CVS 246

Chapter 3: Fluid Pressure and Its Measurements

Atmospheric, Absolute, Gauge and Vacuum Pressures
1. Convert water pressure head of 100 m to kerosene of specific gravity 0.82. (Ans: 121.95 m)
Solution
Let h1 = 100 m, S2 = 0.82 and S1 = 1 (specific gravity of water). Let h2 be the kerosene pressure head.

2. An open tank contains water in its bottom up to 2 m depth and then oil of specific gravity 0.8 up to a depth of
1.5 m. Determine the pressure at the bottom of the tank and at the interface of water and oil. (Ans: 31392
N/m², 11772 N/m²).
Solution
Let h1 = 2 m, S2 = 0.8 and h2 = 1.5 m. Let pb be the pressure at the bottom of the tank and pi be the pressure at
the interface of water and oil.

5. For a 30 cm deep gasoline tank of a car, the fuel gauge fitted at the bottom of the tank indicates some value.
The fuel tank accidentally contains 1.8 cm height of water column in addition to gasoline (specific gravity =
0.68). Determine the height of the air (r= 1.21 kg/m³) remaining at the top when the gauge erroneously reads
full. (Ans: 8.486 × 10−3 m or 0.8486 cm)

Solution
Let h = 30 cm = 0.3 m, h 3 = 1.8 cm = 0.018 m, S = 0.68 and rair = 1.21 kg/m3. Let h1 be the height of the air
column, h3 be the height of water column and h 2 = (0.3 – 0.018 – h1) = (0.282 – h1) m be the gasoline column.

When the tank is full of gasoline, we get:

An open tank contains water in its bottom up to 2 m depth and then oil of specific gravity
U-Tube Manometers
1. Determine the pressure of water in the pipeline when the difference in the mercury level in the limbs of a U-
tube manometer connected to the water pipe is 20 cm and the free surface of mercury (S = 13.6) is in level with
the centre of pipe. Also determine the new difference in the level of mercury when the pressure of water in the
pipeline is reduced to 9.95 × 10^3 N/m². (All Groups)
 Solution
(i) Refer to Figure given Let h1 = 20 cm = 0.2 m and S2 = 13.6. Let p be the fluid pressure in the pipe at point ‘A’.
Since the pressures in the left and right limbs at the plane Z–Z are equal, we get the following expression.

(ii) Refer to Figure (b). With reduction in the pressure of water in the pipe, mercury level in the left limb will rise
and there will be corresponding fall in the right limb. Let x cm be the new difference in the level of mercury. h 1
= (0.2 – 0.01x) m, h2 = (0.2 – 0.02x) m, S2 = 13.6 m, p = 9.95 × 103 N/m2 be the fluid pressure in the pipe at
point ‘A’. Since the pressures in the left and right limbs at the plane Z1–Z1 are equal, we get the following
expression.

Thus, new difference of mercury is given as follows.

2. A U-tube manometer containing mercury (specific gravity = 13.6) is connected to the outlet of a conical
vessel as shown in Figure 3.6(a). The reading of the manometer given in the figure shows when the vessel is
empty. Find the reading of the manometer when the vessel is completely filled with water. (All Groups)

Solution
Let S2 = 13.6 and h2 = 0.15 m.

Let h1 be the height of the water above the plane Z–Z. Since the pressures in the left and right limbs at the
plane Z–Z are equal, we get the following expression.
From, Figure (b), let x m be the fall in mercury level in the RH limb with a corresponding rise of x m in the left
limb. Thus, the difference of mercury level in two limbs becomes h 2 = (0.15 + 2x) m, and, S2 = 13.6. Since the
pressures in the left and right limbs at the plane Z1–Z1 are equal, we get the following expression.

Therefore, the difference of mercury level in the two limbs is given by,

Assignment: The diameter of the reservoir of an inclined mercury manometer is 50 mm. The diameter of the
manometer tube is 2.5 mm and the inclination angle to the horizontal axis is 30° (Fig. given). Determine
(i) change in pressure when the length of the mercury in the manometer tube changes by 5 mm
(ii) percentage error when neglecting the change in level in the container.

Inverted U-tube Manometer

4. An inverted U-tube manometer containing oil as a manometric liquid, S = 0.75 is connected to the two
horizontal water pipes at the points A and B. Pipe B is at lower level when compared to pipe A. Refer to figure
given. The common level is at 0.4 m above pipe A and 0.75 m above pipe B. The 0.75 m height consists of h m
of manometric liquid and the remaining is water. If the pressure in pipe B is 2.5 kPa above the pressure in the
pipe A, then determine the value of differential reading h of the manometer. (Ans: h = 0.3806 m or 38.06 cm)
(All Groups)
 Solution
Let S = 0.75 and h be the differential reading of the manometer, h1 = 0.4 m, h + h2 = 0.75 m. Here, pA and pB be
the pressure at points A and B, respectively. Thus, pB = pA + 2.5 kPa = ( pA + 2500) N/m2

Equating the pressures in the left limb and right limb of the manometer at datum Z–Z, we get the following
expression.

Exercise Note given in the notes: An inverted U-tube manometer containing a manometric light fluid (specific
gravity = 0.7) is connected to two pipes at points A and B. Pipe A carries liquid of specific gravity 1.2 and pipe B
carries water. The pipes are at the same level. The height of the liquid of specific gravity 1.2 from the centre of the
pipe is 30 cm. If all liquids are immiscible and the pressure in pipe B is 0.2 kPa above the pressure in the pipe A,
determine the differential reading of the manometer.

Solution
Refer to given Figure. Let S = 0.7, S1 = 1.2, h1 = 30 cm = 0.3 m, pA and pB be the pressure at points A and B,
respectively. Thus, pB = pA + 0.2 kPa = (pA + 200) N/m2. Let h be the differential reading of the given manometer.

Equating the pressures in the left limb and right limb of the manometer at datum Z–Z, we get the following
expression.
 Chapter 4: Hydrostatic Forces on Submerged Surfaces
Vertically Submerged Plane Surface
1. A pipeline 4 m in diameter containing an oil (specific gravity = 0.9) has a gate valve. The pressure at the centre of the
pipe is 200 kPa. Find (i) the force exerted on the gate and (ii) the position of centre of pressure. (Refer to given figure).
(Ans: F =2513.316 kN,, C = 0.044 m below the centre of pipe). G9

Solution
Refer to Figure given. Let d = 4 m, S = 0 9 and p = 200 kPa.

2. A square aperture in the vertical side of a tank has one diagonal and is completely covered by a plane plate
hinged along one of the upper sides of the aperture. The diagonals of the aperture are 2 m long and the tank
contains glycerine (specific gravity = 1.26). The centre of aperture is 1.4 m below the free surface. Determine (i)
thrust exerted on the plate by the glycerine and (ii) position of its centre of pressure. (Ans: F = 34609.68 N, hC =
1.519 m)

Solution
Refer Figure given. Diagonals QS = PR = 2 m, S = 1.26 and h G = 1.4 m.
Let A be the area of aperture.
3. A dry dock is closed by a gate of trapezoidal shape having top and bottom lengths 18 m and 12 m,
respectively and a height of 7.5 m. Determine the total water pressure and the depth of centre of pressure
on the gate if the sea water (specific gravity = 1.02) level is up to the top of the gate on one side and the
other side is empty. (Refer to the given figure).

Solution
Refer Figure given. Let a = 18 m, b = 12 m, h = 7.5 m and S = 1.02.
Let A be the area of the gate.
The distance of CG of the trapezoidal gate from the top surface AB is given below.

4. A sluice gate is placed across a trapezoidal channel that is 20 m wide at the top and 8 m at a depth of 5 m.
Calculate (i) total pressure force on the gate and (ii) position of the centre of pressure when the depth of
water on the gate is 3 m. (Refer to the given figure) (Ans: F= 565.065 kN, hC = 2.094 m)

Solution
Refer Figure given. Let AB = 20 m, CD = b = 8 m, h1 = 5 m, h = 3 m and GH = a m. Let A be the area of
the gate part submerged into water.
6. A vertical rectangular gate 3.5 m wide and 5 m high contains water on one side to a depth of 2.4 m and an
oil (specific gravity = 0.9) to a depth of 1.5 m on the other side. Determine the resultant hydrostatic
pressure force on the gate and its point of application with respect to the bottom.

Solution
Refer to Figure given. Let b = 3.5 m, h = 5 m, h1 = 2.4 m, S = 0.9 and h2 = 1.5 m. Pressure force on the left
side of the gate is given by,
8. A sliding gate of height 1.4 m and width 2.8 m lies in vertical plane that weighs 25 kN. Determine the vertical force
required to lift the gate when its upper edge is 6 m below the free water surface and the coefficient of friction between
the gate and guides is 0.15. Determine the position of centre of pressure acting on the gate. (Refer to the given figure).

Solution
Let h = 1.4 m, b = 2.8 m, W = 25 kN, h 1 = 6 m and m = 0.15.
Let Fv be the vertical force required to lift the gate.

9. A circular plate of diameter 1 m with a hole of diameter 0.25 m is immersed vertically in a liquid (specific gravity
= 0.9) with its upper edge 0.5 m below the free surface of the liquid. The centre of hole is 0.25 m vertically
below the centre of the plate. Determine the pressure force acting on the plate and the centre of pressure. (Refer
to the given figure). (Ans: F= 6392.23 N, hC = 1.0423 m )

Solution
Let d1 = 1m, d2 = 0.25 m, S = 0.9, h1 = 0.5 m and h2 = 0.25 m. Let O1 and O2 be the centres of the plate and the
hole, respectively.
Inclined Submerged Plane Surface
1. An annular plate having external and internal diameters of 2 m and 1 m, respectively is submerged in an oil
(specific gravity = 0.92) in such a way that its greatest and least depths below the oil surface are 3 m and 2 m,
respectively. Determine the total pressure and the position of centre of pressure on one face of the plate. (Refer
to the given figure).(F= 53162.941 N, hC = 2.5312 m ).

Solution
Let d1 = 2 m, d2 = 1m, S = 0.92, h2 = 3 m and h1 = 2 m.
2. A trapezoidal plate of height 2.2 m and sides of 2.4 m and 3.6 m is immersed in water at an inclination of
30° to the free surface of the water. The depth of top edge of the plate is at 2 m from the free surface.
Determine the hydrostatic force on the given plate and the centre of pressure. (Refer to the given figure).
(Ans: F= 167368.41 N, hC = 2.6235 m ).

Solution
Let h = 2.2 m, a = 2.4 m, b = 3.6 m, a= 30° and h1 = 2 m.

Complete the workings

3. A 6 m × 2 m rectangular gate is hinged at the base and it is inclined at an angle of 60° with the horizontal.
The upper end of the gate is kept in position by a weight of 55000 N acting perpendicularly to the gate
through a pulley system. If the weight of the gate and the friction at the hinge and pulley is neglected, then
find the level of water when the gate begins to fall. (Refer to the given figure). (h= 4.232 m).
 Solution
Let PQ = d = 6 m, b = 2 m, a = 60°, W = 55000 N, h be the level of water surface when the gate begins to
fall, PR be the length of gate submerged in water and A be the wetted area of the gate.

4. A 4 m × 2.5 m rectangular sluice gate PQ hinged at point P (Figure) and inclined at an angle of 45° with the
horizontal is kept closed by a weight fixed to the gate. The total weight of the gate and weight fixed to the
gate is 450 kN. The centre of gravity of the weight and gate is at G. Determine the height of the water h
which will cause the gate. (Ans: h = 4.44 m)

Solution
Refer to Figure given. Let PQ = d = 4 m, b = 2.5 m, a = 45°, W = 450 kN,
TG = 0.75 m and h be the height of water surface when the gate begins to open.
5. Figure (a) given illustrates a container filled with an oil (specific gravity = 0.9) under a pressure of 17658 Pa .
The opening of the container is covered by an inclined square plate 1 m × 1 m hinged at point P by a force
F1. Determine the force F1 and the reaction Rp at the hinge point P. (Ans: F1 = 10290.2 N , Rp = 9575.05
N)

Solution
Let S = 0.9, p = 17658 Pa, PQ = d = 1m, b = 1m, a = 30°. F1 be the force required to close the plate and
Rp be the reaction at the hinge point P.

The water head equivalent to the given gauge pressure of p = 17658 Pa is given by,

Thus, the oil surface may be considered 2 m above the hinge as shown in Figure (b).
 Curved Submerged Plane Surface
1. A gate having a shape of a quadrant of circle 1 m radius has to resist liquid (specific gravity = 0.92) force
as shown in Figure given. If the width of the gate is unity, then determine the magnitude and direction of
the resultant pressure force on the gate. (F= 8402.89 N, b=57.52°).

Solution

Refer Figure given. Let OP = OQ = r = 1m, S = 0.92 and b = 1m.

Let Ap be the projected area of the curved surface on vertical plane OQ

.
2. The pressure gauge fitted on a water tank (Figure given) shows a reading of 19620 N/m². The curved
surface PQ of the top is quarter of a circular cylinder of radius 1.4 m. Find the magnitude and direction of
the resultant pressure force acting on the curved surface if the width of the tank is unity.
(F= 56455.35 N, b=48.94°).
 Solution

Refer Figure given. Let p = 19620 N/m2, OP = OQ = r = 1.4 m and b =1m.

Let Ap be the projected area of the curved surface on vertical plane OQ.

The water head equivalent to the given pressure is given by,

Thus, the free water surface can be imagined to be 2 m above the top of the tank.

3. Figure given illustrates the water level on the two sides of a cylindrical gate 2 m in diameter and 1 m in
length. If the weight of the cylinder is 15000 N, then determine the magnitude and the location of the
horizontal and vertical components of the force that keeps the cylinder just touching the floor. Also
determine the magnitude and direction of the resultant force.

Solution
Let POQ = h1 = 2 m, OQ = h2 = 1m, b = 1m and W = 15000 N.
Complete the workings