Hydrostatic Forces

Introduction

In our previous lessons, we have studied that a liquid at rest, exerts some pressure on all pressure on all sides of the
container. The intensity of pressure (P) was related to specific weight (𝞬) of the liquid and vertical depth h of the
point by equation P=𝞬h. In this chapter, we shall discuss the total pressure on a surface and its position.

The term “hydrostatics” means the study of pressure, exerted by a liquid at rest. The direction of such pressure is
always perpendicular to the surface, on which it acts.
Total Pressure
It is defined as the force exerted by static fluid on a surface (either plane or curved) when the fluid comes in contact
with the surface. This force is always at right angle (or normal) to the surface.

Center of Pressure
It is defined as the point of application of the total pressure on the surface.

Center of Gravity
This is an imaginary point in a body of matter where, for convenience in certain calculations, the total weight og the
body may be thought to be concentrated.

In this chapter, we shall discuss the total pressure exerted by a liquid on the immersed surface as well as the
hydrostatic force.
Hydrostatic Forces on
Plane Surfaces
The Center of Gravity (C.G.) and Moment of Inertia (I) of Some Common
Geometric Figures

Figure 3.6

Figure 3.3 Figure 3.4 Figure 3.5

 Derivation of the Formula of the Hydrostatic Force on Plane Surface
ws
𝞱 We are going to consider dividing the Area
to its smaller differential area, dA.
h ws
ℎ𝑝 Ӯ
F 𝞱
𝑦𝑝 The differential area, dA, of
h
dF y
𝑐𝑔 the submerged plane
𝑐𝑃 surface is subjected to a
Area, A very small hydrostatic force
dF due to the pressure
𝑐𝑔
From the figure: dA exerted by the liquid where
𝑐𝑃 the plane surface is
ℎ ℎ𝑝 ℎ
Sin 𝞱 = = = submerged.
Ӯ 𝑦𝑝 𝑦

ℎ = 𝑦𝑠𝑖𝑛 𝞱
ℎ = Ӯ𝑠𝑖𝑛 𝞱
The magnitude of dF is: Where:
Our purpose is to derive the formula for the 𝒅𝑭 = 𝑷(𝒅𝑨) P – pressure exerted by the liquid at
hydrostatic force, F, that acts on the submerged plane. a depth where dA is located
 𝑷 = 𝞬𝒉 = 𝞺𝒈𝒉 𝑭 = 𝞺𝒈𝑠𝑖𝑛 𝞱(𝐴Ӯ)
𝑭 = 𝞺𝒈 Ӯ𝑠𝑖𝑛 𝞱 (𝐴)
Where: 𝑏𝑢𝑡 ℎ = Ӯ𝑠𝑖𝑛 𝞱
P – pressure exerted by the liquid at
𝐹 = 𝞺𝑔ℎ𝐴 = 𝞬ℎ𝐴
a depth where dA is located
𝞺 – density of the liquid
Where:
g – gravitational acceleration F – hydrostatic force exerted by the
h – depth of the dA from the liquid
liquid on the submerged plane
surface
surface
𝒅𝑭 = 𝑷(𝒅𝑨)
𝞺 – density of the liquid where the
𝒅𝑭 = 𝞺𝒈𝒉(𝒅𝑨)
plane is submerged
If we will be taking all the forces acting on each g – gravitational acceleration
differential areas starting from top to bottom, h – vertical distance of the centroid
then, of the submerged plane from the
ʃ𝒅𝑭 = ʃ𝞺𝒈𝒉(𝒅𝑨) liquid surface
𝑠𝑢𝑏𝑠𝑡𝑖𝑡𝑢𝑡𝑖𝑛𝑔 ℎ = 𝑦𝑠𝑖𝑛 𝞱 𝞬 – specific weight of the liquid
𝑭 = ʃ𝞺𝒈(𝑦𝑠𝑖𝑛 𝞱)𝒅𝑨 where the plane is submerged
𝑭 = 𝞺𝒈(𝑠𝑖𝑛 𝞱)ʃ𝑦𝒅𝑨 A – area of the plane surface

Recall:
ʃ𝑦𝑑𝐴 = 𝐴Ӯ
It is very important to locate the location of the Solving for the position of the Center of Pressure:
hydrostatic force. So we have to find the location of
Considering an axis along the intersection of the
the center of pressure where the hydrostatic force is
liquid and plane surface:
located.
Applying the principle of moments:
ws x “The moment of the force is equal to the sum of the
𝞱 moment of its components.”
𝐹 𝑦𝑝 = ʃ𝑑𝐹(𝑦)
h
ℎ𝑝 Ӯ 𝑏𝑢𝑡 𝑑𝐹 = 𝞺𝑔(𝑦𝑠𝑖𝑛 𝞱)𝑑𝐴 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝐹 = 𝞺𝑔ℎ𝐴 = 𝞬ℎ𝐴
F
𝑦𝑝 𝞺𝑔ℎ𝐴 𝑦𝑝 = ʃ𝞺𝑔(𝑦𝑠𝑖𝑛 𝞱)𝑑𝐴(𝑦)
𝞺𝑔ℎ𝐴 𝑦𝑝 = 𝞺𝑔𝑠𝑖𝑛 𝞱 ʃ(𝑦2)𝑑𝐴 𝑏𝑢𝑡 ℎ = Ӯ𝑠𝑖𝑛 𝞱
dF 𝑐𝑔 y
𝑐𝑃
𝞺𝑔Ӯ𝑠𝑖𝑛 𝞱𝐴 𝑦𝑝 = 𝞺𝑔𝑠𝑖𝑛 𝞱 ʃ(𝑦2)𝑑𝐴
Area, A 𝐴𝑦 𝑦𝑝 = ʃ(𝑦2)𝑑𝐴 𝑁𝑜𝑡𝑒: ʃ 𝑦2 𝑑𝐴 = 𝐼𝑥
𝑐𝑔 𝐴𝑦 𝑦𝑝 = 𝐼𝑥
𝑐𝑃 𝐼𝑥 Location of the center of pressure
𝑦𝑝 = measured from the liquid surface along
𝐴𝑦
the axis of the plane
Where:
𝑰𝒙 – moments of inertia of the area with respect to an axis
along the intersection of the plane and the liquid surface
y – distance of the centroid of area from the liquid surface
measured along the axis of the plane
Solving for the distance of the Center of Pressure
𝑦𝑝 = 𝑦 + 𝑒
from the Centroid of the Area 𝐼𝑥
𝑒 = 𝑦𝑝 − 𝑦 𝑏𝑢𝑡 𝑦𝑝 =
𝐴𝑦
ws x 𝐼𝑥
𝑒= −𝑦
𝞱 𝐴𝑦
Using the transfer formula:
h 𝐼𝑥 = 𝐼𝑔 + 𝐴𝑦 2
ℎ𝑝 Ӯ
F 𝐼𝑔 + 𝐴𝑦 2 𝐼𝑔 + 𝐴𝑦 2 − 𝐴𝑦 2
𝑦𝑝 𝑒= −𝑦 𝑒=
𝐴𝑦 𝐴𝑦
𝑐𝑔 𝐼𝑔 Location of the center of pressure below the
𝑐𝑃 𝑒=
𝐴𝑦 centroid of the plane surface
Area, A
e
𝑐𝑔 Where:
𝑐𝑃 𝑰𝒈 – moments of inertia of the area with respect to an axis
through the centroid of the plane parallel to the liquid surface
A – area of the plane surface
y – distance of the centroid of area from the liquid surface
measured along the axis of the plane
SAMPLE PROBLEMS
1. Find the total hydrostatic force and the location of the center of pressure exerted by the water on the submerged
gate if:
a) the gate is rectangular in shape having a width of 1.2 meters and a height of 3.0 meters and
submerged vertically having its top flushed with the water surface
b) the gate is triangular in shape with a height of 3.0 meters and a horizontal base of 1.20 meters and
is submerged vertically with the base flushed with the water surface
c) the gate is semi-circle having a radius of 1.5 meters and a base of on top at 2 meters below the
water surface and submerged in an inclined position such that the axis is 30ᵒ with the vertical.
 Solutions:
1. Find the total hydrostatic force and the location of the center of exerted by the water on the submerged gate if:
a) the gate is rectangular in shape having a width of 1.2 meters and a height of 3.0 meters and
submerged vertically having its top flushed with the water surface

ws 1.2 m Solving for distance of the hydrostatic Solving for the distance of
force from the surface, 𝑦𝑝 center of pressure from the
h = y = 1.5 m 𝑏ℎ3 center of gravity
ℎ𝑝 = 𝑦𝑝
𝐼𝑥 𝑏ℎ3
c.g c.g 3m 𝑦𝑝 = = 3 𝐼𝑔
𝐴𝑦 𝐴𝑦
e
cp 𝑒= = 12
F (1.2𝑚)(3𝑚)3 𝐴𝑦 𝐴𝑦
= 3 (1.2𝑚)(3𝑚)3
(1.2𝑚 𝑥 3𝑚)(1.5𝑚) 12
=
(1.2𝑚 𝑥 3𝑚)(1.5𝑚)
Solving for the hydrostatic force, F: 𝑦𝑝 = 2.0 𝑚
𝑒 = 0.5 𝑚
𝐹 = 𝞬ℎ𝐴
𝐾𝑁
= 9.81 (1.5𝑚)(1.2𝑚 𝑥 3.0𝑚) Check if 𝑦𝑝 = 𝑦 + 𝑒
𝑚3
𝑦 + 𝑒 = 1.5𝑚 + 0.5𝑚
𝐹 = 52.97 𝐾𝑁
y + 𝑒 = 2.0𝑚 = 𝑦𝑝 Ok!
 Solutions:
1. Find the total hydrostatic force and the location of the center of exerted by the water on the submerged gate if:
a) the gate is rectangular in shape having a width of 1.2 meters and a height of 3.0 meters and
submerged vertically having its top flushed with the water surface

ws 1.2 m Solving for distance of the hydrostatic Solving for the distance of
h = y = 1.0 m force from the surface, 𝑦𝑝 center of pressure from the
ℎ𝑝 = 𝑦𝑝
c.g 𝑏ℎ3 center of gravity
e 𝐼𝑥 𝑏ℎ3
F c.p
cp 3m 𝑦𝑝 = = 12 𝐼𝑔
𝐴𝑦 𝐴𝑦 𝑒= = 36
(1.2𝑚)(3𝑚)3 𝐴𝑦 𝐴𝑦
= 3 (1.2𝑚)(3𝑚)3
1 36
2 (1.2𝑚 𝑥 3𝑚)(1.0𝑚) =
1
Solving for the hydrostatic force, F: 2 (1.2𝑚 𝑥 3𝑚)(1.0𝑚)
𝑦𝑝 = 1.50 𝑚
𝐹 = 𝞬ℎ𝐴 𝑒 = 0.5 𝑚
𝐾𝑁 1 Check if 𝑦𝑝 = 𝑦 + 𝑒
= 9.81 3 (1.0𝑚) (1.2𝑚 𝑥 3.0𝑚)
𝑚 2 𝑦 + 𝑒 = 1.0𝑚 + 0.5𝑚
𝐹 = 17.66 𝐾𝑁 y + 𝑒 = 1.5𝑚 = 𝑦𝑝 Ok!
 1. Find the total hydrostatic force and the location of the center of exerted by the water on the submerged gate if:
c) the gate is semi-circle having a radius of 1.5 meters and a base of on top at 2 meters below the
water surface and submerged in an inclined position such that the axis is 30ᵒ with the vertical.
ws
We have to solve first the value of h and y before solving the
2𝑚 𝞱
h value of hydrostatic force and its location from the water
surface.
ℎ𝑝 Solving for h and y.
𝑦𝑝 𝑦
F
ws B C
From the figure
c.p 2𝑚 30ᵒ
𝑒 ℎ = 2𝑚 + 𝑥
ℎ
D 𝑧 From triangle ADE:
4𝑟 x 𝑥
3𝛑 A cos 30ᵒ =
c.g
E 4𝑟 4𝑟
Y-axis 𝑦
3𝛑 3𝛑
c.p 4(1.5𝑚)
𝑥= cos 30ᵒ
3𝛑
Solving for h we have: 𝑥 = 0.55 𝑚
ℎ = 2𝑚 + 𝑥
4𝑟
Note: The distance of the centroid of a semi-circle is from ℎ = 2𝑚 + 0.55𝑚
3𝛑
its base and the centroidal moment of inertia, 𝐼𝑔 = 0.11𝑟 4 . ℎ = 2.55𝑚
 ws B C
Solving for the hydrostatic force, F: 𝐼𝑥 = 31.31𝑚4
2𝑚 30ᵒ
ℎ 𝐹 = 𝞬ℎ𝐴 Solving for 𝑦𝑝 𝑤𝑒 ℎ𝑎𝑣𝑒:
D 𝑧 𝐾𝑁 (𝛑)(1.5𝑚)2 𝐼𝑥 31.31𝑚4
= 9.81 3 (2.55𝑚) 𝑦𝑝 = =
x 𝑚 2 𝐴𝑦 (𝛑)(1.5𝑚)2
(2.95𝑚)
A E
4𝑟 𝐹 = 88.41 𝐾𝑁 2
𝑦
3𝛑 𝑦𝑝 = 3.0 𝑚
Solving for distance of the hydrostatic
force from the surface, 𝑦𝑝 Solving for the distance of center
𝐼𝑥 of pressure from the center of
From the figure
4𝑟
𝑦𝑝 = gravity
y= +𝑧
𝐴𝑦
3𝛑 Since the base of the gate is not on the water 𝐼𝑔 0.11(1.5𝑚)4
𝑒= =
From triangle BCD: surface, we are going to use Transfer Formula to 𝐴𝑦 (𝛑)(1.5𝑚)2
2 solve the moment of inertia. (2.95𝑚)
2
cos 30ᵒ =
𝑧 𝐼𝑥 = 𝐼𝑔 + 𝐴𝑑 2 𝑒 = 0.05 𝑚
2
𝑧= d is equal to y which is the distance of the
cos 30ᵒ centroid of the gate to the water surface along Check if 𝑦𝑝 = 𝑦 + 𝑒
the axis of the gate.
𝑧 = 2.31𝑚 𝑦 + 𝑒 = 2.95𝑚 + 0.05𝑚
Solving for y we have: 𝐼𝑥 = 𝐼𝑔 + 𝐴𝑑 2 = 0.11𝑟 4 + 𝐴𝑦 2
2 y + 𝑒 = 3.0𝑚 = 𝑦𝑝 Ok!
4𝑟 4(1.5𝑚) (𝛑)(1.5𝑚)
𝑦= +𝑧= + 2.31𝑚 = 2.95𝑚 𝐼𝑥 = 0.11(1.5𝑚)4 + (2.95𝑚)2
3𝛑 3𝛑 2
Hydrostatic Forces on
Curved Surfaces
When determining the hydrostatic force on plane surface, it is considerably easy to solve since the orientation of the
force is constant. The force is always perpendicular to the surface of the area.

𝐹𝑅 = න 𝑑𝐹𝑛𝑒𝑡
𝐹 = 𝞺𝑔ℎ𝐴 = 𝞬ℎ𝐴

For planar surfaces, the pressure orientation is the same

at each point.
For curved surfaces, the pressure force orientation can change at each point on the surface. Integration of the
force is very difficult since there is no constant orientation angle.

There are steps on how to solve the hydrostatic force

acting on curved surfaces.

1. Specify the surface you are interested in examining.

2. Isolate the body of fluid that is adjacent to the surface
by creating planar surfaces.
3. Draw a free body diagram of the fluid.
4. Use the Newton’s Second Law of Motion to find the
forces.

On curved surfaces, the orientation angle of the force

varies at each point.
Hydrostatic Forces on Curved Surfaces
Analysis is for liquids:
- Pressure increases linearly with depth
- Gauge pressure distribution for incompressible
fluids: 𝑷 = 𝞬𝒉 = 𝞺𝒈𝒉
- Recall that pressure acts normal to the bounding
surface

Goals of the Analysis:

1. Calculate the resultant forces on the surface: 𝐹𝐻 & 𝐹𝑉

2. Locate the line of action of each force

 Hydrostatic Forces on Curved Surfaces
Step 1: Specify the surface that Step 2: Isolate the body of fluid Step 3: Draw a free body diagram
you are interested in examining. that is adjacent to the surface of the fluid.
by creating planar surfaces.
 Hydrostatic Forces on Curved Surfaces
Vertical component of the pressure force is equal to the weight
Step 2: Use the Newton’s Second of the fluid above the surface.
Law of Motion to find the forces.
∑𝑭𝑽𝒆𝒓𝒕 = 𝟎
𝐹𝑉 = 𝑊1 + 𝑊2 = 𝞬𝑉1 + 𝞬𝑉2
Horizontal component of the pressure force equals the force on
a projection of the curved surface into the vertical plane, AC

∑𝑭𝒉𝒐𝒓 = 𝟎 𝐹𝐻 acts at the center of

𝐹𝐻 = 𝐹𝐴𝐶 = 𝞬ℎ𝐴𝐴𝐶 pressure of the plane Area, AC.

Plane AC is vertical, so horizontal

Note: FBD shows forces on the liquid. component of the force can be solved
using the formula for solving forces on
The hydrostatic force of the liquid on
plane surfaces.
the surface, 𝐹𝑉
SAMPLE PROBLEMS
1. Surface AB is a circular gate with a radius of 2m and a width of 1m into the paper. The distance EB is 4m. The
fluid above the surface AB is water, and an atmospheric pressure prevails on the free surface of the water and on
the bottom side of surface AB.

a) Find the magnitude of the hydrostatic pressure acting on surface AB.

b) Find the line of action of the hydrostatic force.
Solution: 𝐾𝑁
Given: 𝞬 = 9.81 𝑚3
Find horizontal (FH) and vertical (FV) component of the hydrostatic force and its line of action.

Solution:
1. Draw a free body diagram of the
water adjacent to the gate.
2. Apply Newton’s 2nd Law of Motion to find the forces.
Solving for the vertical component
of the hydrostatic force:

∑𝑭𝑽𝒆𝒓𝒕 = 𝟎
𝐹𝑉 = 𝑊1 + 𝑊2 = 𝞬𝑉1 + 𝞬𝑉2
𝑊1 𝐾𝑁
= 9.81 3 2m x 4m x 1m
𝑚
𝐹𝐴𝐶 𝑊2
𝐹𝑉 = 109.30 𝐾𝑁 + 9.81 𝐾𝑁 (𝛑)(2𝑚)2
𝐹𝐻 (1𝑚)
𝑚3 4
𝐹𝑉

These are the forces on the water

(Opposite of forces on the gate)
Solution:
Solving for the horizontal component of the Solve for the line of action of the FV:
hydrostatic force:

𝐷
h = y since the area 𝑥1
is not inclined.
𝑦𝑝
ℎ
𝑦𝑝 𝑊1
𝐶 𝑥2
𝐹𝐴𝐶 𝑊2
𝑐𝑔 𝐹𝐻
𝐹𝐴𝐶 𝑒
𝑐𝑝
𝐴 𝐹𝑉

Solving for e:
𝑏ℎ3 (1𝑚)(2𝑚)3 By Varignon’s Theorem:
∑𝑭𝒉𝒐𝒓 = 𝟎 𝐼𝑔
𝐹𝐻 = 𝐹𝐴𝐵 = 𝞬ℎ𝐴𝐴𝐶 𝑒= = 12 = 12 𝐹𝑉 𝑥 = 𝑊1 𝑥1 + 𝑊2 𝑥2
𝐴𝑦 𝐴𝑦 2𝑚 𝑥 1𝑚 (5𝑚) 1 4𝑟
𝐾𝑁
= (9.81 𝑚3 ) (5m)(2m x 1m) 𝑒 = 0.067𝑚 𝐹𝑉 𝑥 = 𝑊1 (2) + 𝑊2
2 3𝛑
Solving for 𝑦𝑝 : 78.48 𝐾𝑁 1𝑚 + (30.82 𝐾𝑁)(0.85𝑚)
𝐹𝐻 = 98.10 𝐾𝑁 𝑥=
𝑦𝑝 = 𝑦 + 𝑒 = 5𝑚 + 0.067𝑚 109.30 𝐾𝑁
𝑦𝑝 = 5.067𝑚 Line of action of FH 𝑥 = 0.96 𝑚
Solution:
Solving for the Magnitude of the Total Hydrostatic Force
and its Line of Action:

Magnitude of the total Hydrostatic Force:

𝐹 2 = 𝐹𝐻 2 + 𝐹𝑉 2

𝐹= 𝐹𝐻 2 + 𝐹𝑉 2 = (98.10)2 + (109.30)2

𝑭𝑯 𝐹 = 146.87 𝐾𝑁

Line of Action of the Hydrostatic Force:

𝐹𝑉 109.30
𝑭𝑽 tan 𝞱 = =
𝑭 𝐹𝐻 98.10
tan 𝞱 = 1.11
𝞱 = 𝑡𝑎𝑛−1 (0.11)
𝞱 = 48.10ᵒ
SAMPLE PROBLEMS
2. Water with a density of 998 kg/m3 is contained behind a semi-circular gate, AB, with a radius of 2 meters as shown
below. The gate is hinged at point A. Neglect the weight of the gate. Determine:
a) The horizontal and vertical components of the hydrostatic force on the gate.
b) The horizontal force FB at point B needed to hold the gate in place.
Solution: 𝑘𝑔
Given: 𝞺 = 998 𝑚3
Find horizontal (FH) and vertical (FV) component of the hydrostatic force and Force FB to hold the gate in place.

Solution:
1. Draw a free body diagram of the
water adjacent to the gate.
2. Apply Newton’s 2nd Law of Motion to find the forces.
Solving for the vertical component
of the hydrostatic force:

∑𝑭𝑽𝒆𝒓𝒕 = 𝟎
𝐹𝑉 = 𝑊 = 𝞺𝑔𝑉 = 𝞺𝑔𝐴𝑤 𝑑
𝑘𝑔 𝑚 (𝛑)(2𝑚)2
= (998 3 )(9.81 2 ) (1𝑚)
𝑚 𝑠 2
𝐹𝑉 = 61,514.77 𝑁
𝐹𝑉 = 61.51 𝐾𝑁
4𝑟
This force acts in line with the weight at a distance .
3𝛑
These are the forces on the water
(Opposite of forces on the gate)
Solution:
Solving for the horizontal component of the Solving for the Force FB at point B to hold the
hydrostatic force: gate in place:
Solve for e:
𝑏ℎ3
𝐼𝑔
𝑒= = 12
𝐴𝑦 𝐴𝑦
(1𝑚)(4𝑚)3 𝑒
𝑒
= 12
4𝑚 𝑥 1𝑚 (2𝑚)
𝑒 = 0.67 𝑚

Solve for FB:

𝐹𝐵𝐷 𝑜𝑓 𝑓𝑜𝑟𝑐𝑒𝑠 𝑜𝑛 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑔𝑎𝑡𝑒
∑𝑀𝐴 = 0
∑𝑭𝒉𝒐𝒓 = 𝟎 4𝑟
𝐹𝐻 = 𝐹𝐴𝐵 = 𝞬ℎ𝐴𝐴𝐵 = 𝞺𝑔ℎ𝐴𝐴𝐵 𝐹𝐵 2𝑟 − 𝐹𝐻 2 − 𝑒 − 𝐹𝑣 =0
3𝛑
𝑘𝑔 𝑚 𝐹𝐵 4𝑚 = 78.32 𝐾𝑁 1.33𝑚 + 61.51 𝐾𝑁 (0.85𝑚)
= (998 𝑚3)(9.81 𝑠2)(2m)(4m x 1m)
𝐹𝐵 = 39.20 𝐾𝑁
𝐹𝐻 = 78,323.04 𝑁
𝐹𝐻 = 78.32 𝐾𝑁 This force acts on the center of
pressure of Area, AB.