Soran University

Faculty Of Engineering

Department of Civil engineering -2nd Stage

Fluid Mechanics Lab Report

Experiment No. 2

( Center Of Pressure )

Prepared by: Supervised by:

Abdulla Hassan Hamad Dr. Hewa Hussein Omar

Mr. Muhammad

Semester: 4

Exp. Date: 20 Feb 2024

Submission Date: 27 Feb 2024

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Table of Contents

Introduction :............................................................................................................3

Theory : .....................................................................................................................4

Objective : .................................................................................................................7

Material and Apparatus : ........................................................................................8

Procedure :................................................................................................................9

Discussion : .............................................................................................................10

Conclusion :.......................................................................................................................................... 12

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Introduction :

Exploring the intricacies of fluid dynamics on submerged surfaces is a fundamental

aspect of engineering, especially in the design and analysis of structures like gates.
At the heart of this exploration lies the concept of the center of pressure, a critical
point that encapsulates the influence of hydrostatic forces on an immersed surface
in a specific liquid medium. When a surface is submerged horizontally, the
distribution of water pressure is characterized by symmetry, and the resulting
hydrostatic force passes through the center of the immersed surface. This
symmetrical distribution allows for a simplified analysis, often leading to predictable
outcomes in terms of force magnitude and direction. Conversely, when the surface
is immersed vertically or inclined at an angle, the center of the sum of water pressure
forces shifts beneath the center of the immersed area. This shift is a consequence of
the varying hydrostatic pressure at different depths. As depth increases, the
hydrostatic pressure also increases, influencing the center of pressure. This
phenomenon is mathematically described by the equation:

𝑃 = 𝜌. 𝑔. ℎ

( P ) is the hydrostatic pressure. (𝜌) is the density of the liquid. (𝑔) is the

acceleration due to gravity. (ℎ) is the depth of the fluid. Understanding the
relationship between fluid pressures and the center of pressure is crucial for accurate
analysis and design of structures like dams. The Hydrostatic Pressure apparatus
validates theoretical principles and provides students with hands-on experience in
measuring hydrostatic forces. The experiment explores the setup, observations, and
context of fluid statics, establishing a comprehensive understanding of the center of
pressure and its applications in real-world engineering scenarios.

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Theory:

Below is a diagrammatic representation of the apparatus defining the physical

dimensions, this nomenclature will be used throughout this theory discussion. Whilst
the theory for the partly submerged and fully submerged plane is the same, it will be
clearer to consider the two separately.

Where: L is the horizontal distance between the pivot point and the balance pan.

D is the height of the quadrant face.

B is the width of the quadrant face.

H is the vertical distance between the bottom of the quadrant face and the pivot arm.

C is the centroid of the quadrant.

P is the Centre of Pressure on the quadrant face.

Theory-Partly Submerged Vertical Plane Surface Below is a diagrammatic

represented of the apparatus defining the physical dimensions, in addition to those
shown earlier. This nomenclature will be used throughout this theory discussion.
F is the hydrostatic thrust exerted on the quadrant.

h is the depth of the centroid.

h’ is the depth of the Pressure P.

h” is the distance of the line of action of thrust below the pivot

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Theory - Partly Submerged Vertical Plane Surface – Thrust on Surface The
hydrostatic thrust F can be defined as:
𝑑 𝒃𝟐
𝐹 = 𝜌𝑔𝐴ℎ (𝑁𝑒𝑤𝑡𝑜𝑛𝑠) Where area 𝐴 = 𝐵𝑑 And ℎ = 𝑐 = Hence 𝑭 = 𝝆𝒈
2 𝟐

Partly Submerged Vertical Plane Surface – Experimental Depth of Centre of

Pressure The Moment, M, can be defined as:
𝑀 = 𝐹ℎ” (𝑁𝑚)

A balancing moment is produced by the weight, applied to the hanger at the end of
the balance arm. The moment is proportional to the length of the balance arm, L
For the static equilibrium the two moments are equal. That is:

𝐹ℎ” = 𝑊𝐿 = 𝑚𝑔𝐿 𝐵𝑦

substitution of the derived hydrostatic thrust, F from (1) we have:

𝑚𝑔𝑙 2𝑚𝐿
ℎ” = =
𝐹 𝝆𝑩𝒅𝟐

Partly Submerged Vertical Plane Surface – Theoretical Depth of Centre of Pressure

The theoretical result for depth of centre of pressure P, below the free- Surface is:
𝐼𝑥
h' = .
𝐴ℎ

The depth of the centre of pressure below the pivot is ℎ” = ℎ’ + 𝐻 – 𝑑 (𝑚)

𝑑
the theoretical result of : ℎ’ = 𝐻 − .
3

Theory – Fully Submerged Vertical Plane Surface – Hydrostatic Thrust :

The hydrostatic thrust F can be defined as:

𝑑
𝐹 = 𝜌𝑔𝐴ℎ = 𝜌𝑔𝐵𝐷(𝑑 − )
2

Theory – Fully Submerged Vertical Plane Surface – Experimental Depth of Centre

of Pressure The moment, M, can be defined as: 𝑀 = 𝐹ℎ” (𝑁𝑚)

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A balancing moment is produced by the weight, W, applied to the hanger at the
end of the balance arm. The moment is proportional to the length of the balance
and , L For static equilibrium the two moments are equal. That is:

𝐹ℎ” = 𝑊𝐿 = 𝑚𝑔𝐿

By substitution of the derived hydrostatic thrust, F, from (5) we have:

𝑚𝐿
ℎ" =
𝐷
𝜌𝐷𝐵(𝑑 − )
2

Theory – Fully Submerged Vertical Plane Surface – Theoretical Depth of Centre of

Pressure The theoretical result for depth of centre of pressure, F, below the free-
surface is:
𝐼𝑥
ℎ’ =
𝐴ℎ
The depth of the centre of Pressure below the pivot is: ℎ” = ℎ’ + 𝐻 – 𝑑 (𝑚) .

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Objective :

In general This experiment has two aim in mind :

1. To calculate the hydrostatic force that water exerts on a surface that is fully
or partially immersed.
2. To ascertain the center of pressure theoretically and practical.

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Material and Apparatus :

Hydrostatic Pressure Apparatus

Cylinder Water Steel Weight

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Procedure :

1. Step 1 we measure the weight using the balance we want to use.

2. Then we put the weight on the balance arm, which is in balance, but after we

add the weight, the balance disappears.

3. Then restore the equilibrium by adding water to the weight we set to bring the

device back to equilibrium.

4. After the device is balanced, we read and record the number on the right when

it is submerged and it becomes )d1( .

𝑑1
5. Then we find X by this rule (𝑥 = ) and we find the area under water. Then
2

𝑚𝐿
we find Y by this rule (𝑦 = ) and d2 by this rule (𝑑2 = 𝐻 − 𝑑1) and H(exp)
𝐹

by this rule (𝐻(𝑒𝑥𝑝) = 𝑌 − 𝑑2) and then we find H(theo) by this rule

(𝐻(𝑡ℎ𝑒𝑜) = 𝑒 + 𝑋) because we want to compare them let's do it .

For the second part of the test, which is called Fully Submerge, all the steps

are repeated.

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Discussion :

1. For a vertical immersed surface, like a flat plate, the Center of Pressure (CP)
is generally located below the Center of Gravity (CG) due to pressure
distribution in the fluid flow. In the case of an inclined surface, the CP tends
to shift towards the higher side (upstream) because of the pressure distribution
around the inclined surface. The specific position of CP relative to CG depends
on factors like shape and angle of inclination.

2. If water is replaced by a more dense liquid, the Center of Pressure (CP) for an
immersed surface may shift due to the increased hydrostatic pressures. The CP
is likely to move towards the higher-pressure side, especially for inclined
surfaces. The change in fluid density can impact the equilibrium and stability
of the immersed object, and experimental measurements are needed to
determine the specific effects on the CP for different cases.

3. . The rare situation where the Center of Pressure (CP) coincides with the Center
of Gravity (CG) can occur under specific conditions:
- Symmetrical, Horizontally-Submerged Object: Perfect symmetry of the
object, combined with horizontal submersion in the fluid, leads to identical
pressure distributions on its top and bottom surfaces. This symmetry results in
no net moment, allowing CP and CG to theoretically overlap.
- Neutral Buoyancy: Achieving neutral buoyancy, where the object's weight
precisely balances the fluid's buoyancy force, minimizes pressure variations
due to depth. This condition can also contribute to the alignment of CP and CG
at the same location.

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 4. The quadrant-shaped bend in the bush or frame of a center of pressure test
device is made to enable the submerged item to pivot or rotate. This design
aims to make it possible to measure the center of pressure's (CP) location for
various inclination degrees and surface orientations that are submerged.
The gadget may freely spin in response to the fluid forces acting on the
submerged item thanks to its quadrant-shaped bend. The fluid flow around the
object's surface creates pressure fluctuations when it is inclined at different
angles, which shifts the CP. The gadget can pivot thanks to the quadrant shaped
frame, and the angle at which the frame is inclined matches the angle of

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Conclusion:

This study report fluid dynamics on submerged surfaces, specifically the center of
pressure (CP), which is crucial for engineering applications, such as gate and dam
design. The experiment discussed the theoretical principles and experimental setup
of the Hydrostatic Pressure apparatus, focusing on the differences in CP behavior
for horizontal, vertical, and inclined submerged surfaces. The primary objectives
were to calculate the hydrostatic force exerted by water on fully or partially
immersed surfaces and determine the theoretical and practical positions of the center
of pressure. The study also explored the relationship between fluid pressures and the
CP, highlighting their importance in real-world engineering scenarios. The
experimental setup provided hands-on experience in measuring hydrostatic forces
and exploring fluid statics. The apparatus allowed for practical determination of the
center of pressure under different conditions, contributing to a comprehensive
understanding of how hydrostatic pressures vary with depth and surface orientation.
The study deepened our knowledge of fluid dynamics and underscored the
importance of accurately analyzing the center of pressure for effective engineering
design.
Measurements enhances our ability to predict and optimize the performance of
submerged surfaces in diverse engineering applications.

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