Chapter 2 Practice Problems
Problem 1: Using pressure prism concept calculate
the magnitude of resultant force and its location
on the gate at the inlet of the rectangular conduit
O
8m water θ = 36.87˚
θ
hinge
4mx4m 4m
m
(rectangular conduit)
γ×8 m
γ×12
4/cosθ = 5 m
Y axis
y
Solution 1: Pressure Prism
Y axis
Magnitude of force h1 + h2
2 γh1
FR = ∀ = (9800 N/m3 )(10 m)(5 m)(4 m) γh2
FR =1.96
________
MN
5m
Location of resultant force measured from hinge a
a 2 wγ h1 h2
2a awγ (h2 − h1 ) =a yR +
yR FR + ( awγ h1 ) aw (10 m ) γ 6 3
3 2 2
( 5 m ) (8 m ) + (12 m ) FR
yR
(10 m ) 6 3 yR = _______
2.667 m
xR = ???
Problem 2: Compartments A and B of the tank shown in Figure are closed and
filled with air and a liquid with a specific gravity equal to 0.6. Determine the
manometer reading, h, if the barometric pressure is 14.7 psia and the pressue
gage reads 0.5 psi. The effect of the weight of the air is negligible.
Problem 3: A structure is attached to the ocean floor as shown in
figure. A 2-m diameter hatch is located in an inclined wall and
hinged on one edge. Determine the minimum air pressure, p1,
within the container that will open the hatch. Neglect the weight
of the hatch and friction in the hinge.
Problem 4: A 1 meter diameter cylindrical mass, M, is connected to
a 2 meter wide rectangular gate as shown in the figure. The gate is
to open when the water level, h, drops below 2.5 meter. Determine
the required value for M. Neglect friction at the gate hinge and the
pulley.