Center of Pressure

Objectives

To determine the hydrostatic thrust acting on a plane surface immersed in

water.
To determine the position of the line of action of the thrust and to compare the
position determined by experiment with the theoretical position.

Apparatus

The Armfield Hydrostatic Pressure Apparatus, F1-12

Procedure:
1. Add a small mass (50g) to the weight hanger.

2. Add water until the hydrostatic thrust on the end-face of the quadrant causes
the balance arm to rise. Ensure that there is no water spilled on the upper
surfaces of the quadrant or the sides, above the water level.

Source: Claydon, J.F. nd. Center of Pressure on a Plane Surface. Retreived from
http://www.jfccivilengineer.com/centre_of_pressure.htm

3. Continue to add water until the balance arm is horizontal, measuring this by
aligning the base of the balance arm with the top or bottom of the central
marking on the balance rest (either can be used, but it must be kept consistent
during the experiment). You may find it easier to slightly over-fill the tank, and
obtain the equilibrium position by opening the drain cock to allow a small
outflow.

4. Read the depth of immersion from the scale on the face of the quadrant; more
accurate results can be obtained from reading with the line of sight slightly
below the surface, to avoid the effects of surface tension.

5. Repeat the above procedure for each load increment, produced by adding a
further weight to the weight hanger. The weights supplied allow increments of
ten, twenty, and fifty grams to be used, depending on the number of samples
required. Fifty-gram intervals are suggested for an initial set of results.

6. Continue until the water level reaches the top of the upper scale on the
quadrant face.

Note any factors that you think are likely to affect the accuracy of your results.

1
2
3
4

Mass
50
100
150
200

Depth of submersion
73 mm
88 mm
99 mm
113 mm

Practical CP
37.530 mm
51.653 mm
61.218 mm
62.265 mm

Theoretical CP
16.567 mm
16.067 mm
15.700 mm
15.233 mm

Discussion

Source: Claydon, J.F. nd. Center of Pressure on a Plane Surface. Retreived from
http://www.jfccivilengineer.com/centre_of_pressure.htm

1. What is the important factor in balancing the horizontal rod in this experiment?

The depth of the water. Because the depth of the water is the main factor in
gaining the Hydrostatic force which counteracts to the load hanging on the
horizontal rod.

2.

What is the relationship of the volume of water and the load applied on the F112 apparatus?

When a heavier load is put on the weight hanger, the more volume of water is
needed to counteract the force.

3.

Does the disposition of the pivot affect the balance of the horizontal rod?

No, because the distances of forces are fixed thus disposition of pivot is
unnecessary.

4.

Does atmospheric pressure affects the result of the experiment?

No, because only the Hydrostatic force could counter act on the load.

Source: Claydon, J.F. nd. Center of Pressure on a Plane Surface. Retreived from
http://www.jfccivilengineer.com/centre_of_pressure.htm