Hydrostatic Force acting on Submerged Surface
Calculate the thrust force acting on a submerged surface.
The thrust force acting on a surface submerged in a liquid can be calculated as
F = p a A
= ρ g h a A (1)
where
F = thrust force (N)
p a = ρ g h a = average pressure on the surface (Pa)
A = area of submerged surface (m2)
h a = average depth (m)
ρ = density (kg/m3 ) (water 1000 kg/m3 )
g = acceleration of gravity (9.81 m/s2)
Example - The thrust force acting on the side of a container
The trust force acting on the submerged vertical side of a container can be calculated as
F = p a A
= ( (p t + p b ) / 2) A
= ( ρ g (h t + h b ) / 2) A (2)
where
p t = pressure at the top of the submerged surface (Pa)
p b = pressure at the bottom of the submerged surface (Pa)
h t = depth at the top of the submerged surface (m)
h b = depth at the bottom of the submerged surface (m)
The thrust on a surface with width 1 m and height from 0 m to 2 m - in a water-filled container can be calculated as
F = ( ρ g (h t + h b ) / 2) A
= (1000 kg/m3 ) (9.81 m/s2) ((0 m) + (2 m)) / 2) ( (1 m) (2 m) )
= 19620 N
= 19.6 kN
Example - The thrust force acting on the bottom of a container
The trust force acting on the horizontal bottom of a submerged container can be calculated as
F = p b A
= ρ g h b A (2b)
The thrust on a bottom with width 1 m and length 2 m - on depth 1 m - in a water filled container can be calculated as
F = ρ g h b A
= (1000 kg/m3 ) (9.81 m/s2) (1 m) ( (1 m) (2 m))
= 19620 N
= 19.6 kN
Related Topics
-
Fluid Mechanics
The study of fluids - liquids and gases. Involving velocity, pressure, density and temperature as functions of space and time.
Related Documents
-
Archimedes' Law
Forces acting on bodies submerged in fluids. -
Buoyancy
Buoyancy is the resultant force acting on a submerged body. -
Center of Gravity
A body and the center of gravity. -
Center of Gravity and Buoyancy
Stability - the center of gravity vs. the center of buoyancy. -
Hydrostatic Pressure vs. Depth
Depth and hydrostatic pressure. -
Underground Pipes - Earth Pressure
Pressure acting on underground pipes due to weight of soil and transport.
