2.2.

Hydrostatic forces on surfaces

2.2.1. Introduction
From previous pages we have studied that a
liquid, at rest, exerts some pressure on all
sides of the container. The intensity of

of the liquid and vertical depth ℎ of the

pressure ( ) was related to specific weight

point by eqn. = ℎ.
In this section, 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 Figure. 2.8. Horizontally immersed surface
direction of such a pressure is always
perpendicular to the surface, on which it Total Pressure (P):
acts. Refer to Fig. 3.1. Consider a plane
horizontal surface immersed in a liquid.
2.2.2. Total pressure and centre of Let,
pressure
̅ = Depth of horizontal surface
= Area of the immersed surface,
Total pressure. It is defined as the force
exerted by static fluid on a surface (either from the free surface of the liquid, and
plane or curved) when the fluid comes in = Specific weight of the liquid.
contact with the surface. This force is
always at right angle (or normal) to the The total pressure on the surface,
surface. = Weight of the liquid above the
immersed surface
Centre of pressure. It is defined as the = Specific weight of liquid × volume of
point of application of the total pressure on liquid
the surface. = Specific weight of liquid × area of

∴ =
Now we shall discuss the total pressure surface × depth of liquid.
exerted by a liquid on the immersed
surface. The immersed surfaces may be:
2. Vertically immersed surface
1. Horizontal plane surface; Consider a plane vertical surface of
2. Vertical plane surface; arbitrary shape immersed in a liquid as
3. Inclined plane surface; shown in Fig. 2.9.
4. Curved surface

1. Horizontally immersed surface

By: Ainebyona Joseph,

BSc. Civil Engineering (KAB, 2021).
19
Email: [email protected].
Tel: 0782464423/0704158769
 (b) Centre of pressure ( )
The intensity of pressure on an immersed
surface is not uniform, but increases with
depth. As the pressure is greater over the
lower portion of the figure, therefore the
resultant pressure, on any immersed surface
will act at some point, below the centre of
gravity of the immersed surface and
towards the lower edge of the figure. The
point through which this resultant pressure
acts is known as ‘centre of pressure’ and
is always expressed in terms of depth from
the liquid surface.
Referring to Fig. 2.9., let be the centre of
Fig. 2.9 Vertically immersed surface. pressure of the immersed figure. Then the
Let, = Total area of the surface, resultant pressure will act through the

̅ = Depth of centre of area,

= Centre of the area of the surface, point.
Let,
ℎ = Distance of centre of pressure from
= Free surface of liquid, and
ℎ = Depth of centre of pressure below free
free surface of liquid. liquid surface, and
(a) Total pressure ( ): = Moment of inertia of the surface about
Consider a thin horizontal strip of the .
surface of thickness and breadth .
Considering the horizontal strip of
Let the depth of the strip from free surface
thickness .
Total pressure on strip = . . .
of the liquid be .
Let the intensity of pressure on strip be ;
this may be taken as uniform as the strip is
= . . . ! = . ". .
Moment of this pressure about free surface
=
extremely small. Then,

where, = specific weight of the liquid. Total moment of all such pressures for

= . . .= .
Total pressure on the strip whole area,

Total pressure on the whole area, #= . "

. . = "
. .
= = ∙
"
. . = = Moment of inertia
∙ = Moment of the surface area
But,
about the liquid level = ̅
But, of the surface about the free surface (or
∴ = ̅
second moment of area)
or, the total pressure on a surface is equal to Hence, # = ...(i)
the area multiplied by the intensity of
also equal to × ℎ. ...(ii)
The sum of the moments of the pressure is
Thus, the eqn., =
pressure at the centre of area of the figure.
holds good for all
surfaces whether flat or curved. Now equating eqns. (i) and (ii), we get:

By: Ainebyona Joseph,

BSc. Civil Engineering (KAB, 2021).
20
Email: [email protected].
Tel: 0782464423/0704158769
 × ℎ= ( = ̅)
̅×ℎ=

ℎ=
%&
'(̅
...(iii)

Also, = ) + ℎ" (Theorem of parallel

axis).
where,

)
Fig. 2.10(b)
= Moment of inertia of the figure about
horizontal axis through its centre of gravity,
and
ℎ = Distance between the free liquid surface
and the centre of gravity of the figure ( ̅ in
this case)
Thus rearranging equation (iii) gives

ℎ= = '(̅+ + ̅
%+ ,'(̅ - %
'(̅

Hence, centre of pressure Fig. 2.10(c)

ℎ = '(̅+ + ̅
%

Fig. 2.10(d)
Fig. 2.10(a)

By: Ainebyona Joseph,

BSc. Civil Engineering (KAB, 2021).
21
Email: [email protected].
Tel: 0782464423/0704158769
 I about an axis passing
I about
S.No Name of figure C.G from base Area through C.G & parallel
base
to base
ℎ ℎ ℎ0 ℎ0
=
3 2 36 12
Triangle
1.
Fig. 2.10(a)
0 0
=
2 12 3
Rectangle
2.
3 " 3 "
Fig. 2.10(b)
= −
2 4 64
Circle
3.
27 + ℎ 7+ 7" + 47 + "
Fig. 2.10(c)

=6 8 9 :ℎ ; < × ℎ" −
7+ 3 2 3 7+ !
Trapezium
4.
Fig. 2.10(d)

Example Problems. (ii) Position of centre of pressure

ℎ = '(̅+ + ̅ ,
Problem 1 %

3 @ 3
= = × 1.2@ = 0.1018=@
)
64 64
0.1018
ℎ= + 2.5 = 2.5360=
1.13 × 2.5
Problem 2
A rectangular plate 3m long and 1m wide is
immersed vertically in water in such a way
that its 3m side is parallel to the water
surface and is 1m below it.
Fig. 2.11
Find:
Fig. 2.11 shows a circular plate of diameter
(i) Total pressure on the plate, and
1.2 m placed vertically in water in such a
way that the centre of the plate is 2.5 m (ii) Position of centre of pressure.
below the free surface of water. Determine:
(i) Total pressure on the plate. Solution.

(ii) Position of centre of pressure Width of the plane surface, = 3=

Solution Depth of the plane surface, = 1=

Diameter of the plate, = 1.2= Area of the plane surface,

= × = 3 × 1 = 3="
= =3× = 1.13=
>?- A."- "
@ @
1
Area,

̅ = 2.5= ̅ =1+ = 1.5=

2
(i). Total pressure, (i) Total pressure
= ̅ = 9.81 × 1.13 × 2.5 = 27.7FG = ̅ = 9.81 × 3 × 1.5 = 44.145FG

By: Ainebyona Joseph,

BSc. Civil Engineering (KAB, 2021).
22
Email: [email protected].
Tel: 0782464423/0704158769
 (ii) Position of centre of pressure The intensity of pressure on the strip
= K sin J
ℎ= + ̅
)
̅
Area of the strip = .
0
3×1
= = = 0.25=@
)
12 12
Pressure on the strip

0.25
ℎ= + 1.5 = 1.5556I
= Intensity of pressure × area
3 × 1.5 = K sin J ∙ .
Now total pressure on the surface

= K sin J ∙ . = sin J K. .
3. Inclined immersed surface

But, K. . = moment of surface area

about
̅
=
sin J
̅
∴ = sin J ∙
sin J
Thus, = ̅ (As above).
(b) Centre of pressure ( )
Fig. 2.12. Inclined immersed surface.
Refer to Fig. 2.12. Consider a plane Referring to Fig 2.12, let be the centre of
inclined surface, immersed in a liquid. pressure of the inclined surface.

Let, Let,

= Area of the surface, ℎ = Depth of centre of pressure below free

̅ = Depth of centre of gravity of

liquid surface,

immersed surface from the free ) = Moment of inertia of the immersed

liquid surface, surface about ,

J = Angle at which the immersed ̅ = Depth of centre of gravity of the surface

surface is inclined with the liquid from the liquid surface,
surface, and J = Angle at which the immersed surface is
= Specific weight of the liquid. inclined with the liquid surface, and

(a) Total pressure ( ): = Area of the surface.

and at distance K from

Consider a strip of thickness of , width
a distance K from (A point, on the liquid
Consider a strip of thickness , width at
.
surface, where the immersed surface will The intensity of pressure on the strip
= K sin J
meet, if produced).

By: Ainebyona Joseph,

BSc. Civil Engineering (KAB, 2021).
23
Email: [email protected].
Tel: 0782464423/0704158769
 Area of strip = . ℎ=
QRS- T
+ K" !
'(̅ )

"
= 6 + VQRS TW 8
QRS- T (̅
Pressure on the strip
'(̅ )
= Intensity of pressure × area
= K sin J ∙ . =
%+ QRS- T
+ ̅
'(̅
Moment of the pressure about
= K sin J . . !K = K sin J . .
Hence, centre of pressure
"
ℎ= + ̅
%+ QRS- T
'(̅

Notice that if J = 90° the above equation

Now sum of moments of all such pressures
about ,
becomes ℎ = '(̅ + ̅ the same previous.
%+

#= K " sin J . .
Example problems
= sin J K". . Problem 1.

But, K " . . = = Moment of inertia of

A 1m wide and 1.5 m deep rectangular
plane surface lies in water in such a way
the surface about the free surface (or
that its plane makes an angle of 30° with the
second moment of area)
Hence, # = sin J
free water surface. Determine the total
...(i) pressure and position of centre of pressure
when the upper edge is 0.75 m below the
The sum of the moments of the pressure is
OP
free water surface.
also equal to QRS T ...(ii)

where is the total pressure on the surface

Equating eqns. (i) and (ii), we get:

= sin J ,( = ̅)
OP
QRS T

= sin J
U'(̅ P
QRS T

∴ℎ=
%& QRS- T
'(̅
...(iii)

Also, = ) + ℎ" ...Theorem of

parallel axes.
where, ) = Moment of inertia of figure Solution.
Width of the plane surface = 1=
about horizontal axis through its centre of

Depth of the plane surface = 1.5=

gravity, and
ℎ = Distance between 0 and the centre of
gravity of the figure = K (= QRS T) in this
(̅
Inclination, J = 30°

surface = 0.75=
case. Distance of upper edge from free water
Rearranging equation (iii), we have:

By: Ainebyona Joseph,

BSc. Civil Engineering (KAB, 2021).
24
Email: [email protected].
Tel: 0782464423/0704158769
 (i) Total pressure, : Solution
= ̅ Refer to figure above.
where, = 9.81 YZ/=0 From the geometry of the figure, we have:
= 1.5 × 1 = 1.5 =" 1.5 − 0.75
sin J = = 0.375
2
Area,
̅ = \] + ]# = 0.75= + #Z sin 30°
J = sin`A 0.375! = 22°
1.5
= 0.75 + × 0.5 = 1.125=
2 Area of the plate,
= 9.81 × 1.5 × 1.125 = 16.55 FG 3 " 3 "
= − A! = 2 − 1" !
"
4 " 4
= 2.356 Ia
(ii) Centre of pressure,

Using, ℎ = + ̅
%+ QRS- T
'(̅ Depth of centroid,

=
A×A.^_
= 0.281=@ 1.5 + 0.75
) ̅= = 1.125=
A"
2
where,

0.281 × 0.5
Total pressure force,
"
∴ ℎ= + 1.125 = 1.166 I = ̅ = 9.81 × 2.356 × 1.125
1.5 × 1.125
= 26 FG

it is acting in a direction which is 90° −

This force acts perpendicular to the plate so
Problem 2.
An annular plate 2m external diameter and 22° = 68° to the vertical
1m internal diameter with its greatest and Depth of centre of pressure,
least depths below the surface being 1.5 m
and 0.75 m respectively. Calculate the Depth of centre of pressure,

ℎ= + ̅
%+ QRS- T
magnitude, direction and location of the
'(̅
force acting upon one side of the plate due
b
e"d`Ad f×QRS- ""°
to water pressure.
= cd + 1.125
".0^g×A.A"^

= + 1.125 = 1.164I
.A 00
".g^A

By: Ainebyona Joseph,

BSc. Civil Engineering (KAB, 2021).
25
Email: [email protected].
Tel: 0782464423/0704158769
 the horizontal is given by: tan J = O m
The direction of the resultant force P with
O
4. Curved immersed surface

Here,

h = Total pressure force on the projected

area of the curved surface on vertical plane,
and

i = Weight of the liquid supported by the

curved surface up to free surface of liquid.
Example problems
Fig. 2.13. Curved immersed surface. Problem 1.
Consider a curved surface \# submerged
of radius o as shown in Fig. 2.14.
The profile of a vessel is quadrant of a circle
in a static fluid as shown in Fig. 2.13. At
any point on the curved surface, the Determine the horizontal and vertical
pressure acts normal to the surface. Thus if components of the total pressure force,

curved surface lying at a vertical depth of ℎ

is the area of a small element of the from the first principles.

from surface of the liquid, then the total

pressure on the elemental area is,
= × = ℎ! × …(4.1)
This force acts normal to the surface.
Further integration of eqn. (4.1) would
provide the total pressure on the curved
surface and hence,
= ℎ …(4.2)
But, in case of curved surface the direction Fig. 2.14
of the total pressures on the elementary
areas are not in the same direction, but Solution.
varies from point to point. Thus, the Consider an elementary strip of radius o at
integration of eqn. (4.2) for curved surface depth ℎ and subtending an angle as shown
is impossible. in Fig. 2.14.
The problem, however, can be solved by Let the vessel has a unit depth
resolving the force into horizontal and perpendicular to the plane of paper. Then,
vertical components h and i . Area of the element,
Then total force on the curved surface is, = o p × qrst u tℎ = o p
=j "
h + "
i …(4.3) Depth, ℎ = o sin p
Intensity of pressure, = ℎ = o sin p

By: Ainebyona Joseph,

BSc. Civil Engineering (KAB, 2021).
26
Email: [email protected].
Tel: 0782464423/0704158769
 >⁄"
o"
Pressure force,
= × = o sin p × o p = 2 sin p cos p p
2
= o " sin p p
>⁄"
o" o " cos 2p >⁄"
= sin 2p p = 6− 8
2 2 2
Vertical component of ,

i = o " sin p p × sin p

= o " sin" p p o" o
= = o × qrst Kur•tℎ! ×
2 2
≡ ̅
Horizontal component of ,

h = o " sin p p × cos p

= o " sin p cos p p
 Thus the horizontal component of
pressure force on a curved surface
∴ Total vertical pressure force, equals the force on projected area of
>⁄"
curved surface on a vertical plane

= o " sin" p p
Problem 2.
i
A hemisphere projection of diameter 0.6 m
> ⁄"
exists on one of the vertical sides of a tank.
o"
= y 1 − cos 2p! pz
If the tank contains water to an elevation of
2
1.5 m above the centre of the hemisphere,
calculate the vertical and horizontal forces

o" sin 2p >⁄"

acting on the projection.
= {|p| −} } ~
> ⁄"
2 2
3o " 3o "
= = ; × qrst Kur•tℎ<
4 4
= specific weight × volume of the liquid
contained in curved surface.
 Thus the vertical component of
pressure force on a curved surface
equals the weight of the volume liquid
extending vertically from the curved
surface to the free surface of liquid.
Total horizontal pressure force,
> ⁄"

h = o " sin p cos p p

Fig. 2.15

By: Ainebyona Joseph,

BSc. Civil Engineering (KAB, 2021).
27
Email: [email protected].
Tel: 0782464423/0704158769
 Solution. Refer to Fig. 2.15. (b). The figure below shows a tank
= i• – i-
containing water and liquid (sp. gravity =
Vertical force, i 0.9) up to height 0.25 m and 0.5 m
= Weight volume of water MNST – weight respectively. Draw a pressure diagram
of volume of water LNST representing this distribution in the tank and
use it to calculate:
= Weight of water contained by the
hemisphere LNM (i) Total pressure on the side of the tank;

= × " V0 3o 0 W
A @ (ii) The position of centre of pressure from
one side of the tank, which is 1.5 m wide.
= 9.81 × × 3 × 0.3!0
@
g

= 0.555FG
Horizontal force, h = ̅
= 9.81 × 3 × 0.3!" × 1.5 = 4.16FG
Assignment 3 - questions.
Qn 1.
Read and make notes on applications of
hydrostatics. (Fluid statics).
Qn 2.
Qn 3
(a). A sliding gate 3 m wide and 1.5 m high
lies on a vertical plane and has a coefficient (a) An inclined rectangular sluice gate AB
of friction of 0.2 between itself and guides. 1.2 m by 5 m size as shown in the figure
If the gate weighs 30 kN, find the vertical below is installed to control the discharge
force required to raise the gate if its upper of water. The end A is hinged. Determine
edge is at a depth of 9 m from free surface the force normal to the gate applied at B to
of water. open it.

By: Ainebyona Joseph,

BSc. Civil Engineering (KAB, 2021).
28
Email: [email protected].
Tel: 0782464423/0704158769
 pressure on the curved surface \#, and
(b) Figure below shows a circular opening (i) Horizontal and vertical components of water
in the sloping wall of the reservoir closed

hinged at ƒ and a balance weight „ is just

by disc valve 0.9 m diameter. The disc is (ii) Magnitude and direction of the resultant
force.
sufficient to hold the valve closed when the
reservoir is empty. How much additional
weight should be placed on the arm, 1.2 m
from the hinge, in order that the valve shall
remain closed until the water level is 0.72
m above the centre of the valve.

NB: Submit this work (All 3 assignments) to

[email protected].
Qn 4. This work should be done individually.
Deadline for Submission is 24th April, 2022 by
(a) Figure below shows a radial gate. If it is 5:00pm
3 m long, find the magnitude and direction
of the resultant force acting on it.
Problems – Fluid statics

(b) A tank is filled with water under pressure

and the pressure gauge fitted at the top indicates
a pressure of 18 kPa. The tank measures 3 m

curved surface \# of the top is quarter of a

perpendicular to the plane of the paper, and the

circular cylinder of radius 2.4 m. Referring to

the figure below, determine:

By: Ainebyona Joseph,

BSc. Civil Engineering (KAB, 2021).
29
Email: [email protected].
Tel: 0782464423/0704158769