College Fluid Mechanics - An Open Courseware

Module 3: Fluid Statics -- Forces on Submerged Surfaces:

In this module, we apply fluid statics fundamentals to find hydrostatic forces and center of pressure on submerged planes and curved surfaces. We also discuss buoyancy and stability.

Student Learning Outcomes: After completing this module, you should be able to:

* Calculate the hydrostatic pressure force on a plane or curved submerged surface

* Calculate the buoyant force and determine the stability of floating or submerged objects

Lecture Videos:

Link to Module 3 Playlist Link to Lecture Notes Module 3

Links to Individual Module 3 Videos:

Lecture 1 - Pressure Forces in Submerged Walls and Curved Surfaces: In this segment, we discuss how to calculate pressure forces on submerged plane and curved surfaces.

Lecture 2 - Center of Pressure for Immersed Plates: In this segment, we go over the center of pressure calculation for various geometries encountered in fluid statics applications.

Lecture 3 - Pressure Forces and Center of Pressure for Horizontal and Vertical Surfaces: In this segment, we discuss three alternative methods of calculating the pressure force on immersed vertical surfaces and two alternative methods for immersed horizontal plates. We also calculate the center of pressure for both horizontal and vertical plates and shells.

Lecture 4 - Pressure Forces and Center of Pressure for Immersed Inclined Plates: In this segment, we discuss pressure force and center of pressure for an immersed inclined plate. We introduce three alternative methods for obtaining the pressure force and discuss advantages and disadvantages.

Lecture 5 - Multiple Fluid Hydrostatic Force Calculation: In this segment, we go over the calculation of hydrostatic pressure for a quarter circle force exposed to two immiscible liquids (ethyl alcohol and water).

Lecture 6 - Hydrostatic Force Calculation for SemiCircular and Circular Plates: In this segment, we go over the detailed steps to calculate the circular and semi-circular observation window on the side of a water tank.

Lecture 7 - Force to Hold a SemiCircular Hinged Gate in Place: In this segment, we show the steps to hold a semicircular hinged gate in place. We show how to use the imaginary free surface as well as equating moments about a hinged point.

Lecture 8 - Buoyancy and Stability: In this segment, we go over the derivation and discussion of the buoyancy concept and the Archimedes Principle. We also discuss the stability of partially submerged vessels.

Lecture 9 -What Percentage of the Iceberg Volume is Underwater? In this segment, we explain why 89% of the iceberg volume is underwater or below water using the Buoyancy concept.

Lecture 10 - Air Compression in Submerged Glass: In this segment, we go over the force required to hold an object (glass with air in it) underwater. We go over detailed steps of obtaining buoyancy force, and make comparisons to the weight of the object.

Lecture 11 - Module 3 Recap

Additional Videos (Short FE Exam type questions)

Lecture 12 - In this segment, we solve an example practice problem from the hydrostatic forces on a rectangular and circular immersed vertical surfaces.

Lecture 13 - In this segment, we solve an example practice problem from the hydrostatic forces on a horizontal immersed surface, where one needs to consider an imaginary free surface.

Lecture 14 - In this segment, we solve an example practice problem from the hydrostatic forces on a circular immersed inclined surface. We also calculate the center of pressure for the hydrostatic force.