Fluid Mechanics Lab Report

Experiment 2

Hydrostatic Pressure

By

De’Jayvion Brown

Group A

Jeff Alexander

Tywon Alexander

Jannifer Banks

Sierra Basden

Garret Breithaupt

Experiment Date: Feb 3, 2025

Report Submitted: Feb 24, 2025

This experiment aims to determine the hydrostatic force acting on a plane surface that is either

partially or fully submerged in water. Additionally, it seeks to identify the center of pressure of the

hydrostatic force through both theoretical calculations and experimental measurements while analyzing

any discrepancies or errors between the two methods.

Theory

As water is added to the tank, submerging the quadrant, the forces acting on its sides remain

horizontal. Since these horizontal forces are equal in magnitude but opposite in direction, they cancel

each other out. In this experiment, the hydrostatic force exerted on the vertical submerged face of the

quadrant is balanced by the counterweight. The resulting hydrostatic force on this surface can be

determined using the measured balance weight and the corresponding water depth.

Equipment

●​ Armfield F1-12 Hydrostatic Pressure Apparatus,

●​ Calipers or rulers,

●​ A jug

●​ Adjustable counterbalance weight and measuring devices

Procedure

1.​ Clean the quadrant with a damp cloth to eliminate surface tension and prevent the formation of air

bubbles.

2.​ Place the apparatus on a level surface and adjust the screw-in feet until the built-in circular spirit

level shows that the base is perfectly horizontal (the bubble should be centered).

3.​ Position the balance arm on the knife edges and ensure it swings freely.

4.​ Attach the weight hanger to the end of the balance arm and use the counterweight to level the

arm so that it remains horizontal.

6.​ Fill the tank with water and allow it to settle.

7.​ Close the drain valve at the tank’s end, then gradually add water until the hydrostatic force on the

quadrant's end surface is balanced. This balance is indicated when the base of the balance arm

aligns with the top or bottom of the central marking on the balance rest.

8.​ Record the water level displayed on the side of the quadrant in millimeters. If the quadrant is only

partially submerged, note the reading in the partially submerged section of the Raw Data Table.

9.​ Repeat the steps, adding 20 g to the weight hanger each time until the total weight reaches

approximately 250 g. Once the quadrant is fully submerged, record the measurements in the fully

submerged section of the Raw Data Table.

10.​ Reverse the process by gradually removing the weights and recording the readings.

11.​ Open the drain valve, remove all weights, and clean up any spilled water.

Results

●​ Partially submerged condition

Test Mass Depth (F)th (Yp)th (F)ex (Yp)ex Deviation Deviation

1 .05 .046 .78 .185 .73 .173 6% 6.85%

2 ,07 .055 1.11 .182 1.04 .170 7%

3 .09 .061 1.37 .180 1.35 .177 2%

4 .11 .069 1.75 .177 1.68 .170 4%

5 .13 .075 2.07 .175 2.00 .176 .6%

6 .15 .081 2.41 .173 2.34 .170 1.7%

7 .17 .087 2.78 .171 2.68 .165 4%

8 .19 .092 3.11 .170 3.02 .165 2%

9 .21 .097 3.46 .168 3.37 .164 %

Test Mass Depth (F)th (Yp)th (F)ex (Yp)ex Deviation Deviation

10 .23 .102 3.83 .212 2.93 .162 16.2% 30.7%

11 .25 .107 4.19. .205 3.29 .161 21.5%

12 .27 .112 4.56 .196 3.72 .160 18.4%

13 .29 .117 4.93 .191 4.10 .159 16.8%

14 .31 .121 5.22 .188 4.45 .160 17.5%

15 .33 .126 5.59 .185 4.81 .159 14.1%

Discussion

The experiment successfully demonstrated the principles of hydrostatic force and the

center of pressure acting on a submerged plane surface. As the water depth increased, the

hydrostatic force acting on the vertical surface also increased, resulting in greater moments

about the pivot. This behavior aligns with the theoretical expectation that hydrostatic force is

directly proportional to the depth of the fluid.

The experimentally determined hydrostatic force and center of pressure were compared

with the theoretical values calculated using the hydrostatic pressure equation. The results

showed a close correlation, validating the theoretical principles. However, slight discrepancies

were observed, which may be attributed to several factors. One potential source of error is the

accuracy of the depth measurements, as slight variations in water level can significantly impact

the calculated hydrostatic force. Additionally, friction in the pivot mechanism of the balance arm

and potential misalignment of the submerged surface could have influenced the accuracy of the

measured forces. Another factor contributing to the discrepancies could be human error in

reading the applied weights or ensuring perfect equilibrium during the balancing process.
 Despite these minor errors, the experiment effectively demonstrated how hydrostatic

force distribution varies with depth and how the center of pressure shifts as a function of

increasing depth. The data trends supported the theoretical expectations, reinforcing the

fundamental concepts of fluid mechanics.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the experiment successfully determined the hydrostatic force acting on a

submerged vertical surface and verified the theoretical and experimental values of the center of pressure.

The results demonstrated that the hydrostatic force increases with depth and that the center of pressure

is located below the centroid of the submerged surface. While some discrepancies were observed

between experimental and theoretical values, these were likely due to measurement errors, friction, and

human factors. Overall, the experiment provided valuable insights into hydrostatic pressure distribution

and reinforced key concepts in fluid mechanics. Future improvements could include using more precise

measurement tools and minimizing sources of friction to enhance the accuracy of the results.