Student Name

C.Munsamy
R.Naidoo
S.Lutchmiah
P.Mthembu
D.Moyana
C.M.Mtolo

Student Number
21416311
21410445
21350006
21512087
21517171
21520141

Fluid
Mechani
cs II
Hydrostatics
Draft Copy
Group 8 Monday

Introduction
Hydrostatic pressure is, the pressure exerted by a fluid at
equilibrium due to the force of gravity. A fluid in this condition is
known as a hydrostatic fluid. So our Hydrostatic pressure lab was
to determine the hydrostatic pressure of water on a flat surface.
Adding weight and then filling the tank with water to the point
where the apparatus was in equilibrium. So we can calculate the
force on the flat surface using the given equations.

Abstract
The experiment shows the hydrostatic thrust acting on an object in a fluid
(water). Different depths were recorded as the weights were measured.
The system started at equilibrium for each individual recorded weight.

Aim

To determine hydrostatic thrust acting on a plane surface when the

surface is partially submerged, and fully submerged in water
Determine the position of line of action

Apparatus

The F1-12 Hydrostatic Pressure Apparatus

Water Jug
Measuring beaker
Measuring system
Water
Set of masses
Length of small bore tubing

Procedure
1. Add Initial masses and add water to the system. Equilibrium must be
reached.
2. Take readings of tube and mass
3. Repeat the process by adding different masses to the hanger.
Equilibrium must be reached before recording mass and depth
4. Water should be added from time to time to keep system in
equilibrium

Results
Readings
Reading
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9

Depth (mm)
98.5
105.5
117.5
122.5
129
141
146.5
154
167.5

Mass (g)
200
230
280
300
330
380
400
430
480

Calculations
Formulae for: (using an example of 200g for each)

Hydrostatic Thrust

F=g

bd 3
2

F=10009.

810 . 0750 . 09853

2

F = 3.569

Experimental Centre of Pressure

h' ' =

''

h =

mgL
F
0 .29 . 810 . 275
3 .569

h= 0.1512 m

Measured Turning Moment

M = h * F
M = 0.1512 * 3.569
M = 0.539 Nm

Theoretical Centre of Pressure

h' ' =H

d
3

h' ' =0.2

0.0985
3

H=0.1672 m

Turning Moment
M = h* F
M = 0.1672 *3.569
M = 0.597 Nm

Discussion
The force applied in the system vertical face of buoyant material counter acts
the mass added to the hanging arm. So we know that if we move away from the

sea level, the pressure will change either with air or water. So in our experiment
also change in pressure because of the weight of the water above and buoyant
forces clearly show the properties of water. The water pressure was so high that
we add the mass 50 g to 430g even still quadrant was able to support it in static
equilibrium. So the idea let us to believe that the curved area allows for a larger
surface with which the water can act upon for less change in depth.

Recommendations
Density was taken as 1000 kg.m-3, however this density only applies to 4
Degrees Celsius, Readings were taken on a day with much higher temperature
and density would have been different which would affect the calculations.

References
1. Armfield Limited, 2002, Instruction Manual F1-16,; Ringwood, Hampshire.
BH24 1DY England
2. John F Clayden Centre Of Pressure
http://www.jfccivilengineer.com/centre_of_pressure.htm