Report
Mechanics of fluids lab
Ex.1 center of pressure
By : Ibrahim amer Ibrahim
2nd year
Objectives :
The Center of Pressure Apparatus experiment has three
main objectives:
[Link] determine experimentally the resultant force acting on
a partially and fully submerged plane surface.
[Link] determine experimentally the moments due to the
resultant force and compare the results with theoretical
analysis.
[Link] determine the experimental and the theoretical center
of pressure.
Theory :
Centre of Pressure may be defined as the point in a plane at
which the fluid thrust can be said to be acting normal to that
plane. Referring to (fig 2), consider an element at start depth
y, width dy.
The basic equation of the resultant hydrostatic force is as
follows:
Equation (2) provides an expression for the resultant force F
as a function of the pressure acting over the differential area
element dA=B\ dy.
Assume the localized acceleration of gravity is a constant
9.81 {m/s} and that the water is incompressible with
constant density 1000 {kg/m} so:
Procedure:-
-Affix the weight hanger to the cord.
-The apparatus will now require trimming in order to bring
the submerged plane to the vertical (i.e. 0 position).
-This is achieved by gently pouring water into the trim tank
until the desired position is achieved
-The protractor on the tank assembly should be read against
the zero line on the back scale.
-First add a 20 {g} weight to the weight hanger.
-Pour water into the quadrant tank until a 0 balance is
restored.
-Note the weight and the height reading of the water.
-Repeat the procedure for the full range of weights in steps
of 50 {g}.
-Empty both tanks of water and repeat the procedure for 10,
20.
-Readings should be tabulated in table (1) and (2).
Discussion:
1-This is because hydrostatic pressure increases linearly
with depth. Since the pressure is greater on the lower parts
of the submerged plane than on the upper parts, the
pressure distribution is non-uniform (trapezoidal, not
uniform). This non-uniform distribution results in a larger
contribution to the force's moment from the lower depths,
effectively shifting the resultant force's point of action (the
Center of Pressure) downwards, away from the centroid.
2-The location of the Center of Pressure depends only on the
geometry of the submerged area and the depth of
submergence (h), not on the fluid's specific weight The
magnitude of the resultant force changes, but its location
(the Center of Pressure) generally remains the same,
provided the depth of submergence (h) remains constant.
3-Dam and Retaining Wall Design: Engineers must
accurately calculate the resultant force and its location
(Center of Pressure) on the vertical or inclined surfaces of
dams to ensure stability against overturning or sliding
failure.
Submarine and Ship Design: Understanding the distribution
of hydrostatic force is essential for determining buoyancy,
stability, and the structural integrity of submerged or
partially submerged hulls.
Storage Tanks and Gates: The principles are used to design
robust floodgates, sluice gates, and liquid storage tanks to
withstand the pressure exerted by the contained fluid.
4-This design ensures that the only moment measured
experimentally by the weights is that due to the fluid
pressure acting on the plane (flat) surface. This allows for a
direct and isolated experimental measurement of the
moment caused by the force on the plane surface,
simplifying the analysis.
5-Reading Errors: Inaccuracies when measuring the water
height
Trimming Error: Failure to perfectly level the apparatus or
accurately set the initial angle
Weight Measurement: Errors in the measurement or
calibration of the added masses
Surface Tension/Meniscus: Surface tension effects at the
fluid-plane interface, or errors in reading the water level due
to the meniscus, can slightly affect the true submerged area
and height.