MODULE 3

HYDROSTATIC FORCES

Lecturer: Aljhon Morana

Chapter Outline
1. Plane Surfaces
2. Layered Fluids
3. Curved Surfaces
Objectives
1. Calculate the hydrostatic force on a plane surface due to
fluids.
2. Quantify the vertical and horizontal forces on curved
surfaces due to fluids.
3. Solve hydrostatic forces on plane surfaces from layered
fluids.
1. Plane Surfaces 2 3

Hydrostatic Forces
Forces on solid surfaces due to the pressure caused by the
fluid.

Hydrostatic forces are always perpendicular to the solid

surface.

Assumptions:
• Fluid is at rest or moving in such a way that there is no
relative motion between adjacent particles.
• No shearing stress in the fluid.
1. Plane Surfaces 2 3

Hydrostatic Forces
When analyzing hydrostatic forces, atmospheric pressure is
commonly present on both sides. Thus, it cancels itself and is
neglected.
1. Plane Surfaces 2 3

Inclined Surfaces
The force due to the hydrostatic pressure is always
perpendicular to the surface.
1. Plane Surfaces 2 3

Hydrostatic Force
The average pressure (PC) is
the pressure at the centroid
of the solid surface.

The hydrostatic force (FR)

due to the pressure acts on
the center of pressure.

The center of pressure is e

distance below the centroid
along the inclination of the
solid surface.
1. Plane Surfaces 2 3

Hydrostatic Force
Average Pressure (PC)
𝑷𝑪 = 𝜸𝒉𝒄
Hydrostatic Force (FR)
𝑭𝑹 = 𝑷𝒄 𝑨
Distance of CP from C (e)
𝑰
𝒆=
𝑨𝒚𝒄
1. Plane Surfaces 2 3

Common Geometries of Surfaces

1. Plane Surfaces 2 3

Common Geometries of Surfaces

1. Plane Surfaces 2 3

Pressure Prism
We can also imagine the
pressure on a surface as a
pressure prism.

The volume of the prism is

the resultant hydrostatic
force.
1. Plane Surfaces 2 3

Sample Problem 1
The water thrusting the wall as shown is
12m deep. If the wall is 4m wide into the
paper, calculate the resultant hydrostatic
force on the wall and the moment at
point A due to the water.

A
1. Plane Surfaces 2 3

Sample Problem 1
Given:
ℎ = 12𝑚
𝑏 = 4𝑚

Required: 𝐹𝑅 , 𝑀𝐴

Solution:

A
1. Plane Surfaces 2 3

Sample Problem 1

A
1. Plane Surfaces 2 3

Sample Problem 1

A
1. Plane Surfaces 2 3

Sample Problem 2
The V-shaped water trough shown is hinged at the bottom. The
tips of the trough are connected by cables every 8m. Calculate
the tension on the cable.
1. Plane Surfaces 2 3

Sample Problem 2
Given:
Cable every 8m
Required: T
Solution:
1. Plane Surfaces 2 3

Sample Problem 2
1. Plane Surfaces 2 3

Sample Problem 2
1. Plane Surfaces 2 3

Sample Problem 3
The flow of water from a
reservoir is controlled by a 4𝑓𝑡
wide L-shaped gate that is
hinged at A. When the water
level is 10𝑓𝑡 deep, the gate is
on the verge of opening.
Calculate the weight of Block
W, and the support reactions at h
A. The specific weight of water
is 62.43𝑙𝑏/𝑓𝑡3.
1. Plane Surfaces 2 3

Sample Problem 3
Given:
𝛾𝑤 = 62.43𝑙𝑏/𝑓𝑡 3
𝑏 = 4𝑓𝑡
ℎ = 10𝑓𝑡
Required: 𝑊, 𝐴𝑥 ,𝐴𝑦
Solution:
h
1. Plane Surfaces 2 3

Sample Problem 3
1. Plane Surfaces 2 3

Sample Problem 4
1.5m
A gate inclined 50° from the horizontal
1.2m
is containing water and is supported by
a cable at its tip. The 2𝑚 wide gate
weighs 20𝑘𝑁. Calculate the tension at
the cable and the support reaction at
A.
1. Plane Surfaces 2 3

Sample Problem 4
1.5m
Given:
1.2m
Gate inclined 50° from the horizontal
𝑏 = 2𝑚
𝑊 = 20𝑘𝑁
Required: 𝑇, 𝐴𝑥, 𝐴𝑦
1. Plane Surfaces 2 3

Sample Problem 4
1.5m
Solution:
1.2m
1. Plane Surfaces 2 3

Sample Problem 4
1.5m
Solution:
1.2m
1. Plane Surfaces 2 3

Sample Problem 5
A semi-circular gate is submerged under water as
shown. The base of the gate is pin supported and the
top is being held by a stopper. If the radius of the gate
is 1.5𝑚, calculate the support reactions. Neglect the
weight of the gate.

6.0m

A
1. Plane Surfaces 2 3

Sample Problem 5
Given: 𝑟 = 1.5𝑚
Required: 𝐴𝑥, 𝐴𝑦, 𝐵𝑥
Solution:

6.0m

A
1. Plane Surfaces 2 3

Sample Problem 5

6.0m

A
1. Plane Surfaces 2 3

Sample Problem 5

6.0m

A
1. Plane Surfaces 2 3

Sample Problem 6
A triangular gate with a
horizontal base 1.2𝑚 and an
altitude of 1.8𝑚 is inclined
45° from the vertical with 2.5m

the vertex pointing upward.

The hinged horizontal base is
2.5𝑚 below the water 1.8m

surface. Calculate the total

hydrostatic force and how
far it is from the vertex of
the triangular gate.
1.2m
1. Plane Surfaces 2 3

Sample Problem 6
Given:
𝜃 = 45° yC
hC
Required: 𝐹𝑅 , 𝑑
Solution: 2.5m

1.8m

1.2m
1. Plane Surfaces 2 3

Sample Problem 6

hC yC
2.5m

1.8m

1.2m
1. Plane Surfaces 2 3

Sample Problem 6

hC yC
2.5m

1.8m

1.2m
1. Plane Surfaces 2 3

Sample Problem 6

hC yC
2.5m

1.8m

1.2m
1. Plane Surfaces 2 3

Sample Problem 6

hC yC
2.5m

1.8m

1.2m
1 2. Layered Fluids 3

Layered Fluids
• Assuming that liquids next to each other are immiscible,
the liquid column will be arranged from least dense on
top to densest at the bottom.
• The pressure at a point is simply equal to the weight of
all the fluids above the point considering a unit area.
1 2. Layered Fluids 3

Sample Problem 7
A tank is 3m wide, 5m long, and 6m high. The tank is filled
with 3m high water, 2m high oil (SG = 0.8), and 1m high
mercury (SG = 13.6). Determine the magnitude and
location (from top) of the resultant hydrostatic forces due
to each liquid on the widest wall.
1 2. Layered Fluids 3

Sample Problem 7 Oil 2m

SG=0.8
Given:
6m high and 5m long

Required:
Foil and doil
Fw and dw Water 3m
FHg and dHg

Hg
1m
SG=13.6
1 2. Layered Fluids 3

Sample Problem 7 Oil 2m

Solution: SG=0.8
*Solve the pressure at every liquid interface

Water 3m

Hg
1m
SG=13.6
1 2. Layered Fluids 3

Sample Problem 7 Oil 2m

𝑃𝑂𝑊 = 15.6912𝑘𝑃𝑎 SG=0.8
𝑃𝑊𝑀 = 45.1122𝑘𝑃𝑎 Locate FOil
𝑃𝑀 = 178.4874𝑘𝑃𝑎 𝒅𝑶𝒊𝒍 = 𝟏. 𝟑𝟑𝟑𝟑𝒎

Consider Oil
0+15.6912
𝑃𝐶 = Water 3m
2
𝑷𝑪 = 𝟕. 𝟖𝟒𝟓𝟔𝒌𝑷𝒂
𝐹𝑅 = 𝑃𝐶 𝐴
𝐹𝑂𝑖𝑙 = (7.8456)(2)(5)

𝑭𝒐𝒊𝒍 = 𝟕𝟖. 𝟒𝟓𝟔𝒌𝑵 Hg

1m
SG=13.6
1 2. Layered Fluids 3

Sample Problem 7 Oil 2m

Consider Water SG=0.8
*Convert height of Oil to Water
𝛾𝑂𝑖𝑙 ℎ𝑂𝑖𝑙 = 𝛾𝑤 ℎ𝑤
0.8(9807)(2) = 9807ℎ𝑤
𝒉𝒘 = 𝟏. 𝟔𝒎
Water 3m

Hg
1m
SG=13.6
1 2. Layered Fluids 3

Sample Problem 7
1.6m
Consider Water
*Convert height of Oil to Water
𝛾𝑂𝑖𝑙 ℎ𝑂𝑖𝑙 = 𝛾𝑤 ℎ𝑤
0.8(9807)(2) = 9807ℎ𝑤
𝒉𝒘 = 𝟏. 𝟔𝒎
*Solve Fw
3 Water 3m
ℎ𝐶𝑤 = 1.6 + = 𝟑. 𝟏𝒎
2
𝐹𝑅 = 𝛾𝑤 ℎ𝐶𝑤 𝐴
𝐹𝑤 = (9807)(3.1)(3)(5)

𝑭𝒘 = 𝟒𝟓𝟔. 𝟎𝟐𝟓𝟓𝒌𝑵 Hg
1m
SG=13.6
1 2. Layered Fluids 3

Sample Problem 7
1.6m
Consider Water
*Locate the resultant force due to water
𝐼
𝑒=
𝐴𝑦𝐶
1
𝐼= 𝑏ℎ3
12
1
𝐼= 53 3 = 𝟏𝟏. 𝟐𝟓𝒎𝟒
12 Water 3m
𝐴 = 3 5 = 𝟏𝟓𝒎𝟐
𝑦𝐶 = ℎ𝐶 = 𝟑. 𝟏𝒎
11.25
𝑒= = 𝟎. 𝟐𝟒𝟏𝟗𝒎
15(3.1)

Hg
𝒅𝒘 = 𝟑. 𝟕𝟒𝟏𝟗𝒎 SG=13.6
1m
1 2. Layered Fluids 3

Sample Problem 7
1.6m
Consider Mercury
*Convert height of Water to Mercury
𝛾𝑤 ℎ𝑤 = 𝛾𝐻𝑔 ℎ𝐻𝑔
9807(4.6) = 13.6(9807)ℎ𝐻𝑔
𝒉𝑯𝒈 = 𝟎. 𝟑𝟑𝟖𝟐𝒎
Water 3m

Hg
1m
SG=13.6
1 2. Layered Fluids 3

Sample Problem 7
Consider Mercury
*Convert height of Water to Mercury
𝛾𝑤 ℎ𝑤 = 𝛾𝐻𝑔 ℎ𝐻𝑔
9807(4.6) = 13.6(9807)ℎ𝐻𝑔
𝒉𝑯𝒈 = 𝟎. 𝟑𝟑𝟖𝟐𝒎
*Solve FHg
ℎ𝐶𝐻𝑔 = 0.3382 + 0.5 = 𝟎. 𝟖𝟑𝟖𝟐𝒎
𝐹𝑅 = 𝛾𝐻𝑔 ℎ𝐶𝐻𝑔 𝐴
𝐹𝐻𝑔 = 13.6(9807)(0.8382)(1)(5) 0.3382m

𝑭𝑯𝒈 = 𝟓𝟓𝟖. 𝟗𝟗𝟗𝟎𝒌𝑵 Hg

1m
SG=13.6
1 2. Layered Fluids 3

Sample Problem 7
Consider Mercury
*Locate the resultant force due to Mercury
𝐼
𝑒=
𝐴𝑦𝐶
1
𝐼= 𝑏ℎ3
12
1
𝐼= 5 1 3 = 𝟎. 𝟒𝟏𝟔𝟕𝒎𝟒
12
𝐴 = 1 5 = 𝟓𝒎𝟐
𝑦𝐶 = ℎ𝐶 = 𝟎. 𝟖𝟑𝟖𝟐𝒎
0.4167 0.3382m
𝑒= = 𝟎. 𝟎𝟗𝟗𝟒𝒎
5(0.8382)

Hg
𝒅𝑯𝒈 = 𝟓. 𝟓𝟗𝟗𝟒𝒎 SG=13.6
1m
1 2. Layered Fluids 3

Sample Problem 7 1.3333m

FOil Oil 2m
𝐹𝑂𝑖𝑙 = 78.4560𝑘𝑁 SG=0.8
𝐹𝑤 = 456.0255𝑘𝑁
𝐹𝐻𝑔 = 558.9990𝑘𝑁
3.7419m

𝐹𝑅 = 𝐹𝑂𝑖𝑙 + 𝐹𝑤 + 𝐹𝐻𝑔
𝑭𝑹 = 𝟏𝟎𝟗𝟑. 𝟒𝟖𝟎𝟓𝒌𝑵 Fw Water 3m

𝐹𝑂𝑖𝑙 𝑑𝑂𝑖𝑙 +𝐹𝑤 𝑑𝑤 +𝐹𝐻𝑔 𝑑𝐻𝑔

𝑑𝑅 =
𝐹𝑅
𝒅𝑹 = 𝟒. 𝟓𝟏𝟖𝟕𝒎
5.5994m
FHg Hg
1m
SG=13.6
1 2 3. Curved Surfaces

Hydrostatic Forces on Curved Surfaces

The easiest way to determine the resultant hydrostatic
force (FR) on a curved surface is to calculate the vertical
(FV) and horizontal (FH) components separately.
1 2 3. Curved Surfaces

Hydrostatic Forces on Curved Surfaces

𝑭𝑯 = 𝑭𝒙
𝑭𝑽 = 𝑭𝒚 + 𝑾
𝟐 𝟐
𝑭𝑹 = 𝑭𝑯 + 𝑭𝑽
1 2 3. Curved Surfaces

Hydrostatic Forces on Curved Surfaces

FV is also
equal to
the weight
of the fluid
above the
curved
surface.
1 2 3. Curved Surfaces

Sample Problem 8
Calculate the resultant hydrostatic force
on the curved surface shown. The curve
is a quarter circle with radius of 3m and
the depth of the water is 9m. The wall
is 5m wide into the paper.

R = 3m
1 2 3. Curved Surfaces

Sample Problem 8
Given: ℎ = 9𝑚, 𝑏 = 5𝑚
Required: 𝐹𝑅
Solution:
*Solve the horizontal component

R = 3m
1 2 3. Curved Surfaces

Sample Problem 8
*Solve the vertical component

R = 3m
1 2 3. Curved Surfaces

Sample Problem 8

R = 2m
1 2 3. Curved Surfaces

Sample Problem 9
Calculate the spring force such that
4
the quarter circle gate is on the
verge of opening. The gate is 5m
wide into the paper.
1 2 3. Curved Surfaces

Sample Problem 9
Given: 𝑏 = 5𝑚
4
Required: 𝐹𝑆
Solution:
*Solve and locate 𝑭𝑯
1 2 3. Curved Surfaces

Sample Problem 9
*Solve and locate 𝑭𝑽
4
1 2 3. Curved Surfaces

Sample Problem 9
*Centroid of the shaded region
4
1 2 3. Curved Surfaces

Sample Problem 9
*Solve FS
1 2 3. Curved Surfaces

Sample Problem 10
The homogenous gate shown
5
consists of one quarter of a
cylinder and is used to maintain a
water depth of 5m. That is, when
the water depth exceeds 5m, the
gate slightly opens and lets the
water flow under it. Calculate the
specific weight of the gate.
Assume that the gate is
continuous into the paper.
1 2 3. Curved Surfaces

Sample Problem 10
Given:
5
Required: 𝛾𝑔𝑎𝑡𝑒
Solution:
*Consider 𝑭𝑯
1 2 3. Curved Surfaces

Sample Problem 10
*Consider 𝑭𝑽
5
1 2 3. Curved Surfaces

Sample Problem 10
*Consider specific weight
1 2 3. Curved Surfaces

Sample Problem 10
*Consider specific weight
END