UNIVERSITY OF TORONTO

FACULTY OF APPLIED SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING

MIE 270F, FLUID MECHANICS I

Problem Set 2 – Fluid Statics

1. An open tank contains water 1.40 m deep covered by a 2-m-thick layer of oil (s = 0.855). What
is the pressure head at the bottom of the tank, in terms of a water column?
Given: γw = 9.81 kN/m 3

Solution

1. (Sample Problem 3.2, Finnermore and Franzini 2002)

γo = 0.855(9.81) = 8.39 kN/m 3

Solution 1
For interface: pi = γoho = (8.39 )2 = 16.78 kN/m 2 = 16.78 kPa
For water equivalent of oil:
pi 16.78 kN/m 2
hoe = = = 1.710 m of water
γw 9.81 kN/m 3
So, hwe = hw + hoe = 1.40 + 1.710 = 3.11 m of water

Solution 2
For bottom of tank:
pb = γoho + γwhw = (8.39)2 + 9.81(1.4 ) = 30.51 kN/m 2 = 30.51 kPa

For total water equivalent:

pb 30.51 kN/m 2
hwe = = = 3.11 m of water
γw 9.81 kN/m 3
2. In the following figure, liquid A weighs 8.4 kN/m3 and liquid B weighs 12.4 kN/m3.
Manometer liquid M is mercury. If the pressure at B is 207 kPa, find the pressure at A. Express
all pressure heads in terms of liquid in bulb B.

Solution

2. (Sample Problem 3.4, Finnermore and Franzini 2002)

Proceeding from A to B:
pA γA γM γB pB
− ( za − z c ) + ( za − z b ) + ( zb − zd ) =
γB γB γB γB γB
pA 8.4 13.56(9.81) pB
− 2.4 + 0.4 + 5.0 =
γB 12.4 12.4 γB
2
pA 207 kN/m
− 1.626 + 4.29 + 5.00 = = 16.69 m
γB 12.4 kN/m 2
pA
= 9.03 m, pA = 9.03(12.4) = 112.0 kN/m 2 = 112.0 kPa
γB
3. The following figure represents a gate, 2 ft wide perpendicular to the sketch. It is pivoted at
hinge H. The gate weighs 500 lb. Its center of gravity is 1.2 ft to the right of and 0.9 ft above H.
For what values of water depth x above H will the gate remain closed? Neglect friction at the
pivot and neglect the thickness of the gate.

Solution

3. (Sample Problem 3.5, Finnermore and Franzini 2002)

In addition to the reactive forces RH at the hinge and RE at end E, there are three forces acting on
the gate: its weight W, the vertical hydrostatic force FV upward on the rectangular bottom of the
gate, and the slanting hydrostatic force FS acting at right angles to the sloping rectangular portion
of the gate. The magnitudes of the latter three forces are:

Given: W = 500 lb
FV = γhCA = γ (x )(4 × 2) = 8γx
 x  x 
FS = γhCA = γ   × 2  = 1.155γx 2
 2  cos 30 
o

A diagram showing these three forces is as follows:

The moment arms of W and FV with respect to H are 1.2 ft and 2.0 ft, respectively. The moment
arm of FS gets larger as the water depth increases because the location of the center of pressure
changes. We can find the location of the center of pressure of FS from the equation:
 Ic bh 3
yp = yc + , where Ic =
ycA 12
with h = x cos 30 o and yc = 0.5h. So
0.5 x (1 12)2(x cos 30 o ) 3

yp = +
[
cos 30 o (0.5 x cos 30 o ) 2(x cos 30 o ) ]
2x
i.e., for Fs: OP = yp = 0.577 x + = 0.770 x
12 cos 30 o
Hence the moment arm of Fs with respect to H is PH = x cos 30 o − 0.770 x = 0.385 x .

[Note: In this case we need not use the equation yp = yc + Ic ycA to find the lever arm of Fs
because we know the line of action of Fs for the triangular distributed load on the rectangular area
is at the one-third point between H and O, i.e., HP = (1 3)(x cos 30 o ) = 0.385 x ]

When the gate is about to open (incipient rotation), RE = 0 and the sum of the moments of all
forces about H is zero, viz
∑ M = Ps(0.385 x ) − FV (2.0) + W (1.2) = 0
i.e., 1.155γx 2 (0.385 x ) − 8γx(2) + 500(1.2 ) = 0

Substituting γ = 62.4 lb/ft 3 gives 27.73x 3 − 998.4 x + 600 = 0

This is a cubic, polynomial equation. We can solve this equation by trial and error, seeking an x
value that makes the left side of the equation equal to zero. After two trials, we can use linear
interpolation (or extrapolation) to estimate the next, better trial value. We then repeat this until x
is sufficiently accurate, e.g., accurate to three significant figures after rounding:

Trial x Left side

0.1 500.2
0.5 104.3
0.6 6.95
0.61 -2.73
0.607 0.173

We can find the other two roots by more, similar trials. We could use a spreadsheet to facilitate
such trials. But, more conveniently, dividing the cubic by (x – 0.607) yields a quadratic from
which we can easily find that the other two roots are x = 5.67 and –6.28.

Thus x = 0.607 ft or 5.67 ft or a negative (meaningless) root. Therefore, from inspection of the
moment equation, the gate will remain closed when 0.607 ft< x < 5.67 ft.
4. The cubic tank shown in the following figure is half full of water. Find (a) the pressure on the
bottom of the tank, (b) the force exerted by the fluids on a tank wall, and (c) the location of the
center of pressure on a wall.

Solution

4. (Sample Problem 3.6, Finnermore and Franzini 2002)

(a) pbott = pair + γwaterhwater = 8 kN/m 2 + (9.81 kN/m 3 )(1 m )

= 17.81 kN/m 2 = 17.81 kPa

(b) The force acting on the tank end is divided into two components, labeled A and B on the
pressure distribution sketch. Component A has a uniform pressure distribution, due to the
pressure of the confined air, which acts throughout the water:

FA = pairAair = (8 kN/m 2 )(4 m 2 ) = 32.0 kN

For component B, i.e., the varying water pressure distribution on the lower half of the tank wall,
the centroid C of the area of application is at

hc = yc = 0.5(1 m ) = 0.5 m below the water top surface

FB = γwaterhcAwater = 9.81(0.5)2 = 9.81 kN

So the total force on the tank wall is F = FA + FB = 32.0 + 9.81 = 41.8 kN .

(c) The locations of the centers of pressure of the component forces, as distances yp below the
water top surface, are (yp) A = 0 m below the water top surface, to the centroid of the 2-m-square
area for the uniform air pressure.

( yp )B = 2 hwater = 2 (1 m ) = 0.667 m
3 3
5. Find the horizontal and vertical components of the force exerted by the fluids on the horizontal
cylinder in the following figure if (a) the fluid to the left of the cylinder is a gas confined in a
closed tank at a pressure of 35.0 kPa; (b) the fluid to the left of the cylinder is water with a free
surface at an elevation coincident with the uppermost part of the cylinder. Assume in both cases
that atmospheric pressure occurs to the right of the cylinder.

Solution

5. (Sample Problem 3.8, Finnermore and Franzini 2002)

The net projection on a vertical plane of the portion of the cylindrical surface under consideration
(see left-hand diagram) is, from the right-hand diagram, ef = 2 + 2 cos 30 o = 3.73 m .

(a) For the gas,

( )
Fx = pA2 = 35.0 kN/m 2 (3.73 m ) = 130.5 kN/m to the right
The vertical force of the gas on the surface ac is equal and opposite to that on the surface cd.
Hence the net projection on a horizontal plane for the gas is af = 2 sin 30 o = 1 m . Thus
( )
Fz = pAx = 35.0 kN/m 2 (1 m ) = 35.0 kN/m upward

(b) For the fluid,

( 1
) 
Fx = γhcA = 9.81 kN/m 2  × 3.73 m (3.73 m )
2 
= 68.3 kN/m to the right
Net FZ = upward force on surface cde − downward force on surface ca
= weight of volume abcdefa − weight of volume abca
= weight of cross - hatched volume of liquid
= 9.81 kN/m3 [ 210
360
]
π 22 + 12 (1× 2 cos 30o ) + (1× 2) m 2
= 100.0 kN/m upward
6. (3.8) If a 200-N force F1 is applied to the piston with the 4-cm diameter, what is the magnitude
of the force F2 that can be resisted by the piston with the 10-cm diameter? Neglect the weights of
the pistons.

Solution

6. (Problem 3.8, Crowe, Elger and Roberson 2001)

Find

Force resisted by piston

Solution

p1 − γ∆z = p2
or p2 = 200 N/A − 0.85 × 9,810 N/m3 × 2 m
[ ]
= 200 N/ (π / 4) × (0.04) − 16,677 N/m 2
2

= 142.5 kPa
F2 = p2 A2 = 142.5 × 103 (π / 4) × (0.10)
2

= 1,119 N
7. (3.19) A tank is fitted with a manometer on the side, as shown. The liquid in the bottom of the
tank and in the manometer has a specific gravity (S) of 3.0. The depth of this bottom liquid is 20
cm. A 10-cm layer of water lies on top of the bottom liquid. Find the position of the liquid
surface in the manometer.

Solution

7. (Problem 3.19, Crowe, Elger and Roberson 2001)

Find

Location of liquid surface in manometer

Solution

The distance ∆h is the height of the liquid surface in the manometer above the interface
between the water and the heavier liquid. Thus

γ H O × 0.1m = 3γ H O × ∆h
2 2

∆h = 0.1 m/3
= 0.0333 m
= 3.33 cm
8. (3.20) What is the maximum gage pressure in the odd tank shown in the figure? Where will the
maximum pressure occur? What is the hydrostatic force acting on the top (CD) of the last
chamber on the right-hand side of the tank? Assume T = 10oC

Solution

8. (Problem 3.20, Crowe, Elger and Roberson 2001)

Find

Maximum gage pressure, where will maximum pressure occur, hydrostatic force on side
C-D

Solution

0 + 4 × γ H 2 O + 3 × 3γ H 2 O = p max
p max = 13 × 9,810 = 127,530 N/m 2 = 127.5 kPa

Maximum pressure will be at the bottom of the liquid with a S of 3.

FCD = pA = (127,530 − 1 × 3 × 9,810) × 1 m 2 = 98.1 kN

9. (3.30) What is the pressure at the center of pipe B?

Solution

9. (Problem 3.30, Crowe, Elger and Roberson 2001)

Find

Pressure at the center of pipe B

Manometer equation

p B = 50(3 / 5 × 10 −2 × 20 × 10 3
− 10 × 10 − 2 × 10 3 − 50 × 10 − 2 × 10 × 10 3
p B = −1,000 Pa = − 1.00 kPa
10. (3.42) Find pA – pB if x = 3.0 m, y = 1.0 m, z = 2.0 m, and the fluids 1, 2, and 3 are kerosene,
water, and kerosene, respectively. Assume S = 0.8 for kerosene and T = 20oC.

Solution

10. (Problem 3.42, Crowe, Elger and Roberson 2001)

Find

pA – pB

Manometer equation

p A + (3 + 1)9,810 × 0.8 + 2 × 9,790 − (2 + 1)9,810 × 0.8 = p B

p A − p B = −27.43 kPa
11. (3.49) Determine (a) the difference in pressure and (b) the difference in piezometric head
between points A and B. The elevations zA and zB are 10 m and 11 m, respectively, l1 = 1 m, and
the manometer deflection l2 is 50 cm.

Solution

11. (Problem 3.49, Crowe, Elger and Roberson 2001)

Find

Difference in pressure and difference in piezometric pressure between points A and B

Manometer equation
p A − 1 × 0.85 × 9,810 + 0.5 × 0.85 × 9,810 = p B
p A − p B = 4,169 Pa = 4.169 kPa
(pA / γ + z A ) − ( p B / γ + z B ) = (4,169 / 0.85 × 9,810 ) − 1
= − 0.50 m
It is - l2 as shown in the figure
12. (3.51) A vertical conduit is carrying oil (S = 0.85). A differential mercury manometer is
tapped into the conduit at points A and B. Determine the difference in pressure between A and B
when h = 3 in. What is the difference in piezometric head between A and B?

Solution

12. (Problem 3.51, Crowe, Elger and Roberson 2001)

From Table A.4, γ Hg = 847 lbf/ft 3

Find

Difference in pressure and piezometric pressure between points A and B

γ oil = (0.85)(62.4 lbf/ft 3 ) = 53.04 lbf/ft 3

Manometer equation

p A + (18 / 12) ft (γ oil ) + (2 / 12) ft. γ oil + (3 / 12) ft γ oil − (3 / 12) ft γ Hg − (2 / 12 ) ft γ oil = p B

p A − pB = (−1.75 ft.)(53.04 lbf/ft 3 ) + (0.25 ft.)(847 lbf/ft 3 )

= 118.9 lbf/ft 2
h = (p /γ)+ z
hA − hB = ( p A − pB ) / γ oil + z A − z B
hA − hB = (118.9 lbf/ft ) /(53.04 lbf/ft 3 ) + (1.5 − 0)
= 3.74 ft.
13. (3.86) The square gate shown is eccentrically pivoted so that it automatically opens at a
certain value of h. What is that value in terms of l?

Solution

13. (Problem 3.86, Crowe, Elger and Roberson 2001)

Find

h in terms of l to open gate

Solution

(Resultant force should act in the pivoting point ycp = h + 0.6l

y cp − y = 0.60l − 0.5l = 0.10 ⋅ l
0.10 ⋅ l = I / y A = l × l 3 /(12 × (h + l / 2)l 2 )
h = 0.333 ⋅ l
14. (3.120) The partially submerged wood pole is attached to the wall by a hinge as shown. The
pole is in equilibrium under the action of the weight and buoyant forces. Determine the density of
the wood.

Solution

154 (Problem 3.120, Crowe, Elger and Roberson 2001)

Find

Density of wood

Solution

FB

MA = 0
( )
− Wwood × 0.5 L cos 30o + FB (5 / 6) L cos 30o = 0
− γ wood × AL × (0.5L cos 30o ) + ((1 / 3) ALγ H 2 O )(5 / 6) L cos 30o = 0

γ wood = (10 / 18)γ H O

2

= 5,450 N/m3

ρ wood = 556 kg/m3