Chapter 11 Fluid Statics

Chapter 11
FLUID STATICS

Fluid Statics: Hydrostatic Forces on Plane and Curved Surfaces

11-1C The resultant hydrostatic force acting on a submerged surface is the resultant of the pressure forces
acting on the surface. The point of application of this resultant force is called the center of pressure.

11-2C Yes, because the magnitude of the resultant force acting on a plane surface of a completely
submerged body in a homogeneous fluid is equal to the product of the pressure PC at the centroid of the
surface and the area A of the surface. The pressure at the centroid of the surface is PC = P0 + ρghC where
hC is the vertical distance of the centroid from the free surface of the liquid.

11-3C There will be no change on the hydrostatic force acting on the top surface of this submerged
horizontal flat plate as a result of this rotation since the magnitude of the resultant force acting on a plane
surface of a completely submerged body in a homogeneous fluid is equal to the product of the pressure PC
at the centroid of the surface and the area A of the surface.

11-4C Dams are built much thicker at the bottom because the pressure force increases with depth, and the
bottom part of dams are subjected to largest forces.

11-5C The horizontal component of the hydrostatic force acting on a curved surface is equal (in both
magnitude and the line of action) to the hydrostatic force acting on the vertical projection of the curved
surface.

11-6C The vertical component of the hydrostatic force acting on a curved surface is equal to the hydrostatic
force acting on the horizontal projection of the curved surface, plus (minus, if acting in the opposite
direction) the weight of the fluid block.

11-7C The resultant hydrostatic force acting on a circular surface always passes through the center of the
circle since the pressure forces are normal to the surface, and all lines normal to the surface of a circle pass
through the center of the circle. Thus the pressure forces form a concurrent force system at the center,
which can be reduced to a single equivalent force at that point. If the magnitudes of the horizontal and
vertical components of the resultant hydrostatic force are known, the tangent of the angle the resultant
hydrostatic force makes with the horizontal is tan α = FV / FH .

11-1
 Chapter 11 Fluid Statics

11-8 A car is submerged in water. The hydrostatic force on the door and its line of action are to be
determined for the cases of the car containing atmospheric air and the car is filled with water.
Assumptions 1 The bottom surface of the lake is horizontal. 2 The door can be approximated as a vertical
rectangular plate. 3 The pressure in the car remains at atmospheric value since there is no water leaking in,
and thus no compression of the air inside. Therefore, we can ignore the atmospheric pressure in
calculations since it acts on both sides of the door.
Properties We take the density of lake water to be 1000 kg/m3 throughout.
Analysis (a) When the car is well-sealed and thus the pressure inside the car is the atmospheric pressure,
the average pressure on the outer surface of the door is the pressure at the centroid (midpoint) of the
surface, and is determined to be
Pave = PC = ρghC = ρg ( s + b / 2)
 1 kN 
= (1000 kg/m 3 )(9.81 m/s 2 )(8 + 1.1 / 2 m) 2


 1000 kg ⋅ m/s 
s=8m
= 83.88 kN/m 2
Then the resultant hydrostatic force on the door becomes

FR = Pave A = (83.88 kN/m 2 )(0.9 m × 1.1 m) = 83.0 kN

The pressure center is directly under the midpoint of the plate, and its
distance from the surface of the lake is determined to be
Door, 1.1 m × 0.9 m
b b2 1.1 1.12
yP = s + + = 8+ + = 8.56 m
2 12( s + b / 2) 2 12(8 + 1.1 / 2)

(b) When the car is filled with water, the net force normal to the surface of the door is zero since the
pressure on both sides of the door will be the same.
Discussion Note that it is impossible for a person to open the door of the car when it is filled with
atmospheric air. But it takes no effort to open the door when car is filled with water.

11-2
 Chapter 11 Fluid Statics

11-9E The height of a water reservoir is controlled by a cylindrical gate hinged to the reservoir. The
hydrostatic force on the cylinder and the weight of the cylinder per ft length are to be determined.
Assumptions 1 The hinge is frictionless. 2 The atmospheric pressure acts on both sides of the gate, and thus
it can be ignored in calculations for convenience.
Properties We take the density of water to be 62.4 lbm/ft3 throughout.
Analysis (a) We consider the free body diagram of the liquid block enclosed by the circular surface of the
cylinder and its vertical and horizontal projections. The hydrostatic forces acting on the vertical and
horizontal plane surfaces as well as the weight of the liquid block per ft length of the cylinder are:
Horizontal force on vertical surface:
FH = Fx = Pave A = ρghC A = ρg ( s + R / 2) A
 1 lbf 
= (62.4 lbm/ft 3 )(32.2 ft/s 2 )(13 + 2 / 2 ft)(2 ft × 1 ft) 2

 32.2 lbm ⋅ ft/s 
= 1747 lbf
Vertical force on horizontal surface (upward):
s = 13 ft
F y = Pave A = ρghC A = ρghbottom A R=2 ft
 1 lbf  b=R FH
= (62.4 lbm/ft 3 )(32.2 ft/s 2 )(15 ft)(2 ft × 1 ft) 2
 =2 ft
 32.2 lbm ⋅ ft/s 
= 1872 lbf
Weight of fluid block per ft length (downward):

W = mg = ρgV = ρg ( R 2 − πR 2 / 4)(1 ft) = ρgR 2 (1 − π / 4)(1 ft) W FV

 1 lbf 
= (62.4 lbm/ft 3 )(32.2 ft/s 2 )(2 ft) 2 (1 - π/4)(1 ft) 2

 32.2 lbm ⋅ ft/s 
= 54 lbf
Therefore, the net upward vertical force is
FV = F y − W = 1872 − 54 = 1818 lbf

Then the magnitude and direction of the hydrostatic force acting on the cylindrical surface become

FR = FH2 + FV2 = 1747 2 + 1818 2 = 2521 lbf

FV 1848 lbf
tan θ = = = 1.06 → θ = 46.6°
FH 1747 lbf
Therefore, the magnitude of the hydrostatic force acting on the cylinder is 2521 lbf per ft length of the
cylinder, and its line of action passes through the center of the cylinder making an angle 46.6° upwards
from the horizontal.

(b) When the water level is 15-ft high, the gate opens and the reaction force at the bottom of the cylinder
becomes zero. Then the forces other than those at the hinge acting on the cylinder are its weight, acting
through the center, and the hydrostatic force exerted by water. Taking a moment about the point A where
the hinge is and equating it to zero gives
FR R sin θ − Wcyl R = 0 → Wcyl = FR sinθ = (2521 lbf) sin 46.6° = 1832 lbf (per ft)

Discussion The weight of the cylinder per ft length is determined to be 1832 lbf, which corresponds to a
mass of 1832 lbm, and to a density of 296 lbm/ft3 for the material of the cylinder.
11-10 An above the ground swimming pool is filled with water. The hydrostatic force on each wall and the
distance of the line of action from the ground are to be determined, and the effect of doubling the wall
height on the hydrostatic force is to be assessed.

11-3
 Chapter 11 Fluid Statics

Assumptions The atmospheric pressure acts on both sides of the wall of the pool, and thus it can be ignored
in calculations for convenience.
Properties We take the density of water to be 1000 kg/m3 throughout.
Analysis The average pressure on a surface is the pressure at the
centroid (midpoint) of the surface, and is determined to be
Pave = PC = ρghC = ρg (h / 2)
2h/3
 1N  FR h = 1.5 m
= (1000 kg/m )(9.81 m/s )(1.5 / 2 m)
3 2 
 1 kg ⋅ m/s 2 
 
h/3
= 7358 N/m 2
Then the resultant hydrostatic force on each wall becomes

FR = Pave A = (7358 N/m 2 )(4 m × 1.5 m) = 44,148 N ≅ 44.1 kN

The line of action of the force passes through the pressure center, which is 2h/3 from the free surface and h/
3 from the bottom of the pool. Therefore, the distance of the line of action from the ground is
h 1 .5
yP = = = 0.50 m (from the bottom)
3 3
If the height of the walls of the pool is doubled, the hydrostatic force quadruples since

FR = ρghC A = ρg ( h / 2)(h × w) = ρgwh 2 / 2

and thus the hydrostatic force is proportional to the square of the wall height, h2.

11-4
 Chapter 11 Fluid Statics

11-11E A dam is filled to capacity. The total hydrostatic force on the dam, and the pressures at the top and
the bottom are to be determined.
Assumptions The atmospheric pressure acts on both sides of the dam, and thus it can be ignored in
calculations for convenience.
Properties We take the density of water to be 62.4 lbm/ft3 throughout.
Analysis The average pressure on a surface is the pressure at the
centroid (midpoint) of the surface, and is determined to be
Pave = ρghC = ρg ( h / 2) 2h/3
FR h=200 ft
3 2  1 lbf 
= (62.4 lbm/ft )(32.2 ft/s )(200 / 2 ft) 2

 32.2 lbm ⋅ ft/s  h/3
2
= 6240 lbf/ft
Then the resultant hydrostatic force acting on the dam becomes

FR = Pave A = (6240 lbf/ft 2 )(200 ft × 1200 ft) = 1.50 × 10 9 lbf

Resultant force per unit area is pressure, and its value at the top and the bottom of the dam becomes

Ptop = ρgh top = 0 lbf/ft 2

 1 lbf 
Pbottom = ρghbottom = (62.4 lbm/ft 3 )(32.2 ft/s 2 )( 200 ft) 2 
= 12,480 lbf/ft 2
 32.2 lbm ⋅ ft/s 

11-5
 Chapter 11 Fluid Statics

11-12 A room in the lower level of a cruise ship is considered. The hydrostatic force acting on the window
and the pressure center are to be determined. .
Assumptions The atmospheric pressure acts on both sides of the window, and thus it can be ignored in
calculations for convenience.
Properties The specific gravity of sea water is given to be 1.025, and thus its density is 1025 kg/m3.
Analysis The average pressure on a surface is the pressure at the
centroid (midpoint) of the surface, and is determined to be
 1N 
Pave = PC = ρghC = (1025 kg/m 3 )(9.81 m/s 2 )(5 m) 
 1 kg ⋅ m/s 2  5m
 
= 50,276 N/m 2
Then the resultant hydrostatic force on each wall becomes
FR
FR = Pave A = Pave [πD 2 / 4] = (50,276 N/m 2 )[π (0.3 m) 2 / 4] = 3554 N D=0.3 m

The line of action of the force passes through the pressure center,
whose vertical distance from the free surface is determined from
I xx ,C πR 4 / 4 R2 (0.15 m ) 2
y P = yC + = yC + = yC + = 5+ = 5.0011 m
yC A y C πR 2
4 yC 4(5 m )

Discussion Note that for small surfaces deep in a liquid, the pressure center nearly coincides with the
centroid of the surface.

11-6
 Chapter 11 Fluid Statics

11-13 The cross-section of a dam is a quarter-circle. The hydrostatic force on the dam and its line of action
are to be determined.
Assumptions The atmospheric pressure acts on both sides of the dam, and thus it can be ignored in
calculations for convenience.
Properties We take the density of water to be 1000 kg/m3 throughout.
Analysis We consider the free body diagram of the liquid block enclosed by the circular surface of the
dam and its vertical and horizontal projections. The hydrostatic forces acting on the vertical and horizontal
plane surfaces as well as the weight of the liquid block are:

Horizontal force on vertical surface:

FH = Fx = Pave A = ρghC A = ρg ( R / 2) A
 1N 
= (1000 kg/m 3 )(9.81 m/s 2 )(10 / 2 m)(10 m × 100 m) 
 1 kg ⋅ m/s 2  Fy = 0
 
= 4.905 ×10 7 N
Vertical force on horizontal surface is zero since it coincides with R = 10 m
the free surface of water. The weight of fluid block per m length is FH

FV = W = ρgV = ρg[ w × πR 2 / 4]
 1N 
= (1000 kg/m 3 )(9.81 m/s 2 )[(100 m)π (10 m) 2 /4]  W
 1 kg ⋅ m/s 2 
 
= 7.705 × 10 7 N
Then the magnitude and direction of the hydrostatic force acting on the surface of the dam become

FR = FH2 + FV2 = ( 4.905 × 10 7 N) 2 + (7.705 × 10 7 N) 2 = 9.134 × 10 7 N

FV 7.705 × 10 7 N
tan θ = = = 1.571 → θ = 57.5°
FH 4.905 × 10 7 N
Therefore, the line of action of the hydrostatic force passes through the center of the curvature of the dam,
making 57.5° downwards from the horizontal.

11-7
 Chapter 11 Fluid Statics

11-14 A rectangular plate hinged about a horizontal axis along its upper edge blocks a fresh water channel.
The plate is restrained from opening by a fixed ridge at a point B. The force exerted to the plate by the ridge
is to be determined. √EES
Assumptions The atmospheric pressure acts on both sides of the plate, and thus it can be ignored in
calculations for convenience.
Properties We take the density of water to be 1000 kg/m3 throughout.
Analysis The average pressure on a surface is the pressure at the
centroid (midpoint) of the surface, and is determined to be
Pave = PC = ρghC = ρg ( h / 2)
 1 kN 
= (1000 kg/m 3 )(9.81 m/s 2 )( 4 / 2 m) 2
 = 19.62 kN/m 2

 1000 kg ⋅ m/s  A
Then the resultant hydrostatic force on each wall becomes

FR = Pave A = (19.62 kN/m 2 )( 4 m × 5 m) = 392 kN s=1m

The line of action of the force passes through the pressure center,
which is 2h/3 from the free surface,
2h 2 × ( 4 m)
yP = = = 2.667 m
3 3 FR
h=4m
Taking the moment about point A and setting it equal to zero gives
Fridge
∑ MA =0 → FR ( s + y P ) = Fridge AB
B
Solving for Fridge and substituting, the reaction force is determined to be
s + yP (1 + 2.667) m
Fridge = FR = (392 kN) = 288 kN
AB 5m

11-8
 Chapter 11 Fluid Statics

11-15 Problem 11-14 is reconsidered. The effect of water depth on the force exerted on the plate by the
ridge as the water depth varies from 0 to 5 m in increments of 0.5 m is to be investigated.
g=9.81 "m/s2"
rho=1000 "kg/m3"
s=1"m"

w=5 "m"
A=w*h
P_ave=rho*g*h/2000 "kPa"
F_R=P_ave*A "kN"
y_p=2*h/3
F_ridge=(s+y_p)*F_R/(s+h)

Dept Pave, FR yp Fridge

h, m kPa kN m kN
0.0 0 0.0 0.00 0
0.5 2.453 6.1 0.33 5
1.0 4.905 24.5 0.67 20
1.5 7.358 55.2 1.00 44
2.0 9.81 98.1 1.33 76
2.5 12.26 153.3 1.67 117
3.0 14.72 220.7 2.00 166
3.5 17.17 300.4 2.33 223
4.0 19.62 392.4 2.67 288
4.5 22.07 496.6 3.00 361
5.0 24.53 613.1 3.33 443

450

400

350

300

250
Fridge, kN

200

150

100

50

0
0 1 2 3 4 5
h, m

11-9
 Chapter 11 Fluid Statics

11-16E The flow of water from a reservoir is controlled by an L-shaped gate hinged at a point A. The
required weight W for the gate to open at a specified water height is to be determined. √EES
Assumptions 1 The atmospheric pressure acts on both sides of the gate, and thus it can be ignored in
calculations for convenience. 2 The weight of the gate is negligible.
Properties We take the density of water to be 62.4 lbm/ft3 throughout.
Analysis The average pressure on a surface is the pressure at the
centroid (midpoint) of the surface, and is determined to be
Pave = ρghC = ρg ( h / 2)
 1 lbf  8 ft
= (62.4 lbm/ft 3 )(32.2 ft/s 2 )(12 / 2 ft) 2

 32.2 lbm ⋅ ft/s 
= 374.4 lbf/ft 2 W
A B
Then the resultant hydrostatic force acting on the dam becomes s = 3 ft
FR = Pave A = (374.4 lbf/ft 2 )(12 ft × 5 ft) = 22,464 lbf

The line of action of the force passes through the pressure center,
which is 2h/3 from the free surface, FR
h=12 ft
2h 2 × (12 ft)
yP = = = 8 ft
3 3
Taking the moment about point A and setting it equal to zero gives

∑M A =0 → FR ( s + y P ) = W AB

Solving for W and substituting, the required weight is determined to be

s + yP (3 + 8) ft
W= FR = ( 22,464 lbf) = 30,900 lbf
AB 8 ft
Discussion Note that the required weight is inversely proportional to the distance of the weight from the
hinge.

11-10
 Chapter 11 Fluid Statics

11-17E The flow of water from a reservoir is controlled by an L-shaped gate hinged at a point A. The
required weight W for the gate to open at a specified water height is to be determined. √EES
Assumptions 1 The atmospheric pressure acts on both sides of the gate, and thus it can be ignored in
calculations for convenience. 2 The weight of the gate is negligible.
Properties We take the density of water to be 62.4 lbm/ft3 throughout.
Analysis The average pressure on a surface is the pressure at the
centroid (midpoint) of the surface, and is determined to be
Pave = ρghC = ρg ( h / 2)
 1 lbf 
= (62.4 lbm/ft 3 )(32.2 ft/s 2 )(8 / 2 ft) 2
 8 ft
 32.2 lbm ⋅ ft/s 
= 249.6 lbf/ft 2
W
Then the resultant hydrostatic force acting on the dam becomes B
A
s = 7 ft
FR = Pave A = ( 249.6 lbf/ft )(8 ft × 5 ft) = 9984 lbf
2

The line of action of the force passes through the pressure center,
which is 2h/3 from the free surface,
2h 2 × (8 ft) FR
yP = = = 5.333 ft h=8 ft
3 3
Taking the moment about point A and setting it equal to zero gives

∑M A =0 → FR ( s + y P ) = W AB

Solving for W and substituting, the required weight is determined to be

s + yP (7 + 5.333) ft
W= FR = (9984 lbf) = 15,390 lbf
AB 8 ft
Discussion Note that the required weight is inversely proportional to the distance of the weight from the
hinge.

11-11
 Chapter 11 Fluid Statics

11-18 Two parts of a water trough of semi-circular cross-section are held together by cables placed along
the length of the trough. The tension T in each cable when the trough is full is to be determined.
Assumptions 1 The atmospheric pressure acts on both sides of the trough wall, and thus it can be ignored in
calculations for convenience. 2 The weight of the trough is negligible.
Properties We take the density of water to be 1000 kg/m3 throughout.
Analysis To expose the cable tension, we consider half of the trough whose cross-section is quarter-circle.
The hydrostatic forces acting on the vertical and horizontal plane surfaces as well as the weight of the
liquid block are:

Horizontal force on vertical surface:

FH = Fx = Pave A = ρghC A = ρg ( R / 2) A
 1N 
= (1000 kg/m 3 )(9.81 m/s 2 )(0.5 / 2 m)(0.5 m × 3 m) 
 1 kg ⋅ m/s 2  T
 
= 3679 N θ
R = 0.5 m
FH
The vertical force on the horizontal surface is zero, since it coincides
with the free surface of water. The weight of fluid block per 3-m length FR
is
A
FV = W = ρgV = ρg[ w × πR 2 / 4] W

 1N 
= (1000 kg/m 3 )(9.81 m/s 2 )[(3 m)π (0.5 m) 2 /4] 
 1 kg ⋅ m/s 2 
 
= 5779 N
Then the magnitude and direction of the hydrostatic force acting on the surface of the 3-m long section of
the trough become

FR = FH2 + FV2 = (3679 N) 2 + (5779 N) 2 = 6851 N

FV 5779 N
tan θ = = = 1.571 → θ = 57.5°
FH 3679 N

Therefore, the line of action passes through the center of the curvature of the trough, making 57.5°
downwards from the horizontal. Taking the moment about point A where the two parts are hinged and
setting it equal to zero gives
∑ MA =0 → FR R sin(90 − 57.5)° = TR

Solving for T and substituting, the tension in the cable is determined to be

T = FR sin(90 − 57.5)° = (6851 N) sin(90 − 57.5)° = 3681 N
Discussion This problem can also be solved without finding FR by finding the lines of action of the
horizontal hydrostatic force and the weight.

11-12
 Chapter 11 Fluid Statics

11-19 Two parts of a water trough of triangular cross-section are held together by cables placed along the
length of the trough. The tension T in each cable when the trough is filled to the rim is to be determined.
Assumptions 1 The atmospheric pressure acts on both sides of the trough wall, and thus it can be ignored in
calculations for convenience. 2 The weight of the trough is negligible.
Properties We take the density of water to be 1000 kg/m3 throughout.
Analysis To expose the cable tension, we consider half of the trough whose cross-section is triangular.
The water height h at the midsection of the trough and width of the free surface are
h = L sin θ = (0.75 m)sin45° = 0.530 m
b T
b = L cos θ = (0.75 m)cos45° = 0.530 m
The hydrostatic forces acting on the vertical and horizontal
plane surfaces as well as the weight of the liquid block are
0.75 m
determined as follows: FH

Horizontal force on vertical surface: W

FH = Fx = Pave A = ρghC A = ρg ( h / 2) A 45°

A
 1N 
= (1000 kg/m 3 )(9.81 m/s 2 )(0.530 / 2 m)(0.530 m × 6 m) 2


 1 kg ⋅ m/s 
= 8266 N
The vertical force on the horizontal surface is zero since it coincides with
the free surface of water. The weight of fluid block per 3-m length is
FV = W = ρgV = ρg[ w × bh / 2]
 1N 
= (1000 kg/m 3 )(9.81 m/s 2 )[(6 m)(0.530 m)(0.530 m)/2] 2


 1 kg ⋅ m/s 
= 8266 N
The distance of the centroid of a triangle from a side is 1/3 of the height of the triangle for that side.
Taking the moment about point A where the two parts are hinged and setting it equal to zero gives

∑M
b h
A =0 → W + FH = Th
3 3
Solving for T and substituting, and noting that h = b, the tension in the cable is determined to be
FH + W (8266 + 8266 ) N
T= = = 5510 N
3 3

11-13
 Chapter 11 Fluid Statics

11-20 Two parts of a water trough of triangular cross-section are held together by cables placed along the
length of the trough. The tension T in each cable when the trough is filled to the rim is to be determined.
Assumptions 1 The atmospheric pressure acts on both sides of the trough wall, and thus it can be ignored in
calculations for convenience. 2 The weight of the trough is negligible.
Properties We take the density of water to be 1000 kg/m3 throughout.
Analysis To expose the cable tension, we consider half of the trough whose cross-section is triangular.
The water height is given to be h = 0.4 m at the midsection of the trough, which is equivalent to the width
of the free surface b since tan 45° = b/h = 1.
The hydrostatic forces acting on the vertical and horizontal plane surfaces as well as the weight of
the liquid block are determined as follows:

Horizontal force on vertical surface:

b T
FH = Fx = Pave A = ρghC A = ρg ( h / 2) A
 1N 
= (1000 kg/m 3 )(9.81 m/s 2 )(0.4 / 2 m)(0.4 m × 3 m) 
 1 kg ⋅ m/s 2 
  0.4 m
= 2354 N FH
W
The vertical force on the horizontal surface is zero since it coincides with
the free surface of water. The weight of fluid block per 3-m length is 45°
A
FV = W = ρgV = ρg[ w × bh / 2]
 1N 
= (1000 kg/m 3 )(9.81 m/s 2 )[(3 m)(0.4 m)(0.4 m)/2] 
 1 kg ⋅ m/s 2 
 
= 2354 N
The distance of the centroid of a triangle from a side is 1/3 of the height of the triangle for that side.
Taking the moment about point A where the two parts are hinged and setting it equal to zero gives

∑M
b h
A =0 → W + FH = Th
3 3
Solving for T and substituting, and noting that h = b, the tension in the cable is determined to be
FH + W ( 2354 + 2354 ) N
T= = = 1569 N
3 3

11-14
 Chapter 11 Fluid Statics

11-21 A retaining wall against mud slide is to be constructed by rectangular concrete blocks. The mud
height at which the blocks will start sliding, and the blocks will tip over are to be determined.
Assumptions The atmospheric pressure acts on both sides of the wall, and thus it can be ignored in
calculations for convenience.
Properties The density is given to be 1800 kg/m3 for the mud, and 2700 kg/m3 for concrete blocks.
Analysis (a) The weight of the concrete wall per unit length (L = 1 m) and the friction force between the
wall and the ground are

 1N 
Wblock = ρgV = ( 2700 kg/m 3 )(9.81 m/s 2 )[0.2 × 0.8 × 1 m 3 )  = 4238 N
 1 kg ⋅ m/s 2 
 
Ffriction = µWblock = 0.3(4238 N ) = 1271 N t =0.2 m

The hydrostatic force exerted by the mud to the wall is

FH = Fx = Pave A = ρghC A = ρg ( h / 2) A
 1N  0.8 m
= (1800 kg/m 3 )(9.81 m/s 2 )(h / 2 )( 1× h )  h
 1 kg ⋅ m/s 2 
 
FH
= 8829h 2 N W
Setting the hydrostatic and friction forces equal to each other gives Ffriction
FH = Ffriction → 8829 h 2 = 1271 → h = 0.38 m A

(b) The line of action of the hydrostatic force passes through the pressure center, which is 2h/3 from the
free surface. The line of action of the weight of the wall passes through the midplane of the wall. Taking
the moment about point A and setting it equal to zero gives

∑M A =0 → W block (t / 2) = FH ( h / 3) → W block (t / 2) = 8829h 3 / 3

Solving for h and substituting, the mud height for tip over is determined to be
1/ 3
 3W t 3 × 4238 × 0.2  1 / 3
h =  block  =   = 0.52 m
 2 × 8829   2 × 8829 
Discussion Note that the concrete wall will slide before tipping. Therefore, sliding is more critical than
tipping in this case.

11-15
 Chapter 11 Fluid Statics

11-22 A retaining wall against mud slide is to be constructed by rectangular concrete blocks. The mud
height at which the blocks will start sliding, and the blocks will tip over are to be determined.
Assumptions The atmospheric pressure acts on both sides of the wall, and thus it can be ignored in
calculations for convenience.
Properties The density is given to be 1800 kg/m3 for the mud, and 2700 kg/m3 for concrete blocks.
Analysis (a) The weight of the concrete wall per unit length (L = 1 m) and the friction force between the
wall and the ground are

 1N 
W block = ρgV = ( 2700 kg/m 3 )(9.81 m/s 2 )[0.4 × 0.8 × 1 m 3 ) 2
 = 8476 N

 1 kg ⋅ m/s 
t =0.4 m
Ffriction = µW block = 0.3(8476 N ) = 2543 N

The hydrostatic force exerted by the mud to the wall is

FH = Fx = Pave A = ρghC A = ρg ( h / 2) A
 1N  0.8 m
h
= (1800 kg/m 3 )(9.81 m/s 2 )(h / 2 )( 1× h ) 
 1 kg ⋅ m/s 2 
  FH
= 8829h 2 N W

Setting the hydrostatic and friction forces equal to each other gives Ffriction

FH = Ffriction → 8829 h 2 = 2543 → h = 0.54 m A

(b) The line of action of the hydrostatic force passes through the pressure center, which is 2h/3 from the
free surface. The line of action of the weight of the wall passes through the midplane of the wall. Taking
the moment about point A and setting it equal to zero gives

∑M A =0 → W block (t / 2) = FH ( h / 3) → W block (t / 2) = 8829h 3 / 3

Solving for h and substituting, the mud height for tip over is determined to be
1/ 3 1/ 3
 3W t  3 × 8476 × 0.3 
h =  block  =  = 0.76 m
 2 × 8829   2 × 8829 
Discussion Note that the concrete wall will slide before tipping. Therefore, sliding is more critical than
tipping in this case.

11-16
 Chapter 11 Fluid Statics

11-23 A quarter-circular gate hinged about its upper edge controls the flow of water over the ledge at B
where the gate is pressed by a spring. The minimum spring force required to keep the gate closed when the
water level rises to A at the upper edge of the gate is to be determined.
Assumptions 1 The hinge is frictionless. 2 The atmospheric pressure acts on both sides of the gate, and thus
it can be ignored in calculations for convenience. 3 The weight of the gate is negligible.
Properties We take the density of water to be 1000 kg/m3 throughout.
Analysis We consider the free body diagram of the liquid block enclosed by the circular surface of the gate
and its vertical and horizontal projections. The hydrostatic forces acting on the vertical and horizontal plane
surfaces as well as the weight of the liquid block are determined as follows:

Horizontal force on vertical surface:

FH = Fx = Pave A = ρghC A = ρg ( R / 2) A
 1 kN 
= (1000 kg/m 3 )(9.81 m/s 2 )(3 / 2 m)(4 m × 3 m) 
 1000 kg ⋅ m/s 2 
 
A
= 176.6 kN
Vertical force on horizontal surface (upward):
F y = Pave A = ρghC A = ρghbottom A W
Fx
 1 kN  R=3m
Fs
= (1000 kg/m 3 )(9.81 m/s 2 )(3 m)(4 m × 3 m) 
 1000 kg ⋅ m/s 2 
 
B
= 353.2 kN
The weight of fluid block per 4-m length (downwards): Fy

W = ρgV = ρg[ w × πR 2 / 4]
 1 kN 
= (1000 kg/m 3 )(9.81 m/s 2 )[(4 m)π (3 m) 2 /4] 
 1000 kg ⋅ m/s 2 
 
= 277.4 kN
Therefore, the net upward vertical force is
FV = F y − W = 353.2 − 277.4 = 75.8 kN

Then the magnitude and direction of the hydrostatic force acting on the surface of the 4-m long quarter-
circular section of the gate become

FR = FH2 + FV2 = (176.6 kN) 2 + (75.8 kN) 2 = 192.2 kN

FV 75.8 kN
tan θ = = = 0.429 → θ = 23.2°
FH 176.6 kN

Therefore, the magnitude of the hydrostatic force acting on the gate is 192.2 kN, and its line of action
passes through the center of the quarter-circular gate making an angle 23.2° upwards from the horizontal.
The minimum spring force needed is determined by taking a moment about the point A where the
hinge is, and setting it equal to zero,

∑M A =0 → FR R sin(90 − θ ) − Fspring R = 0

Solving for Fspring and substituting, the spring force is determined to be

Fspring = FR sin(90 - θ ) = (192.2 kN) sin(90° − 23.2°) = 177 kN

11-24 A quarter-circular gate hinged about its upper edge controls the flow of water over the ledge at B
where the gate is pressed by a spring. The minimum spring force required to keep the gate closed when the
water level rises to A at the upper edge of the gate is to be determined.

11-17
 Chapter 11 Fluid Statics

Assumptions 1 The hinge is frictionless. 2 The atmospheric pressure acts on both sides of the gate, and thus
it can be ignored in calculations for convenience. 3 The weight of the gate is negligible.
Properties We take the density of water to be 1000 kg/m3 throughout.
Analysis We consider the free body diagram of the liquid block enclosed by the circular surface of the gate
and its vertical and horizontal projections. The hydrostatic forces acting on the vertical and horizontal plane
surfaces as well as the weight of the liquid block are determined as follows:
Horizontal force on vertical surface:
FH = Fx = Pave A = ρghC A = ρg ( R / 2) A
 1 kN 
= (1000 kg/m 3 )(9.81 m/s 2 )( 4 / 2 m)(4 m × 4 m) 
 1000 kg ⋅ m/s 2 
 
= 313.9 kN
Vertical force on horizontal surface (upward): A
F y = Pave A = ρghC A = ρghbottom A
 1 kN  W
= (1000 kg/m 3 )(9.81 m/s 2 )(4 m)(4 m × 4 m)  Fx
 1000 kg ⋅ m/s 2  R=4m
  Fs
= 627.8 kN
B
The weight of fluid block per 4-m length (downwards):
Fy
W = ρgV = ρg[ w × πR 2 / 4]
 1 kN 
= (1000 kg/m 3 )(9.81 m/s 2 )[(4 m)π (4 m) 2 /4] 
 1000 kg ⋅ m/s 2 
 
= 493.1 kN
Therefore, the net upward vertical force is
FV = F y − W = 627.8 − 493.1 = 134.7 kN

Then the magnitude and direction of the hydrostatic force acting on the surface of the 4-m long quarter-
circular section of the gate become

FR = FH2 + FV2 = (313.9 kN) 2 + (134.7 kN) 2 = 341.6 kN

FV 134.7 kN
tan θ = = = 0.429 → θ = 23.2°
FH 313.9 kN

Therefore, the magnitude of the hydrostatic force acting on the gate is 341.6 kN, and its line of action
passes through the center of the quarter-circular gate making an angle 23.2° upwards from the horizontal.
The minimum spring force needed is determined by taking a moment about the point A where the
hinge is, and setting it equal to zero,

∑M A =0 → FR R sin(90 − θ ) − Fspring R = 0

Solving for Fspring and substituting, the spring force is determined to be

Fspring = FR sin(90 - θ ) = (341.6 kN) sin(90° − 23.2°) = 314.0 kN

11-18
 Chapter 11 Fluid Statics

Buoyancy

11-25C The upward force a fluid exerts on an immersed body is called the buoyant force. The buoyant
force is caused by the increase of pressure in a fluid with depth. The magnitude of the buoyant force acting
on a submerged body whose volume is V is expressed as FB = ρ f gV . The direction of the buoyant force
is upwards, and its line of action passes through the centroid of the displaced volume.

11-26C The magnitude of the buoyant force acting on a submerged body whose volume is V is expressed
as FB = ρ f gV , which is independent of depth. Therefore, the buoyant forces acting on two identical
spherical balls submerged in water at different depths will be the same.

11-27C The magnitude of the buoyant force acting on a submerged body whose volume is V is expressed
as FB = ρ f gV , which is independent of the density of the body ( ρ f is the fluid density). Therefore, the
buoyant forces acting on the 5-cm diameter aluminum and iron balls submerged in water will be the same.

11-28C The magnitude of the buoyant force acting on a submerged body whose volume is V is expressed
as FB = ρ f gV , which is independent of the shape of the body. Therefore, the buoyant forces acting on the
cube and sphere made of copper submerged in water will be the same since they have the same volume.

11-29C A submerged body whose center of gravity G is above the center of buoyancy B, which is the
centroid of the displaced volume, is unstable. But a floating body may still be stable when G is above B
since the centroid of the displaced volume shifts to the side to a point B’ during a rotational disturbance
while the center of gravity G of the body remains unchanged. If the point B’ is sufficiently far, these two
forces create a restoring moment, and return the body to the original position.

11-19
 Chapter 11 Fluid Statics

11-30 The density of a liquid is to be determined by a hydrometer by establishing division marks in water
and in the liquid, and measuring the distance between these marks.
Properties We take the density of pure water to be 1000 kg/m3.
Analysis A hydrometer floating in water is in static equilibrium, and the buoyant force FB exerted by the
liquid must always be equal to the weight W of the hydrometer, FB = W.
FB = ρgVsub = ρghAc
mark for water
where h is the height of the submerged portion of the hydrometer
0.5 cm
and Ac is the cross-sectional area which is constant.
In pure water: W = ρ w gh w Ac Liquid

In the liquid: W = ρ liquid ghliquid Ac W

10 cm
Setting the relations above equal to each other (since both equal the
weight of the hydrometer) gives
ρ w ghw Ac = ρ liquid ghliquid Ac
FB
Solving for the liquid density and substituting,
hwater 10 cm
ρ liquid = ρ water = (1000 kg/m 3 ) = 1053 kg/m 3
hliquid (10 − 0.5) cm

Discussion Note that for a given cylindrical hydrometer, the product of the fluid density and the height of
the submerged portion of the hydrometer is constant in any fluid.

11-20
 Chapter 11 Fluid Statics

11-31E A concrete block is lowered into the sea. The tension in the rope is to be determined before and
after the block is immersed in water.
Assumptions 1 The buoyancy force in air is negligible. 2 The weight of the rope is negligible.
Properties The density of steel block is given to be 494 lbm/ft3.
Analysis (a) The forces acting on the concrete block in air are its downward weight and the upward pull
action (tension) by the rope. These two forces must balance each other, and thus the tension in the rope
must be equal to the weight of the block:

V = 4πR 3 / 3 = 4π (1.5 ft) 3 /3 = 14.14 ft 3

FT
FT = W = ρ concrete gV
 1 lbf 
= ( 494 lbm/ft 3 )(32.2 ft/s 2 )(14.14 ft 3 )  = 6984 lbf
 32.2 lbm ⋅ ft/s 2 
(b) When the block is immersed in water, there is the additional force
of buoyancy acting upwards. The force balance in this case gives

 1 lbf 
FB = ρ f gV = (62.4 lbm/ft 3 )(32.2 ft/s 2 )(14.14 ft 3 ) 2 
= 882 lbf
 32.2 lbm ⋅ ft/s  W
FT, water = W − FB = 6984 − 882 = 6102 lbf
FB
Discussion Note that the weight of the concrete block and thus the
tension of the rope decreases by (6984 – 6102)/6984 = 12.6% in water.

11-21
 Chapter 11 Fluid Statics

11-32 An irregularly shaped body is weighed in air and then in water with a spring scale. The volume and
the average density of the body are to be determined.
Properties We take the density of water to be 1000 kg/m3.
Assumptions 1 The buoyancy force in air is negligible. 2 The body is completely submerged in water.
Analysis The mass of the body is

Wair  1 kg ⋅ m/s 2  Water FB Air

7200 N
m= =   = 733.9 kg
g 9.81 m/s 2  1N  Mass,
  m, V
The difference between the weights in air and in water is due to
the buoyancy force in water,
FB = Wair − W water = 7200 − 4790 = 2410 N Wwater = 4790 N
Wwir=6800 N

Noting that FB = ρ water gV , the volume of the body is determined to be

FB 2410 N
V= = = 0.2457 m 3
ρ water g 3
(1000 kg/m )(9.81 m/s ) 2

Then the density of the body becomes

m 733.9 kg
ρ= = = 2987 kg/m 3
V 0.2457 m 3
Discussion The volume of the body can also be measured by observing the change in the volume of the
container when the body is dropped in it (assuming the body is not porous).

11-22
 Chapter 11 Fluid Statics

11-33 The height of the portion of a cubic ice block that extends above the water surface is measured. The
height of the ice block below the surface is to be determined.
Assumptions 1 The buoyancy force in air is negligible. 2 The top surface of the ice block is parallel to the
surface of the sea.
Properties The specific gravities of ice and seawater are given to be 0.92 and 1.025, respectively, and thus
the corresponding densities are 920 kg/m3 and 1025 kg/m3.
Analysis The weight of a body floating in a fluid is equal to the buoyant force acting on it (a consequence
of vertical force balance from static equilibrium). Therefore, in this case the average density of the body
must be equal to the density of the fluid since
W = FB
10 cm
ρ body gV total = ρ fluid gVsubmerged Ice block
Sea
Vsubmerged ρ body
= W
V total ρ fluid
h
The cross-sectional of a cube is constant, and thus the “volume
ratio” can be replaced by “height ratio”. Then,
hsubmerged ρ body h ρ h 0.92
= → = ice → =
htotal ρ fluid h + 0.10 ρ water h + 0.10 1.025 FB

where h is the height of the ice block below the surface. Solving for h gives
h = 0.876 m = 87.6 cm
Discussion Note that the 0.92/1.025 = 88% of the volume of an ice block remains under water. For
symmetrical ice blocks this also represents the fraction of height that remains under water.

11-23
 Chapter 11 Fluid Statics

11-34 A man dives into a lake and tries to lift a large rock. The force that the man needs to apply to lift it
from the bottom of the lake is to be determined.
Assumptions 1 The rock is c completely submerged in water. 2 The buoyancy force in air is negligible.
Properties The density of granite rock is given to be 2700 kg/m3. We take the density of water to be 1000
kg/m3.
Analysis The weight and volume of the rock are

 1N 
W = mg = (170 kg)(9.81 m/s 2 )  = 1668 N

 1 kg ⋅ m/s 2 
m 170 kg
V= = = 0.06296 m 3 Water
ρ 2700 kg/m 3 FB

The buoyancy force acting on the rock is

FB = ρ water gV
W Fnet =W - FB
 1N 
= (1000 kg/m )(9.81 m/s )(0.06296 m )
3 2 3
2
 = 618 N

 1 kg ⋅ m/s 
The weight of a body submerged in water is equal to the weigh of
the body in air minus the buoyancy force,
Win water = Win air − FB = 1079 − 618 = 461 N

Discussion This force corresponds to a mass of

W 461 N  1N 
m = in water =   = 47.0 kg
2  2 
g 9.81 m/s  1 kg ⋅ m/s 

Therefore, a person who can lift 47 kg on earth can lift this rock in water.

11-24
 Chapter 11 Fluid Statics

11-35 An irregularly shaped crown is weighed in air and then in water with a spring scale. It is to be
determined if the crown is made of pure gold.
Assumptions 1 The buoyancy force in air is negligible. 2 The crown is completely submerged in water.
Properties We take the density of water to be 1000 kg/m3. The density of gold is given to be 19300 kg/m3.
Analysis The mass of the crown is

Wair 31.4 N  1 kg ⋅ m/s 2 

m= =   = 3.20 kg
g 9.81 m/s 2  1N  Water
  FB Air

The difference between the weights in air and in water is due to Crown,
m, V
the buoyancy force in water, and thus
FB = Wair − W water = 31.4 − 28.9 = 2.50 N

Noting that FB = ρ water gV , the volume of the crown is determined to be Wwater = 2.95 kgf Wwir = 3.20 kgf

FB 2.50 N
V= = = 2.55 × 10 − 4 m 3
ρ water g (1000 kg/m 3 )(9.81 m/s 2 )

Then the density of the crown becomes

m 3.20 kg
ρ= = = 12,500 kg/m 3
V 2.55 × 10 − 4 m 3
which is considerably less than the density of gold. Therefore, the crown is NOT made of pure gold.
Discussion This problem can also be solved without doing any under-water weighing as follows: We
would weigh a bucket half-filled with water, and drop the crown into it. After marking the new water level,
we would take the crown out, and add water to the bucket until the water level rises to the mark. We would
weigh the bucket again. Dividing the weight difference by the density of water and g will give the volume
of the crown. Knowing both the weight and the volume of the crown, the density can easily be determined.

11-25
 Chapter 11 Fluid Statics

11-36 The average density of a person is determined by weighing the person in air and then in water. A
relation is to be obtained for the volume fraction of body fat in terms of densities.
Assumptions 1 The buoyancy force in air is negligible. 2 The body is considered to consist of fat and
muscle only. 3 The body is completely submerged in water, and the air volume in the lungs is negligible.
Analysis The difference between the weights of the person in air
and in water is due to the buoyancy force in water. Therefore,
FB = Wair − W water → ρ water gV = Wair − W water

Knowing the weights and the density of water, the relation above gives
the volume of the person. Then the average density of the person can be
determined from
m Wair / g
ρ ave = =
V V
Under assumption #2, the total mass of a person is equal to the sum of the masses of the fat and muscle
tissues, and the total volume of a person is equal to the sum of the volumes of the fat and muscle tissues.
The volume fraction of body fat is the ratio of the fat volume to the total volume of the person. Therefore,
V = Vfat + Vmuscle where Vfat = x fat V and Vmuscle = x muscleV = (1 - x fat )V
m = m fat + m muscle

Noting that mass is density times volume, the last relation can be written as Air
FB
ρ aveV = ρ fat Vfat + ρ muscleVmuscle
ρ aveV = ρ fat x fat V + ρ muscle (1 − x fat )V
Water
Canceling the V and solving for xfat gives the desired relation,
Person,
ρ − ρ ave m, V
x fat = muscle
ρ muscle − ρ fat
Discussion Weighing a person in water in order to determine its
volume is not practical. A more practical way is to use a large Wwater Wwir
container, and measuring the change in volume when the person is
completely submerged in it.

11-26
 Chapter 11 Fluid Statics

11-37 The volume of the hull of a boat is given. The amounts of load the boat can carry in a lake and in the
sea are to be determined.
Assumptions 1 The dynamic effects of the waves are disregarded. 2 The buoyancy force in air is
negligible.
Properties The density of sea water is given to be 1.03×1000 = 1030 kg/m3. We take the density of water to
be 1000 kg/m3.
Analysis The weight of the unloaded boat is

 1 kN 
Wboat = mg = (8560 kg)(9.81 m/s 2 )  = 84.0 kN
 1000 kg ⋅ m/s 2 
 
The buoyancy force becomes a maximum when the entire hull of the
boat is submerged in water, and is determined to be
 1 kN 
FB ,lake = ρ lake gV = (1000 kg/m 3 )(9.81 m/s 2 )(150 m 3 )  = 1472 kN
 1000 kg ⋅ m/s 2 
 
 1 kN 
FB ,sea = ρ sea gV = (1030 kg/m 3 )(9.81 m/s 2 )(150 m 3 )  = 1516 kN
 1000 kg ⋅ m/s 2 
 
The total weight of a floating boat (load + boat itself) is equal to
the buoyancy force. Therefore, the weight of the maximum load is
Wload, lake = FB , lake − Wboat = 1472 − 84 = 1388 kN
Wload, sea = FB ,sea − Wboat = 1516 − 84 = 1432 kN
FB
The corresponding masses of load are Wload Wboat

Wload,lake 1388 kN  1000 kg ⋅ m/s 2 

 = 141,500 kg
m load,lake = =
g 9.81 m/s 2  1 kN 


Wload,lsea 1432 kN  1000 kg ⋅ m/s 2 

 = 146.0 kg
m load,sea = =
g 9.81 m/s 2  1 kN 

Discussion Note that this boat can carry 4500 kg more load in the sea than it can in fresh water. The fully-
loaded boats in sea water should expect to sink into water deeper when they enter fresh water such a river
where the port may be.

11-27