Chapter 1

Fluid Statics

1. Fluid pressure
It deals with the fluids at rest under the action of forces.

Fluid thrust
Consider a liquid in a container. The liquid is at rest.

The force exerted by the liquid is always normal to the surface in contact with the liquid. The total
normal force exerted by a liquid at rest on a surface in contact with it is called thrust.

Mean pressure
Mean pressure at any point in a fluid is the fluid thrust per unit area around that point.
Thrust
Mean pressure =
Area
F
P =
A
Gases too exert pressure on the walls of container.

Atmospheric pressure
Earth is surrounded by gaseous envelope. Because of this gaseous medium surrounded to earth there
is a pressure on the earth called as Atmospheric pressure (Π)

1
 Intensity of pressure at a point
Let δ F be the fluid thrust on a small area δ A about a given point in the fluid. Then the intensity
pressure (Simply pressure) is defined by

δF
P = lim
δ A→0 δ A

Uniform pressure
If the fluid thrust on any portion of plane area be proportional to the area of that portion, the pressure
on the area is said to be uniform.

Properties of a rest fluid

1. The pressure at any point at the fluid is at rest is same for all direction.

2. If a heavy fluid at rest have any pressure applied to any points of its surface the pressure is
transmitted equally in all directions.

3. The pressure of a heavy homogeneous fluid at all points in the same plane is the same. (homo-
geneous : Constant density)

4. The density at points in a fluid at rest under gravity and in the horizontal plane are equal.

2
 5. The common surface of two heavy homogeneous liquid that don’t mix is a horizontal plane.

6. If there are two heavy liquids that don’t mix, the lower liquid density is greater than the upper
liquid density.

7. The surface of heavy liquid at rest is horizontal.

8. Liquid find its own level.

Remark: Aforementioned results or Properties are true for a liquid contained in a small container.
Above results are not true for a large liquid surfaces like sea.

Pressure at a depth h below the surface

Consider a liquid of mass occupied in a shape at a cylinder whose height is h and cross section A.
Thrust on the upper cross section is ΠA. If P is the pressure at the depth h, then the thrust on the lower
cross section is PA.

The force on this cylindrical mass due to gravity is hAρg.

For the equilibrium, total force is zero.

↓ ΠA − PA + hAρg = 0
⇒ P = Π + hρg

3
 Similarly,

Pressure P at the shown point is P = Π + h1 ρ1 g + h2 ρ2 g

Definition
Let ρ1 , ρ2 , ρ3 be the densities having the property AP if

1. ρ1 < ρ2 < ρ3 or ρ1 > ρ2 > ρ3

2. ρ2 − ρ1 = ρ3 − ρ2

Let ρ1 = ρ then ρ2 = ρ + δ , ρ3 = ρ + 2δ
Let ρ2 = ρ then ρ1 = ρ − δ , ρ3 = ρ + δ

Examples

1. A small uniform tube is best into the form of a circle whose plane is vertical. Equal volumes of
two fluids whose densities are ρ, σ fill half the tube. Show that the radius passing through the
common surface makes with the vertical an angle θ given by
ρ −σ
tan θ =
ρ +σ

4
 AE = a sin θ
FB = a cos θ
CG = a − a cos θ
Pressure at B = (AE + FB)σ ρ.
Pressure at C, regarding the fluid ABC is,

(a sin θ + a cos θ )σ ρ + a(1 − cos θ )ρσ

Pressure at C, regarding the fluid DC is,

(a − a sin θ )ρg

Pressure at a point in all directions is the same. thus

(a − a sin θ )ρg = a(1 − cos θ )ρ + a(sin θ + cos θ )ρ

ρ −σ
tan θ =
ρ +σ
2. A closed tube in the form of on equilateral contains equal volumes of 3 liquids which don’t mix
and is placed with its lowest side horizontal. Prove that if the densities of the liquid are in AP.
Their surfaces of separation will be at points of trisection of the sides of the triangle.

Since the points E and C are on the horizontal plane

PE = PC
π π π π
(a − x) sin ρg + x sin (ρ + 2δ )ρg = x sin ρg + (ρ + δ ) sin (a − x)
3 3 3 3
a
x =
3

3. A fine glass tube in the form of an equilateral triangle is filled with equal volume of 3 liquids
which don’t mix and whose densities are in AP. This tube is hanged on a fixed nail on a wall.
Let θ be angle between the vertical line and the side of the triangle containing the lightest liquid
and heaviest liquid. Show that the surface of separation divide the sides in the ratio
π π
cos( − θ ) : cos( + θ )
6 6

5
 Pc = x cos θ (ρ − δ )g + (a − x) cos θ (ρ + δ )g
π  π  π 
Pc = (a − x) cos − θ (ρ − δ )g + x cos − θ (ρ + δ )ρg + (a − x) sin − θ ρg +
π  3 3 6
x sin − θ (ρ + δ )g
6
π 
a−x cos + θ
⇒ =  π6 
x cos −θ
6
Rate of variation of pressure

Suppose that the pressure depends on (x, y, z), i.e. P = P(x, y, z). Let (X,Y, Z) be the body force per
∂P ∂P ∂P
unit mass due to the field. Then = ρX, = ρY and = ρZ. where ρ is the constant density.
∂x ∂y ∂z
Consider a small cylindrical volume of mass as shown in the figure.

δ A - is the area of cross section and h is the length. Mass of the liquid is (δ Ahρ). Force due to

6
the field in Y direction is δ AhρY . Thrust on cross section at (x, y, z) is δ AP(x, y, z). Thrust on cross
section at (x, y + h, z) is δ AP(x, y + h, z)

For the equilibrium of this cylindrical mass, we have

δ AP(x, y + h, z) − δ AP(x, y, z) = δ AhρY

P(x, y + h, z) − P(x, y, z)
⇒ lim = ρY .
h→0 h
∂P
⇒ = ρY .
∂y
∂P ∂P
similarly we have, = ρX and = ρZ
∂x ∂z
Remark
since P = P(x, y, z)
∂P ∂P ∂P
dP = dx + dy + dz
∂x ∂y ∂z
= ρ(Xdx +Y dy + Zdz)
If the liquid is homogeneous (ρ- constant) we have
P
⇒ d( ) = Xdx +Y dy + Zdz.
ρ
⇒ Xdx +Y dy + Zdz is a exact differential, so system is conservative.
In this case Xdx +Y dy + Zdz = −dV ; where V − is the potential function.

Lines of force
Lines of force is a curve satisfying the property that resultant force at a point is parallel to the tangent
at the point.

 
dx dy dz
Let r = (x(s), y(s), z(s)) be the lines of force, then , , is the tangential vector at (x, y, z).
ds ds ds
Let (X,Y, Z) be the force at (x, y, z), then
dx dy dz
ds = ds = ds
X Y Z
dx dy dz
i.e, = =
X Y Z

7
 Equi- Pressure surface
Equi Pressure surface is a surface where the pressure is constant. i.e, dP = 0 on Equi pressure surface.
⇒ Xdx +Y dy + Zdz = 0

Equi-Density surface
For a Equi-density surface
∂ρ ∂ρ ∂ρ
dρ = 0 = dx + dy + dz
∂x ∂y ∂z
Curve of equi-pressure and equi-density

dP = 0 and dρ = 0
Xdx +Y dy + Zdz = 0 and

∂ρ ∂ρ ∂ρ
dx + dy + dz = 0
∂x ∂y ∂z
dx dy dz
=− =
∂ρ ∂ρ ∂ρ ∂ρ ∂ρ ∂ρ
Y −Z X −Z X −Y
∂z ∂y ∂z ∂x ∂y ∂x
∂P ∂P ∂P
But = ρX , = ρY , = ρZ
∂x ∂y ∂z
∂ 2P ∂ρ ∂Y
⇒ = Y +ρ
∂ x∂ y ∂z ∂z
2
∂ P ∂ρ ∂Z
⇒ = Z +ρ
∂ y∂ z ∂y ∂y
 
∂ρ ∂ρ ∂Z ∂Y
⇒ 0=Y −Z − ρ −ρ
∂z ∂z ∂y ∂z
∂ρ ∂ρ ∂Z ∂Y
Y −Z =ρ −ρ
∂z ∂z ∂y ∂z
Similarly  
∂ρ ∂ρ ∂Z ∂X
X −Z =ρ − ,
∂z ∂x ∂x ∂z
 
∂ρ ∂ρ ∂Y ∂ X
X −Y =ρ − ,
∂y ∂x ∂x ∂y
dx dy dz
=− =
∂ Z ∂Y ∂Z ∂X ∂Y ∂ X
− − −
∂y ∂z ∂x ∂z ∂x ∂y

Example 1
A mass of fluid is at rest under the body force per unit mass is

X = (y + z)2 − x2 , Y = (z + x)2 − y2 , Z = (x + y)2 − z2

1. Find the density

2. Find the surface of equi-pressure.

8
Solution

dP = ρ (Xdx +Y dy + Zdz)
= ρ(x + y + z) {(y + z − x)dx + (z + x − y)dy + (x + y − z)dz}
ρ
= − (x + y + z) d(x2 + y2 + z2 − 2yz − 2zx − 2xy)

2
Above equality is to be exact if,
ρ
(x + y + z) = constant= C
2
−2C K
ρ= =
x+y+z x+y+z
The equation of the equi-pressure is given by dP = 0

d(x2 + y2 + z2 − 2yz − 2zx − 2xy) = 0

⇒ x2 + y2 + z2 − 2yz − 2zx − 2xy = constant.

Example 2
If the body force per unit mass at (x, y, z) is ((y(a − z), x(a − z), xy)

1. Find the surface of equi-pressure

2. Curves of equi pressure and density.

Solution
Surface of equi-pressure is given by dP = 0 or Xdx +Y dy + Zdz = 0
dx dy dz
⇒ + + = 0
x y a−z
xy
= C
a−z
Curves of equi pressure and density is given by
dx dy dz
=− =
∂ Z ∂Y ∂Z ∂X ∂Y ∂ X
− − −
∂y ∂z ∂x ∂z ∂x ∂y

dx dy dz
⇒ + +
−x y 0
xy = constant.

Now dP = ρ{Xdx +Y dy + Zdz}

dP = ρ{y(a − x)dx + x(a − x)dy + xydz}

= ρ((a − x)d(xy) − xyd(a − z))
 
2 xy
= ρ(a − z) d
a−z

Since this integral is perfect

a
ρ=
(a − z)2

9
 axy
⇒ P= +C2
a−z
If the pressure is constant and density is constant.
xy
xy = C holds and = constant holds.
a−z
xy = C and z = constant.

Example 3
Find the surface of equi-pressure and equi pressure and density in each of the following cases.

1. X = y(y + z) , Y = z(z + x) , Z = y(y − x)

2. X = y2 + yz + z2 , Y = z2 + zx + x2 , Z = x2 + xy + y2

2. Thrust on plane surfaces

Pressure at all points on one side of plane area, constitute a system of parallel forces whose mag-
nitudes are known. Hence all these parallel forces can be computed into one single force acting at
some definite point of the plane area. This single force is called the resultant thrust. Since the thrust

are parallel, the resultant thrust will be the arithmetic sum of all thrusts on the various elements on a
plane area.

Definition
Total thrust or whole pressure of a fluid on a surface is the sum of all normal pressures exerted by the
fluid on every element of the surface.

Remark
Notice that in the case of curved surface the whole pressure is not useful to find the resultant thrust
on the curved surface. The topic how to find out the resultant thrust will be considered later on.

Theorem
The whole pressure for a plane area is given by P = whs; where s is the surface area, h is the center of
gravity and w is the weight of the unit area. Let the surface s be divided into a great number of very
small elements α1 , . . . , αn , . . . and let h1 , h2 , . . . be the depths of these elements from free surface. Let
ds be any arbitrary small surface. The thrust acted on a small surface element ds is Pds. But p = xρg.

10
Thus total thrust acted on the surface s is,
Z
τ = pds
Zs
= hρgds
s Z

= ρg hds
R s
hds
Now, h̄ = Rs
Z s ds

h̄S = hds
s
τ = ρgh̄S

Remark

1. If a plane surface be immersed in a liquid the total thrust on if is equal to wsh; where h− depth
of the center of gravity, w− weight of the unit mass, s− area.

wsh = pressure at the center of gravity × area

2. Pressure of the air can’t be neglected. Let Π be the atmospheric pressure. Then the pressure on
the surface is = (Π + hw)s. In case of free surface Π = 0.

Illustrative Examples

1. Find the total thrust on a triangle the depths of whose vertices are h1 , h2 , and h3 the liquid being
homogeneous.
Depth of the center of gravity is,
h1 + h2 + h3
3
The total thrust is,
w
= (h1 + h2 + h3 ).
3
2. A square of side a is dipped vertically in two liquids of densities ρ and σ with the upper side in
the free surface. The depth of the upper liquid of density ρ is b(< a), Find the total thrust on
the square.

11
 b
Thrust on the area ABCD is = ab × × ρg
2
Thrust on the area DCFE is

= P2 × area DCFE
 
(b − a)
= bρg + σ g (a − b)a
2

Total thrust on ABFE is

ab2
 
(b − a)
= ρg + bρg + σ g (a − b)a
2 2

3. Find the thrust on a rectangular plate whose sides are a and b the side or being horizontal and
a depth c below the surface and the plane of the rectangle being inclined at on angle θ to the
vertical.

b
Depth of the center of gravity is c + cos θ
2
b
Total thrust is = (c + cos θ ) × ab × gρ.
2

12
3. Center of Pressure
If a plane area be immersed in liquid, the pressure on any point of it is normal to the plane surface
and is proportional to the depth of the point from the free surface. The thrust at all the points on one
side of it. Form a system of parallel forces which can be compounded into one single force acting at
some definite point of the plane of the area. This single force is called the Fluid thrust. The definite
point of the plane of the area where the fluid thrust acts is called the center of pressure.

Definition
The centre of pressure of a plane area in contact with fluid is the point of the area at which the resul-
tant thrust on one side of the area acts.

If the area to be considered is horizontal then the pressure at every point will be the same and the
resultant thrust will act through the centroid of the area. Now pressure, suppose that pressure is pro-
portional to depth. Thus pressure on all the points of lower part of the area are greater than those on
the upper one. The center of pressure will be below the centroid of the area.

Finding center of pressure

Let (x, y) be the coordinate of small element ds of a plane area immersed vertically in a liquid and let
(x̄, ȳ) be the coordinates of center of pressure, where the line of inter section of the plane are and the
free surface is taken as Y −axis and a perpendicular line in the plane of the area as X−axis.

Let p be the intensity of pressure on the element ds. Therefore the force on the element is pds and its
moment
R
about the axis of Y is xpds. HenceR the sum of the moment of the forces on all the elements
is s xpds. The force on the whole area is s pds acting at (x̄, ȳ). Since all the forces are parallel, by
taking moments about the axis of Y Z Z
x̄ pds = xpds
s s
R
xpds
x̄ = Rs
s pds
Similarly, by taking moments about the axis of X
R
ypds
ȳ = Rs
s pds

Remark: The position of the center of pressure of a plane area is independent of the inclination of
the area to the vertical.

1. The center of pressure of a parallelogram with one side in the free surface.

13
 Center of pressure lies on the middle line EF.
Now, ds = bdx sin α Z a
s= b sin αdx = ba sin α
0

Z Z a
xpds xρgx sin αbdx sin α
x̄ = Z = Z0 a
pd xρg sin αbdx sin α
0
Z a
x2 dx
2a
= Z0 a =
xdx 3
0

2
Hence the center of pressure is in EF at a distance EF from E.
3
π
Note: For a rectangle put α = the result will be the same.
2
2. Center of pressure of a triangular area immersed in a liquid with its vertex the surface and base
horizontal.

let BC = a, AD = r, AM = x
PQ AM ax
= =⇒ PQ =
BC AD r

14
 axdx sin α
ds = PQ · MN sin α =
r
pressure p at any point on the strip PQ
p = x sin αρg
Z r
ax
R xx sin αgρ dx sin α
xpds 0 r
x= R = Z r
ax
pdx x sin αgρ dx sin α
0 r
Z r
x3 dx
3r
= Z0r =
x2 dx 4
0

3. The center of pressure of a triangular areas immersed in liquid with one side on the interface.

Let BC = a, DA = r
PQ AD − x r − x
= =
BC AD r
a(r − x)
PQ =
r
Depth of PQ is x sin α

a(r − x)
ds = PQ · MN sin α = dx sin α
r
Pressure at any point on the strip = gρx sin α
Z
xpds
x̄ = Z
pdx
Z r
a(r − x)
x dx sin αgρx sin α
0 r
= Z r
a(r − x)
dx sin αgρx sin α
0 r
Z r
(r − x)x2 dx
r
= Z0 r =
(r − x)xdx 2
0

15
4. Center of pressure of a vertical circular area of radius a wholly immersed with its center at a
depth h

From the symmetry it is clear that the center of pressure will be on the vertical line ABOC.
|PQ| = 2y

Area PQ is 2ydx(= dx) small surface element.

The pressure on the strip PQ is p = gρ(h + x)

Z
xpds
Center of pressure = Z
pds
Ra
xρg(h + x)2ydx p
= R−a ; y = a2 − x 2
−a aρg(h + x)2ydx

Putting , x = a cos θ , y = a sin θ , dx = −a sin θ dθ

Z π Z π
ha cos θ dθ + a2 cos2 θ sin2 θ dθ
= Z0 π Z 0π
2
h sin θ dθ + a sin2 θ cos θ dθ
0 0
Z π
a cos2 θ sin2 θ dθ
0 Z a2
= π =
4h
h sin2 θ dθ
0

a(3h + 2a)
5. • Prove that the distance of the center of pressure from the upper side is
3(2h + a)
• Show also that the center of pressure is below the center of gravity of the area and as depth
increases, approaches but never coinsides with it.

Pressure on the strip PQ is p = ρgx

Small surface elements ds = bdx

16
 Z Z a+h
pxds xρgxbdx
h
x̄ = Z = Z a+h
pds gρxbdx
h
1 3 3
3 ((a + h) − h )
= 1 2 2
2 ((a + h) − h )

2 a2 + 3h2 + 3ah
=
3 a + 2h
The depth of center of pressure, below the upper side

2 a2 + 3h2 + 3ah
= −h
3 a + 2h
a (3h + 2a)
=
3 (a + 2h)
 a
Depth below the center of gravity = x̄ − h +
2
a2
= >0
6(2h + a)

a2
=⇒ Depth of Center of Pressure(C.P) ¿ Depth of Center of Gravity(C.G) , and ̸=
6(2h + a)
0 ∀h, a.

Therefore center of pressure(C.P) and center of gravity(C.G) will never coin-side.

17
 ds = 2ydx
Z
pxds
x̄ = Z
pds
Z a
xgρx2ydx
= Z0 a
gρx2ydx
0
Z a
x2 ydx
= Z0
axydx
0
Z a p
x2 a2 − x2 dx
= Z0 p
ax a2 − x2 dx
0
3πa
= .
16

Example 4

A segment of parabola cut off by a double ordinate distance h from the vertex is immersed with
this ordinate in the surface of a liquid. Find the resultant thrust on it. Find the depth of center of
pressure.

Small surface element are 2ydx. Pressure on the small surface element, p = gρ(h − x). Thrust on the
small surface element is δ F = 2gρ(h − x)ydx

18
Hence the resultant thrust
Z Z h
δF = 2gρ(h − x)ydx
S 0
Z h
√
= 2gρ(h − x) axdx
0

16 √
= gρh2 ah.
15
Let x̄ be the depth of center of pressure.
Taking the moment about MN.

16 √ Z h
√
x̄ × ρgh2 ah = 2ρg ax(h − x)2 dx
15 0
64 3 √
= h ah
105
4h
x̄ =
7
Example 5
A semi circular area of radius a is vertically immersed with its diameter horizontal at a depth b. If the
circumference be below the centre. Prove that depth of the center of pressure is

1 3π(a2 + b2 ) + 32ab
4 4a + 3πb

19
 Z a
xρg(x + b)2ydx
x̄ = Z0 a
ρg(x + b)2ydx
0
Z a p
x(x + b) a2 − x2 dx
= Z0 a p
(x + b) a2 − x2 dx
0
Z π
2
a sin θ cos2 θ (a sin θ + b)dθ
0
= Z π
2
cos2 θ (a sin θ + b)dθ
0
Z π Z π
2 2 2 2 2
a sin θ cos θ dθ + ab sin θ cos2 θ dθ
0 0
= Z π Z π
2 2 2
a sin θ cos θ dθ + b cos2 θ dθ
0 0

3πa2 + 16ab
=
4(4a + 3πb)

Depth of center of pressure from the free surface

= x̄ + b

1 3π(a2 + 4b2 + 32ab

 
=
4 4a + 3πb
Example 6
An ellipse is just immersed in water its major axis vertical. Show that if the center of pressure coin-
sides with the focus.

20
 Z a
2ydxρg(a + x)x
z̄ = Z−aa
2ydxρg(a + x)
−a
Z a
xy(a + x)dx
= Z−aa
y(a + x)dx
−a
r
x2
Z a
x(a + x) 1 − 2 dx
−a a
= r
x2
Z a
(a + x) 1 − 2 dx
−a a
Z π
2
a −π
(1 + sin θ ) cos2 θ sin θ dθ
2
= Z π
2
(cos2 θ + sin θ cos2 θ )dθ
− π2
Z π
2
a sin2 θ cos2 θ dθ
0
= Z π
2
cos2 θ dθ
0
a
=
4
Note:
Let given surface area is divided as two portions as shown in the figure.

Thrust on A is T1 and is acting on P1 . Thrust on B is T2 and is acting on P2 .

P1 P T2
The resultant thrust is T1 + T2 and say it acts on P. Then P lies on P1 P2 . Then = .
PP2 T1
Example 7

(a + 3b)h
Prove that CP lies from AD at the distance .
2(a + 2b)

21
 1 2 ωbh2 3h
Thrust on △BCA is = ω bh × h = and this thrust act at the depth .
2 3 3 4
1 h h
Thrust on △ACD = ω ah and this thrust at the depth .
2 3 2
Hence the depth of CP of the trapezium
1 2 3 1 2 1
3 ωbh × 4 h + 6 ωah × 2 h
= 1 2 1 2
3 ωbh + 6 ωah
a + 3b h
=
a + 2b 2

(T1 + T2 )QP = T1 Q1 P1 + T2 Q2 P2
T1 P1 Q1 + T2 P2 Q2
QP =
T1 + T2
P1 Q1 PQ P2 Q2
= =
OP1 OP OP2
P1 Q1 − PQ P2 Q2 − PQ
=
P1 P PP2
P1 P P2 P
But = = t (say)
T2 T1
P1 Q1 − PQ P2 Q2 − PQ
=
P2t P1t
P2 P2 Q2 + P1 P1 Q1
=⇒ PQ =
P1 + P2

22
4. Small oscillations of floating bodies
Vertical oscillation of a body in a liquid contained within finite vessel. Here we will consider only
vertical displacement and not angular displacement. In this case when the body oscillates, free surface
of the liquid is disturbed and hence cannot be taken as the standard plane.

Mass of the body Mg = V ρg ; where V is the volume of displaced water.

The equation of the motion of the body is,

d2
↑ M 2 (x − z) = force upwards
dt
= ρgV ′ − Mg; V ′ is the volume of displaced water at t = t.

Let X and Z be the cross section of the vessel and body parallel to the free surface.
Z x Z z
Now the volume of the liquid is, V0 = Xdx − Zdz.
0 0

But the volume of liquid contained in the vessel is always the same. So δY0 = 0
=⇒ Xdx = Zdz
or Xx = Zz

Equation (1) and (2) will give the motion.

Example 8

For the stage of equilibrium,

Mass of cone M = Mass of the liquid displaced.
1
M = πh3 tan2 αρ
3

23
The equation of motion is,

d2 π
M (x − (h + z)) = −Mg + (h + z)3 tan2 αρg
dt 2 3
π Mg
M(ẍ − z̈) = −Mg + (h + z)3 3
3 πh
 z 3
ẍ − z̈ = −g + 1 + g
 h 
 z 3
= g −1 + 1 +
h
 
3z
≃ g −1 + 1 +
h
3gz
ẍ − z̈ ≃ → R1
h
Liquid contained in Vessel is
Z x Z z+h
V0 = Xdx − Zdz
0 0
Where X and Z are the cross sections of vessel and body.

Since the volume of the liquid is unchanged.

dV0 = 0 and hence

Xdx = Zdz
=⇒ X ẋ = Z ż
=⇒ πa2 ẋ = π(h + z)2 tan2 α ż
≃ πh2 tan2 α ż (z is so small)
=⇒ a2 ẍ = h2 tan2 α z̈ → R2
R1 ∧ R2 =⇒

h2 tan2 α
 
3g
2
− 1 z̈ = z
a h
3a2 g
z̈ = − z
h(a2 − h2 tan2 α)
as a2 > h2 tan2 α [2a > ah tan α]

Here the notion is simple harmonic and harmonic period is

s
h(a2 − h2 tan2 α)
2π
3a2 g

Example 9
A cylinder of radius a makes vertical oscillations in a liquid contained in another cylinder of radius
gn2t 2
na. Show that the length of the axis immersed when in a position of rest is ; where t is
aπ 2 (n2 − 1)
the time of complete oscillation.

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M = πa2 hρ (Mass of the inner cylinder)

The equation of motion at time t is;

M(ẍ − z̈) = −Mg + πa2 (h + z)ρg
πa2 hρ(ẍ − z̈) = −πa2 hρg + πa2 (h + z)ρg
h(ẍ − z̈) = zg

Volume of the liquid is

Z x Z h+z
V0 = Xdx − Zdz
0 0
where X = πa2 n2 ,
z2 = πa2
dV0 = Xdx − Zdz = 0 (Volume of the liquid in constant)

πa2 n2 ẋ = πa2 ż
n2 ẋ = ż
 n2 ẍ = z̈
1
h 2 − 1 z̈ = gz
n
n2 gz
z̈ = − 2
ns− 1 h
(n2 − 1)h
t = 2π
n2 g
n2t 2 g
h =
aπ 2 (n2 − 1)

Example 10
A straight rod is dropped vertically from a given height above the surface of water. Determine its
motion and find the condition that it mat be only just immersed.

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Let h be the height above the surface from which the rod is. Let drop then u2 = 2gh. gives the velocity
of the rod when its lower end just reaches the surface of water.

Let h be the length of the rod k its cross section and σ its density ρ the density of water.

At time t, the equation of motion is,

∆kl ẍ = kgl− kxg 
gρ σl
ẍ = − x−
∆l  ρ 
dẋ gρ σl
=− x−
dt ∆l ρ
dẋ dẋ dt 1 dẋ
= =
dx dt dx x dt
2
dẋ dẋ d ẋ
= ẋ = 2
dt dx dx
2
d ẋ2 σl 2 A
 
−gρ
= x− +
dx 2σ l ρ 2
Initially x = 0, ẋ = u
−gρ σ 2 l 2
u2 = +A
σ l ρ2
gσ l
A = u2 +
ρ
σl 2
 
2 −gρ gσ l
ẋ = x− + u2 +
σl ρ ρ
put ẋ = 0 and x = l
σl 2
 
2 gσ l ρg
u + − x− = 0
ρl σ ρ
u = 2gh
2hσ
l =
ρ − 2σ

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