Abstract:

This experiment has been done in order to determine the hydrostatic

forces that act on a plane surfaced immersed in water and to determine
the position of the line of action of the thrust form. This could be done
by using the hydrostatic pressure apparatus. (See Figure 1).

Figure 1
List of Figures:
Figure 1------------------------------------------------------------ 1
Nomenclature:

Name and Symbol SI Units

Hydrostatic Force (F) N
Density Kg/m^3
Acc. Due to gravity (g) m/s^2
Experimental Center of pressure Yp m
Theoretical Center of Pressure h m
Mass Kg
Introduction:
Hydrostatic Pressure is one of the important fields in fluid mechanics.
Frankly speaking, the definition of the hydrostatic pressure is the
pressure equivalent to that exerted on a surface by a column of water of
a given height. Hydrostatic pressure can explain why does the surface of
water is always horizontal whatever the shape of the container.
Therefore it is important to know about it.
Objectives:
1. To determine the hydrostatic force acting on a plane surface immersed
in water.
2. To determine the position of the line of action of the thrust force.
3. Calculate the hydrostatic force acting on a plane surface immersed in
water for the cases of partially and fully submerged bodies.
4. Determine the position of the line of action of the thrust force and
compare the position determined by experiment with the theoretical
position.

Equipment:
1. Hydrostatic Pressure Apparatus
2. A set of weights
3. A jug
Procedures:
1. Ensure that the base and the balance arm are horizontal
2. The drain valve is closed
3. Add small masses to observe the change
4. Add water using the jug in the triangular aperture adjacent to the
pivot point.
5. When increasing weights, add water until the arm is horizontal
6. Read the depth
7. When taking your readings, try to take them by placing your eyes
parallel to the container in order to minimize the error.
Theory:
Partially submerged Fully submerged
Hydrostatic force (N) 2 D
F  g
Bd F  gBD(d  )
2 2
Experimental centre of mgL mL
pressure (m) yp  yp 
F D
BD(d  )
2
Theoretical centre of d D2 D
pressure (m) hH  (d  ) 2
3
h  12 2 H d
D
d
2

Constants:
Density of water = 1000 kg/m^3
Gravitational Acceleration = 9.81 m/s^2
Horizontal distance (L)= 275mm
Height of the Quadrant (D)= 100mm
Width of the Quadrant (B)= 75mm
Vertical Distance (H)= 200mm
Results:
Mass (kg) Depth (m) F(N) Yp (m) h(m)
0.05 0.049 0.8833 0.1527 0.1837
0.1 0.068 1.7011 0.1586 0.1773
0.15 0.085 2.6579 0.1522 0.1717
0.24 0.107 4.2118 0.1537 0.1643
0.36 (Fully 0.138 6.4746 0.1500 0.1877
Submerged)
Discussion:

Conclusion: