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U3-Hydrostatic pressure Lab Report 2021-22

Mechanical Engineering Laboratory 1 (Universiti Malaya)

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JABATAN KEJURUTERAAN MEKANIK

Department of Mechanical Engineering

LAPORAN MAKMAL
Laboratory Report

Sesi & Sem 2021/Semester 1

Session & Sem
Kod & Nama Kursus KIG1003 MECHANICAL ENGINEERING
Course Code & Name LABORATORY I & COMMUNICATION
Tajuk Ujikaji U3 – Hydrostatic Pressure
Title of Experiment
Nama MUHAMMAD AKMAL RAZIQ BIN SHAHNON
Name
No. Kad Matrix U2001360
Matrix Number
Nombor Kumpulan G3-M5
Group Number
Demo RAZIMAH BT RUZAIMAY
Demonstrator
Tarikh Ujikaji 26/11/2021
Experiment Date
Tarikh Hantar 17/12/2021
Submission Date

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1. Abstract
The purpose of the experiment is to design an experiment to find the magnitude of hydrostatic
forces due to water and for fully and partial submerged plane surface, to determine the
position of the line of action of the thrust and to compare the position determined by
experiment with the theoretical position. The Hydrostatic Pressure Demonstration Apparatus
will be set up and it will be filled with water before placing weights at the balance arm. Water
will be added until the balance arm was at equilibrium position according to the level
indicator, implying that the moment acting on the balance arm and the hydrostatic pressure
acting on the plane surfaces by the water are at an equilibrium condition. The forces which
create these moments are the weight applied to the balance arm and the hydrostatic force on
the vertical surface. The height from the water surface to the centre of pressure will be taken
from the scale on the plane surface and recorded down. More weights will be added and the
water level will be increased accordingly. The data obtained are the experimental value of this
experiment. The theoretical value of the experiment will be calculated by using the Fluid
Statics theory. Both set of data values will be compared.

2. Title
U3 – Hydrostatic Pressure

3. Introduction
Hydrostatic pressure is the pressure exerted by a liquid at rest due to the weight of fluid
(Helm, R). When a surface was exposed to a liquid, fluid pressure will act on the surface. On
a plane surface, the hydrostatic forces form a system of parallel forces, and we often need to
determine the magnitude of the force and its point of application, which is called
the centre of pressure (Çengel, Y. and Cimbala, J., 2017, pg. 92).

The study of hydrostatic force is important when designing a system or buildings that involve
liquid like naval architecture and marine engineering where the construct will always be in
constant contact with liquid. One of such examples is the construction of dams like Hoover
Dam. The pressure exerted by liquid varies according to the depth. The deeper the depth, the
higher the pressure exerted. For curved surfaces like dams, the determination of resultant
hydrostatic forces can be done by resolving them into horizontal and vertical component. In
the case that the curved surface is a circular arc, the resultant force will resolve at the origin of
the radii as the line of action of pressure is normal to the surface and it will pass through the
origin of the circle. Using this knowledge, engineers can calculate the thickness of the dam
needed in order to withstand the pressure exerted on the construct without breaking.

In order to determine the magnitude of the hydrostatic force that acts on a submerged curved
surface-plane, this experiment will utilize the Hydrostatic Pressure Demonstration Apparatus
to simulate a curved surface submerged in water. By filling the tank with water, the quadrant
that serves as the surface-plane will be thrusted upward from the hydrostatic force due to the
water until it reached equilibrium condition with the moment generated by the weights
attached at the end of the balance arm which we can use to determine the magnitude of
hydrostatic force. The line of action can be calculated theoretically and experimentally. The
two sets of data will then be compared in order to see how far does it agree with the theory.

4. Objectives
• To design an experiment to find the magnitude of hydrostatic forces due to water for
fully and partial submerged plane surfaces.
• To determine the position of the line of action of the thrust (centre of pressure) and to
compare the position of determined by experiment with the theoretical position.

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5. List of Nomenclature

m: mass on the weight hanger

L: length of the balance arm

F: Hydrostatic force

Pc: pressure at centroid of the immersed surface

A: area of the immersed surface

yc: centroid of the immersed surface measured from the water surface

ρ: density of fluid

g: acceleration due to gravity

B: width of the quadrant face

d: depth of water from the base of the quadrant

D: height of the quadrant face

y: Distance between the pivot and the centre of pressure

yc = centroid of area

Ix = 2nd moment of area of immersed body

Ic = 2nd moment of area of immersed body about the centroidal axis

6. Theoretical background
In this experiment, hydrostatic force was applied to the vertical surface of the quadrant when
it was submerged in water. The force at any point on the curved surface is normal to the
surface and the force acting on the quadrant, which is a circular surface, will form a resultant
force at the pivot point as it is the origin of the radii. The horizontal force component acting
on sides of the quadrant will cancel each other out as they are equal in magnitude but opposite
in direction and will not influence the movement of the quadrant. The vertical force
component of hydrostatic force is instead counterbalanced by the weights on the balance arm.
When the system is in equilibrium, the moment generated by the moments generated at the
pivot points by the hydrostatic force and the weights added at the weight hanger is equal.

mgL=Fyc (Eq.1)

Magnitude of hydrostatic force acting on immersed surface equations:

F= Pc A= ρ g yc A (Eq.2)

Depth of the centre of pressure below the pivot point:

𝑦 = 𝑦𝑝 + 𝐻 − 𝑑 (Eq.3)

The centre of pressure is calculated as:

𝐼
𝑦𝑝 = 𝐴𝑦𝑥 (Eq.4)
𝑐

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Where:
𝐼𝑥 = 𝐼𝑐 + 𝐴𝑦𝑐2 (Eq.5)

Ic of rectangle quadrant is,

𝑎𝑏3 𝐵𝑑 3
𝐼𝑐 = 12
= 12
(Eq.6)

Partially Submerged Surface-Plane:

Figure 1: Partially submerged surface

Hydrostatic force acting on partially submerged surface:

𝑑
𝑦𝑐 =
2
𝜌 𝑔 𝐵𝑑 2
𝐹=
2

Experimental distance from the pivot edge to the centre of pressure:

𝑚𝑔𝐿
𝑦𝑒𝑥𝑝 = 𝐹 (Derived from Eq.1)

2nd moment of area of partially immersed body,

𝐵𝑑 3 𝑑 2 𝐵𝑑 3
𝐼𝑥 = 12
+ 𝐵𝑑 ( 2 ) = (Eq.7)
3

Theoretical distance to centre of pressure:

From substituting (Eq.4) and (Eq.7) in (Eq.3),
𝑑
𝑦𝑡ℎ𝑒𝑜 = 𝐻 − 3

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Fully Submerged Surface-Plane:

Figure 2: Fully submerged surface

Hydrostatic force acting on fully submerged surface:

𝐷
𝑦𝑐 = 𝑑 − 2
𝐷
𝐹 = 𝜌 𝑔 𝐵𝐷(𝑑 − 2 )

Experimental distance from the pivot edge to the centre of pressure:

𝑚𝑔𝐿 𝑚𝑔𝐿 𝑚𝐿
𝑦𝑒𝑥𝑝 = =
𝐹 𝐷 = 𝐷
𝜌 𝑔 𝐵𝐷(𝑑− ) 𝜌𝐵𝐷(𝑑− )
2 2

2nd moment of area of fully immersed body,

𝐵𝐷 3 𝐷 2 𝐷2 𝐷 2
𝐼𝑥 = 12
+ 𝐵𝐷 (𝑑 − 2 ) = 𝐵𝐷[ 12 + (𝑑 − 2 ) ] (Eq.9)

Theoretical distance to centre of pressure:

From substituting (Eq.4) and (Eq.9) in (Eq.3),

𝐷2 𝐷 2 𝐷2 𝐷 2
𝐵𝐷[ +(𝑑− ) ] +(𝑑− )
12 2 12 2
𝑦𝑡ℎ𝑒𝑜 = 𝐷 +𝐻−𝑑 = 𝐷 +𝐻−𝑑 (Eq.10)
𝐵𝐷(𝑑− ) 𝑑−
2 2

7. Equipment/Apparatus
1. Hydrostatic Pressure Demonstration Apparatus
2. Set of weights
3. A jug
4. 30cm ruler

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Figure 3: Hydrostatic Pressure Demonstration Apparatus

8. Procedures
8.1 The Hydrostatic Pressure Demonstration Apparatus will be placed on a level surface. The
legs will be adjusted until the bubble in the spirit indicator was centred.
8.2 The quadrant surface will be wiped with a wet rag to prevent formation of air bubbles and
remove surface tension.
8.3 The height and width of the quadrant will be measured using a ruler. The horizontal
length of the balance arm from pivot to the weight hanger and the height of the quadrant
from the pivot were measured. All measurements were recorded.
8.4 Return the quadrant on the knife edge pivot and hang the weight hanger at the end of the
balance arm. Adjust the counterweight so the balance arm is horizontal.
8.5 A 50g weight was placed on the weight hanger. The tank was filled with water until the
balance arm was at equilibrium based on the balance arm positioned at the central
marking of the level indicator. The depth of water from the surface to the centre of
pressure was measured from the scale on the quadrant and recorded.
8.6 Step 8.6 was repeated by adding a 50g weights for each case. up to 500g of weights. The
data obtained was recorded.
8.7 One 50g of weight was removed from the weight hanger and the water valve was opened
until the balance arm reached equilibrium condition. The depth of water from the surface
to the centre of pressure was measured from the scale on the quadrant and recorded.
8.8 Step 8.8 was repeated by removing 50g weights for each case until 50g weight are left.
The data obtained was recorded.

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9. Result & Discussion

Table 1: Result of Experiment
Case Mass, m (Kg) Depth of immersion, d (m)
Filling Draining Average
Partially 1 0.05 0.045 0.045 0.045
submerged 2 0.10 0.064 0.065 0.065
3 0.15 0.080 0.080 0.080
4 0.20 0.094 0.094 0.094
5 0.25 0.106 0.107 0.107
Fully 6 0.30 0.119 0.119 0.119
Submerged 7 0.35 0.131 0.131 0.131
8 0.40 0.143 0.144 0.144
9 0.45 0.156 0.156 0.156
10 0.50 0.169 0.169 0.169

Calculations
Case 1:
𝜌 𝑔 𝐵𝑑 2 (1000) (9.81) (0.075)(0.045)2
𝐹= 2
= = 0.745𝑁
2
𝑚𝑔𝐿 (0.05)(9.81)(0.274)
𝑦𝑒𝑥𝑝 = 𝐹 = = 0.18𝑚
0.745
𝑑 0.045
𝑦𝑡ℎ𝑒𝑜 = 𝐻 − 3 = 0.2 − 3 = 0.185𝑚

Case 2:
𝜌 𝑔 𝐵𝑑 2 (1000) (9.81) (0.075)(0.065)2
𝐹= = = 1.554𝑁
2 2
𝑚𝑔𝐿 (0.10)(9.81)(0.274)
𝑦𝑒𝑥𝑝 = 𝐹 = 1.554
= 0.173𝑚
𝑑 0.065
𝑦𝑡ℎ𝑒𝑜 = 𝐻 − 3 = 0.2 − = 0.178𝑚
3

Case 3:
𝜌 𝑔 𝐵𝑑 2 (1000) (9.81) (0.075)(0.080)2
𝐹= 2
= 2
= 2.354𝑁
𝑚𝑔𝐿 (0.15)(9.81)(0.274)
𝑦𝑒𝑥𝑝 = 𝐹 = = 0.171𝑚
2.354
𝑑 0.080
𝑦𝑡ℎ𝑒𝑜 = 𝐻 − = 0.2 − = 0.173𝑚
3 3

Case 4:
𝜌 𝑔 𝐵𝑑 2 (1000) (9.81) (0.075)(0.094)2
𝐹= = = 3.251𝑁
2 2
𝑚𝑔𝐿 (0.20)(9.81)(0.274)
𝑦𝑒𝑥𝑝 = = = 0.165𝑚
𝐹 3.251
𝑑 0.094
𝑦𝑡ℎ𝑒𝑜 = 𝐻 − 3 = 0.2 − 3 = 0.169𝑚

Case 5:
𝜌 𝑔 𝐵𝑑 2 (1000) (9.81) (0.075)(0.107)2
𝐹= 2
= 2
= 4.212𝑁
𝑚𝑔𝐿 (0.25)(9.81)(0.274)
𝑦𝑒𝑥𝑝 = = = 0.160𝑚
𝐹 4.212
𝑑 0.107
𝑦𝑡ℎ𝑒𝑜 = 𝐻 − 3 = 0.2 − 3 = 0.164𝑚
Case 6:
0.10
𝐹 = (1000)(9.81)(0.075)(0.10) (0.119 − 2 ) = 5.077𝑁

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(0.30)(9.81)(0.274)
𝑦𝑒𝑥𝑝 = 5.077
= 0.159𝑚

0.102 0.10 2
+(0.119− )
12 2
𝑦𝑡ℎ𝑒𝑜 = 0.10 + 0.20 − 0.119 = 0.162𝑚
0.119−
2

Case 7:
0.10
𝐹 = (1000)(9.81)(0.075)(0.10) (0.131 − ) = 5.960𝑁
2

(0.35)(9.81)(0.274)
𝑦𝑒𝑥𝑝 = 5.960
= 0.158𝑚

0.102 0.10 2
+(0.131− )
12 2
𝑦𝑡ℎ𝑒𝑜 = 0.10 + 0.20 − 0.131 = 0.160𝑚
0.131−
2

Case 8:
0.10
𝐹 = (1000)(9.81)(0.075)(0.10) (0.144 − ) = 6.916𝑁
2

(0.40)(9.81)(0.274)
𝑦𝑒𝑥𝑝 = 6.916
= 0.155𝑚

0.102 0.10 2
+(0.144− )
12 2
𝑦𝑡ℎ𝑒𝑜 = 0.10 + 0.20 − 0.144 = 0.159𝑚
0.144−
2

Case 9:
0.10
𝐹 = (1000)(9.81)(0.075)(0.10) (0.156 − 2 ) = 7.799𝑁

(0.45)(9.81)(0.274)
𝑦𝑒𝑥𝑝 = 7.799
= 0.155𝑚
0.102 0.10 2
+(0.156− )
12 2
𝑦𝑡ℎ𝑒𝑜 = 0.10 + 0.20 − 0.156 = 0.158𝑚
0.156−
2

Case 10:
0.10
𝐹 = (1000)(9.81)(0.075)(0.10) (0.119 − 2 ) = 8.755𝑁

(0.50)(9.81)(0.274)
𝑦𝑒𝑥𝑝 = 8.755
= 0.154𝑚

0.102 0.10 2
+(0.169− )
12 2
𝑦𝑡ℎ𝑒𝑜 = 0.10 + 0.20 − 0.169 = 0.157𝑚
0.169−
2

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Percentage error in hydrostatic force:

‖𝐸𝑥𝑝𝑒𝑟𝑖𝑚𝑒𝑛𝑡𝑎𝑙 𝑣𝑎𝑙𝑢𝑒𝑠−𝑇ℎ𝑒𝑜𝑟𝑒𝑡𝑖𝑐𝑎𝑙 𝑣𝑎𝑙𝑢𝑒𝑠‖
Percentage error, % = 𝑇ℎ𝑒𝑜𝑟𝑒𝑡𝑖𝑐𝑎𝑙 𝑉𝑎𝑙𝑢𝑒𝑠
× 100%

‖0.18−0.185‖
Case 1: Percentage error, % = 0.185
× 100% = 2.7%
‖0.173−0.178‖
Case 2: Percentage error, % = × 100% = 2.8%
0.178
‖0.171−0.173‖
Case 3: Percentage error, % = 0.173
× 100% = 1.156%
‖0.165−0.169‖
Case 4: Percentage error, % = × 100% = 2.367%
0.169
‖0.160−0.164‖
Case 5: Percentage error, % = 0.164
× 100% = 2.439%
‖0.159−0.162‖
Case 6: Percentage error, % = 0.162
× 100% = 1.852%
‖0.158−0.160‖
Case 7: Percentage error, % = × 100% = 1.25%
0.160
‖0.155−0.159‖
Case 8: Percentage error, % = 0.159
× 100% = 2.516%
‖0.155−0.158‖
Case 9: Percentage error, % = × 100% = 1.899%
0.158
‖0.154−0.157‖
Case 10: Percentage error, % = × 100% = 1.911%
0.157

Graph(s):

Graph of F against d
10
9
Hydrostatic force, F (N)

8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
0
0 0.02 0.04 0.06 0.08 0.1 0.12 0.14 0.16 0.18
Depth of immersion, d (m)

Figure 4: Graph of Hydrostatic Force, F against Depth of Immersion, d

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Graph of y_theo against d

0.19

Theoretical Centre of Pressure, y_theo

0.185
0.185

0.18 0.178

0.175 0.173
0.169
0.17
(m)

0.164
0.165 0.162
0.16 0.159
0.16 0.1580.157

0.155
0 0.02 0.04 0.06 0.08 0.1 0.12 0.14 0.16 0.18
Depth of Immersion, d (m)

Figure 5: Graph of Theoretical Centre of Pressure, ytheo against Depth of Immersion, d

Graph of y_exp against d

0.185
Experimental Centre of Pressure, y_exp

0.18
0.18

0.175 0.173
0.171
0.17
0.165
0.165
(m)

0.160.159
0.16 0.158
0.1550.1550.154
0.155

0.15
0 0.02 0.04 0.06 0.08 0.1 0.12 0.14 0.16 0.18
Depth of Immersion, d (m)

Figure 5: Graph of Experimental Centre of Pressure, yexp against Depth of Immersion, d

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Graph of m against d
0.600
0.500
0.500 0.450
0.400
Mass, m (kg) 0.400 0.350
0.300
0.300 0.250
0.200
0.200 0.150
0.100
0.100 0.050

0.000
0 0.02 0.04 0.06 0.08 0.1 0.12 0.14 0.16 0.18
Depth of immersion, d (m)

Figure 5: Graph of Mass of load, m against Depth of Immersion, d

Discussion
Table 1 shows the experimental data obtained from the experiment which includes the total
weights used, m, and the depth of immersion of the quadrant, d for both situations when
filling the tank and draining the tank with water. Based on the calculations and the percentage
of error, the experimental data differs slightly from the theoretical data due to the low
percentage error on all cases. This shows that the experimental data agrees with the Fluid
Static theory.

Minor percentage errors can be attributed to parallax error when reading the scale on the side
of the quadrant and when determining whether the balance arm is in equilibrium condition.
This can be overcome by repeating the experiment for several sets and take the average of the
data obtained in order to increase the accuracy.

10. Conclusion
In conclusion, hydrostatic force can be determined by using the formula of F= ρ g yc A. While
the position of the action of thrust or centre of pressure can be determined by using the
𝑚𝑔𝐿
formula of 𝑦𝑒𝑥𝑝 = 𝐹 . The experimental data obtained for the centre of pressure, y when
compared with the theoretical data has low percentage error, proving that the data agrees with
the theory.

11. References
11.1 Helm, R. Hydrostatic Pressure on a Partially and Fully Submerged Vertical
Rectangular Surface.
https://www.academia.edu/download/56747892/hydrostatic_pressure_lab.pdf
11.2 Cengel, Y., & Cimbala, J. (2017). Fluid Mechanics: Fundamentals and
Applications (4th ed.). McGraw-Hill Education.

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12. Appendix

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