FLUID MECHANICS I

Assignment 3 - Pressure forces on submerged bodies

Do not use the method described in the textbook. Refer to class

notes.

Question 1: Example 2.5 p80

Question 2: Midterm Exam question (Winter 2005)
Gate AB is 2.5 m wide into the paper, 5 m long and hinged at B. The tension in
the cable linking point A to the pulley is 45, 000 N since the pulley is frictionless.
The gate separates two different fluids: atmospheric air on the left hand side
and water on the right hand side. All fluids are at 20◦ C. The depth of the water
is h. Atmospheric conditions apply above the water surface level. The weight
of the gate and friction forces are negligible.
a) Draw a free-body-diagram showing all forces acting on gate AB.

pulley y

45,000 N
A
90◦

ATMOSPHERIC AIR

L=5 m

h WATER
ATMOSPHERIC AIR

θ = 60◦
B x

b) (x,y) is the global coordinate system and (s,n) is the local. The origin of
both systems is located at B (see sketch). Determine the elemental net pressure

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 y
s

θ = 60◦

B x

force acting on an elemental surface (w ds) of gate AB and the elemental mo-
ment around B due to the net pressure, w being the with of the gate.

c) Calculate the net pressure force on the gate and the moment due the net
pressure force around B. These will be functions of h.

d) Compute the water level h for which the gate will start to fall.

Question 3: Final exam question (Spring 2004)

Gate AB is 40 cm high, 50 cm wide into the paper and hinged at point B.
On the left there is a pressurized reservoir of air (pair = 20 kP a gage) and on
the right a tank of water. The weight of the gate is negligible. The water depth,
H, which will cause the gate to open is to be determined. Follow steps a, b and c.

ATMOSPHERIC AIR

WATER

H=?
B
AIR
20 kPa gage
h=40 cm

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a: Identify the forces on gate AB using a free-body diagram. Use the sketch
below. The coordinate system (x,y) is also indicated, where point B is the ori-
gin(i.e. yB = 0). b: Determine the elemental net pressure force, dFx , acting

ATMOSPHERIC AIR

ATMOSPHERIC
AIR
H −
→
g
B x

A
y

on a surface element (b dy) of gate AB, b being the width. Express the x-
component of the elemental moment due to pressure force about B, dMB . Use
the coordinate system (x, y) as shown above.
c: Calculate the height, H, of water which will cause gate AB to open.

Question 4: Problem P2.83

Question 5: Problem P2.86
Note that the gate is b = 3[m] wide.

Question 6
The figure shows a plate window, ABC, in the tank wall. The plate is pinned
at points A, B, and C. If the tank contains water at rest, estimate the forces at
A, B, and C that are required to hold the plate in place.

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Figure 1: Schematic of plate window on tank wall.