒎 − 𝟒𝒎
𝒚 = 𝟏. 𝟓𝟖𝒎

By the squared property of the parabola:

𝑥2 𝑟2
=
𝑦 ℎ
𝑥2 (1)2
=
1.58𝑚 5.58𝑚
𝑥 2 = 0.283 𝑚2

𝑨𝒓𝒆𝒂 = 𝝅 (0.283 𝑚2 )

𝑨𝒓𝒆𝒂 = 𝟎. 𝟖𝟖𝟗𝒎𝟐

End of Module Exercises

1. A wood stave pipe, 120 cm inside diameter, is to resist a maximum water pressure of
1200 kPa. If the staves are bound by steel flat bands (10cm by 2.50cm), find the spacing
of the bands if its allowable stress is 105 MPa.
2. The section of the gravity dam is as shown in the figure. Assume hydrostatic uplift to
vary uniformly from full hydrostatic uplift from the heel to zero at the toe. Determine the
total reaction per unit length at the base of the dam. Use the specific gravity of concrete =
2.35.

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3. A concrete anchor (s=2.40) weighing 670N is tied to the end of a long timber which
measures 20 cm by 20 cm by 6m. The anchor does not reach the bottom of the container
but submerged 5m of the timber. What is the specific gravity of the timber?
4. A spherical balloon weighs 3115 N. How many Newtons of helium have to be put at the
balloon to cause it to rise, (a) at sea level ? (b) at an elevation of 4570m?
5. A ship of 35.6 MN displacement floats in seawater (s=1.03) with its axis of symmetry
vertical when the weight of 445 kN is midship. Moving the weight 3m toward one side of
the deck causes a plumb bob, suspended at the end of a string 4m long, to move 25 cm.
Determine the metacentric height.
6. The tank on the trailer truck shown below is filled completely with gasoline, which has a
specific weight of 6.60 kN/m3. The truck is decelerating at a rate of 3.05 m/s2. If the tank
on the trailer is 6.1 m long and if the pressure at the top rear end of the tank is
atmospheric, what is the pressure at the top front?

7. The tank shown in the figure is filled with water and accelerated. Calculate the maximum
pressure in the tank if:
𝑚
a. 𝑎𝑥 = 20 𝑠2 , 𝑎𝑧 = 0 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝐿 = 2𝑚
𝑚
b. 𝑎𝑥 = 0 , 𝑎𝑧 = 20 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝐿 = 2𝑚
𝑠2
𝑚 𝑚
c. 𝑎𝑥 = 18 , 𝑎𝑧 = 18 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝐿 = 1.8𝑚
𝑠2 𝑠2
𝑚
d. 𝑎𝑥 = 0, 𝑎𝑧 = 18 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝐿 = 1.8𝑚
𝑠2

8. The tank shown is filled with water and accelerated. Find the pressure at A if:
𝑚
a. 𝑎 = 20 𝑠2 , 𝐿 = 1𝑚
𝑚
b. 𝑎 = 10 , 𝐿 = 1.5𝑚
𝑠2

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9. A cylindrical bucket is accelerated upward with an acceleration of gravity. If the bucket

is 0.60m in diameter and 1.20m deep, what is the force on the bottom of the bucket if it
𝑁
contains 0.90m depth of wet concrete whose specific weight is 22 000 𝑚3 ? What is the
𝑚
force on the bottom if the bucket is accelerated downward at 9.81𝑠2 ?
10. When the U-tube is not rotated, the water stands in the tube as shown. If the tube is
rotated about the eccentric axis at a rate of 8 rad/s, what are the new levels of water in
the tube?

11. If the water which just fills a hemispherical bowl of 1m radius be made to rotate
uniformly about the vertical axis of the bowl at a rate of 30 rpm, determine the amount of
water that will spill out?
12. A closed cylindrical container with axis vertical, 2m high and 0.60m in diameter is filled
with water, the intensity of pressure at the top being 140 kPa. The metal making up the
0.25 cm thick. If the vessel is rotated about its vertical axis at 240 rpm, compute the (a)
total pressure on the side wall (b) total pressure against the top (c) maximum intensity of
hoop tension in Pascal.

References:
Potter, M , C., et al. Mechanics of Fluids 5th Ed., Cengage Learning Asia Pte Ltd, 2017
Gillesania, DI T., Fluid Mechanics and Hydraulics , GPP Gillesania Printing Press, 2003
Dela Fuente, R. , Hydraulics, Merriam & Webster Inc, 1991
Websites
www. mathalino.com

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