HYDROSTATIC PRESSURE

The objective of this lab is to determine the position of the

center of pressure on the rectangular face of a toroid as seen
in fi gure 1.

Figure 1: Hydrostatic Pressure Module

Technical data
The schematic of the module can be seen in figure 2

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Figure 2: Schematic of Hydrostatic Pressure module

Figure 3: Dimensions of Hydrostatic Pressure

For a partly submerged vertical plane surface:

Hyrdrostatic thrust F =

Bgd 2
2

(1)

Experimental position of the center of pressure h =

2mL
Bd 2

Theoretical position of the center of pressure h = h + H d

(2)
(3)
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For a fully submerged vertical surface:

Hydrostatic thrust F = gBD ( d D / 2) (4)

Experimental position of the center of pressure h =

mL
BD (d D / 2)

(5)
Theoretical position of the center of pressure h =

D 2 / 2 ( d D / 2) 2 H d
(6)
d D/2

Method
1. Measure the dimensions B and D of the quadrant end face and the
dimensions H and L (see figure). Position the empty plastic tank on
the bench. Ensure that the toroid is located on the dowel pins and
the central clamping screw is tightened. Position the assembled
balance arm on the knife edges.
2. Locate the weight hanger in the groove at the end of the balance
arm. Ensure that the drain valve is closed. Direct the free end of the
hose connected to the drain valve to the sink.
3. Level the tank using the adjustable feet and a spirit level. Move the
counter-balance weight until the balance arm is horizontal (flat
underside of the balance arm level with the beam level indicator).
4. Add water to the tank until it is full. Ensure that no water is spilled
on the upper surfaces or sides of the quadrant. Add all the weights
to the weight hanger. Slowly drain water from the tank using the
drain valve until the balance arm is horizontal. Read the depth of
immersion from the scale on the side of the quadrant. More
accurate results can be obtained from reading below the surface, to
avoid the effects of surface tension.
5. Remove one of the 50 gram weights from the weight hanger. Drain
the tank slowly again until the balance arm is horizontal. Note the
height reading carefully. Repeat this step by removing one weight at
a time.

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Questions
1. Plot the thrust vs. depth of immersion (h vs d) and comment on the
variation.
2. Plot the depth of immersion vs. the theoretical and experimental
centers of pressure, h. Comment on the relation between h and d.

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