Introduction

What is fluid statics?

Fluid Dynamics I – Learn the Basics

Fluid Statics
Overview

1 Introduction

2 The Nature of Gravity

3 Some Examples of Fluid Statics

4 Summary
Introduction
❖ If a fluid is at rest in a gravitational field (such as the gravity force we experience on
the Earth), it will exert a pressure force on any surrounding surfaces. This is the
consequence of Newton’s Second Law.

❖ If a system containing a fluid is at rest, then the body is in equilibrium with respect to
the forces act on it’s boundary (𝐹Ԧ𝑠 ):

෍ 𝐹Ԧ𝑠 = 0

❖ This will lead to the hydrostatic equation.

❖ Applications are numerous, including determining forces on submerged bodies and

enabling pressure and flow measurement using the barometer and manometer.
The Nature of Gravity
❖ Gravity creates a body force on a fluid
❖ Since the fluid has mass, a force will act on the fluid in the
direction of the gravitational acceleration vector.

❖ This force “acts at a distance” since the gravitational

acceleration affects the fluid mass uniformly.

❖ A fluid can also experience an “artificial gravity” due to the

acceleration of the fluid in an enclosure.

(Example – fluid spinning in a centrifuge)

❖ If the fluid remains at rest, the gravitational body force Laboratory centrifuge
will set up a pressure variation in the fluid.
Some Examples of Fluid Statics
❖ Hydro Dams

❖ Liquid barometers

❖ Manometers

❖ Reservoirs

Reservoir

Dam
 Summary
❖ Fluid statics analysis has many applications.

❖ The goal is to understand the forces due to fluids at rest

with respect their containers (zero velocity).

❖ The most common applications involve terrestrial

gravity but can also be applied to accelerating frames of
reference (“artificial gravity”).

Municipal water tower