Fluid

Mechanics
STUDY GUIDE
MEASUREMENT
OF PRESSURE
Measurement Of Pressure
• Pressure measurement is the analysis of an applied force by a fluid (liquid or gas) on a surface.

• Pressure is typically measured in units of force per unit of surface area.

• A manometer is a good example, as it uses the surface area and weight of a column of liquid to both measure and indicate
pressure.
THINGS TO REMEMBER:
• Remember that if you are measuring a liquid from top-bottom, you should add it from the measured pressure.

• If you are measuring a liquid from bottom-top, you should subtract it from the measured pressure.

• The only important formula for the measurement of pressure is P= 𝛾h and whether you add or subtract the pressure.
 SAMPLE
PROBLEMS
MEASUREMENT OF PRESSURE
Problem 11:
1.) A pressure gage at elevation 11m at the side of a tank containing a liquid that reads 100KPa. Another gauge at elevation
6m reads 140 kPa. Solve for the specific Weight.
100Kpa
Elev. 11m
Solution: (Specific Weight)
5m
Elev. 6m 140Kpa
RE: The only important formula for the measurement of pressure is P= 𝛾h (Height or Distance)
If you are measuring a liquid from
(STARTING FROM THE BOTTOM) bottom-top, you should subtract it (STARTING FROM THE TOP)
from the measured pressure.
If you are measuring a liquid
140-5 ( 𝛾 ) = 100 100+ 5 ( 𝛾 ) = 140
from top-bottom, you should
add it from the measured
pressure.

( 𝛾 ) = 8 Kn/𝑚3
 PROBLEM 12:
• A tank contains Oil with SG= 0.8, Gasoline with SG=0.9 and sea water with SG=1.03. Find the pressure at the depth of
1.2m. 0.4m OIL (0.8)

0.7m GASOLINE (0.9) 1.2m

Solution:
First, RE: SG = (Unit Weight of the object over Unit weight of Water)
0.9m SEA WATER (1.03)
Also, The only important formula for the measurement of pressure is P= 𝛾h
h is only 0.1 since the depth
of 1.2m only consume 0.1m

SG =
𝛾 𝛾 THEREFORE, (From the top) of sea water

9810
OR SG = 9790
To get the unit weight of the object, Given “SG”,
(OIL) (GASOLINE) (SEA WATER)
(0.8)(9810 )(0.4) + (0.9)(9810)(0.7) + (1.03)(9810)(0.1)
𝛾 = SG x Unit Weight of Water Unit weight of water is 9810 or 9790
(Depending on the temperature. If no PRESSURE = 10329.93 Pa
temperature is given, use 9810.) 10.32993 KPa
PROBLEM 13:
• A tank contains Oil with SG= 0.8, Gasoline with SG=0.9 and sea water with SG=1.03. Find the pressure at the depth of
1.8m. 0.4m OIL (0.8)
Solution: 1.8m
0.7m GASOLINE (0.9)
(OIL) (GASOLINE) (SEA WATER)
(0.8)(9810)(0.4) + (0.9)(9810)(0.7) + (1.03)(9810)(0.7) 0.9m SEA WATER (1.03)
Therefore,

Pressure = 16392.51 Pa
16.39251 kPa H is only equal to 0.7m due to the fact
that the depth of 1.8m only covers
0.7m Sea Water
PROBLEM 14:
• A tank contains Oil with SG= 0.8, Gasoline with SG=0.9 and sea water with SG=1.03. Find the pressure at the depth of
0.6m. 0.4m OIL (0.8)
0.6m

0.7m GASOLINE (0.9)

Solution:

(0.8)(9810)(0.4) + (0.9)(9810)(0.2) 0.9m SEA WATER (1.03)

Pressure = 4905Pa
H is only 0.2m since the depth of 0.6m
4.905KPa
only covers 0.2m of Gasoline.
 PROBLEM 15:
START HERE (OPEN)
• From the figure shown, Compute the pressure at A.

Solution: 0.3m

(GOING UP) 0.3m

0 + (9810) (1.4) - (9810)(1+0.4+0.3+0.3)
(H needed) 0.4m

Therefore,
Pressure at A = -5886 Pa (GOING DOWN)
-5.886 kPa
Problem 16:
START HERE (OPEN)
• From the figure shown, Compute the pressure at B.

Solution: 0.3m

0.3m
0 + (9810) (1.4) - (9810) (1.0) 0.4m

Therefore,

(GOING DOWN)
Pressure at B = 3924 Pa (GOING UP)
= 3.925 kPa
PROBLEM 17:
• From the figure shown, Compute the pressure at C.

0.3m
Solution:
0.3m

0 + (9810) (1.4) - (9810) (1.0) 0.4m

*Between Pt. B and Pt. C is Air. Thus, no

change in pressure.
(GOING DOWN)
Therefore, (GOING UP)
Pressure at B = 3924 Pa
= 3.925 kPa
PROBLEM 18:
4000N

• Piston A has a cross-section of 1100 𝑐𝑚2 while that of B is 700 𝑐𝑚2 , B is higher than A by 3m. If the intervening
passages are filled with oil having SG=0.8 and a force of 4O00 N is acting on B. What is the pressure at Piston B? 𝑃𝐵
𝑃𝐴
Solution:
𝐹 700 𝑐𝑚2
Re: P= 𝐹𝐵 is given and is equal to 4000N
𝐴
3m
1100 𝑐𝑚2

4000
𝑃𝐵 = 5.714285714 𝑁Τ𝐶𝑚2
(700)
Convert 𝐶𝑚2 to 𝑚2 !!!
𝑃𝐵 = 57142.85714 𝑁Τ𝑚2
 PROBLEM 19:
4000N

• Piston A has a cross-section of 1100 𝑐𝑚2 while that of B is 700 𝑐𝑚2 , B is higher than A by 3m. If the intervening
passages are filled with oil having SG=0.8 and a force of 4O00 N is acting on B. What is the pressure at Piston A? 𝑃𝐵
𝑃𝐴

Solution:
Since we already know the 𝑃𝐵 = 57142.85714 𝑁Τ𝑚2 700 𝑐𝑚2
value of 𝑃𝐵
3m
1100 𝑐𝑚2
(Starting from B)
We can now solve 𝑃𝐴
using the usual process,
P= 𝜸𝐡 Just like in here

57142.85714 + (0.8)(9810)(3) = 𝑃𝐴 JUST A SIMPLE TIP:

𝑃𝐴 = 80686.85714 N IF between Pt. A and Pt B. Meets at the same level, you
I only used the distance 3m can actually remove it immediately from the equation.
PROBLEM 20:
4000N

• Piston A has a cross-section of 1100 𝑐𝑚2 while that of B is 700 𝑐𝑚2 , B is higher than A by 3m. If the intervening passages are filled
with oil having SG=0.8 and a force of 4O00 N is acting on B. What must be the force exerted at piston A? 𝑃𝐵
𝑃𝐴

Solution:

Since we already know the

𝑃𝐴 = 80686.85714 N 3m
value of 𝑃𝐴 1100 𝑐𝑚2

𝐹
𝐹𝐴
Re: P= 80686.85714 =
𝐴 0.11
Therefore,

First, Convert the area to 𝑚2 𝐹𝐴 = 8875.554285 N

BOYLE’S LAW
Boyle’s Law :
• Also referred to as the Boyle–Mariotte law, or Mariotte's law, is an experimental gas law that describes how the pressure of
a gas tends to increase as the volume of the container decreases.

• A law stating that the pressure of a given mass of an ideal gas is inversely proportional to its volume at a constant
temperature.
Things to Remember:

• 𝑃1 𝑉1 = 𝑃2 𝑉2
To solve for the pressure in Boyle’s Law = 𝛾h+ Patm

h 𝑃1 = 101.325 kPa
hl = Height of Liquid
101325 Pa
inside the tube
𝑉1 = Volume of the whole tube
H = Upper part of the hl
Liquid to the surface of the 𝑃2 = Pressure in “Y”
water
Y= The tip of the tube to 𝑉2 = Volume of the air
the surface of the water.
 SAMPLE
PROBLEMS
BOYLE’S LAW
PROBLEM 21:
• The height of the headwater of a dam is 25m. An air bubble is then observed from the bottom up to the liquid surface.
Determine the ratio of the volume of air bubble at the surface from its volume at the bottom.
Solution: VS

𝑃1 = 101325 Pa
𝑉𝑠 = ? 25m
𝑃2 = (9810) ( 25 ) + 101325
𝑉𝐵 = ?
VB

RE:
𝑉𝑠
𝑃1 𝑉𝑆 = 𝑃2 𝑉𝐵 𝑉𝑠 𝑝2 =
9810 25 +101325
=𝑝 𝑉𝐵 101325
𝑉𝐵 1
𝑉𝑠
= 3.420429312
𝑉𝐵
PROBLEM 22:
• A cylindrical glass tubing is 2.1 ft. long with one end closed and is immersed vertically with the open end down into a tank of cleaning solvent
(SG=0.73) Until only 2.2in of it remains above the liquid surface. Determine the fluid rise inside the tube.

2.2 in.
Solution:
Re: Volume = Area x Height
Patm in English System = 14.7 psi h 2.1 ft. or 25.2 in.

And by proportion, h= 25.2 in. – 2.2 in. - hl (Refer to the diagram)

hl
Therefore,
𝑃1 = 14.7 psi
𝑉1 = (Area) x ( 25.2 in) Use inches to have consistent units. 1
1 We multiplied ( 12 ) 3 to the equation in order for us to have a
𝑃2 = (0.73)(62.4)( 12 ) 3 (25.2-2.2-hl) + 14.7 psi consistent unit and convert ft to inches. Since the unit weight
𝑉2 = (Area) x (25.2 – hl) of water is 62.4 𝑙𝑏ൗ𝑓𝑡 3 (In English system)
PROBLEM 22:
• A cylindrical glass tubing is 2.1 ft. long with one end closed and is immersed vertically with the open end down into a tank of cleaning solvent
(SG=0.73) Until only 2.2in of it remains above the liquid surface. Determine the fluid rise inside the tube.

2.2 in.
Solution:
Re: Volume = Area x Height
Patm in English System = 14.7 psi h 2.1 ft. or 25.2 in.

And by proportion, h= 25.2 in. – 2.2 in. - hl (Refer to the diagram)

hl
Therefore,
𝑃1 = 14.7 psi
𝑉1 = (Area) x ( 25.2 in) Therefore,
1
𝑃2 = (0.73)(62.4)( 12 ) 3 (25.2-2.2-hl) + 14.7 psi
𝑉2 = (Area) x (25.2 – hl)
PROBLEM 22:
• A cylindrical glass tubing is 2.1 ft. long with one end closed and is immersed vertically with the open end down into a
tank of cleaning solvent (SG=0.73) Until only 2.2in of it remains above the liquid surface. Determine the fluid rise inside the
tube. 2.2 in.

𝑃1 = 14.7 psi
𝑉1 = (Area) x ( 25.2 in) h
1 2.1 ft. or 25.2 in.
𝑃2 = (0.73)(62.4)( 12 ) 3 (25.2-2.2-hl) + 14.7 psi
𝑉2 = (Area) x (25.2 – hl)
𝑃2 hl
𝑃1 𝑉1 𝑉2
1
(14.7) (Area)( 25.2) = ((0.73)(62.4)( 12 ) 3 (25.2-2.2-hl) + 14.7))((Area) (25.2 – hl))

Therefore,
hl =0.9582043428 in.
 PROBLEM 23:
• A cylindrical tank having a diameter of 1.1 m and a height of 4.9 m is open at one end and closed at the other end. It is placed below the water surface with its open end
down. How deep below the water surface should the tank be placed if the depth of the water inside is 1.7m

y
Solution:

𝑃1 = 101325 Pa
𝑉1 = 0.25𝜋(1.12 )(4.9) 3.1m
𝑃2 = 9810(3.1+y) + 101325 4.9m.
𝑉2 = 0.25𝜋(1.12 )(3.1)

1.8m
Re:
𝑃1 𝑉1 = 𝑃2 𝑉2 1.1 m

(101325)(0.25𝜋(1.12 )(4.9) = ((9810(3.1+y) + 101325))(0.25𝜋(1.12 )(3.1) Y = 2.89733649m

PROBLEM 24:
• A hollow cylinder 0.9m long in diameter, closed in one end is immersed with axis vertical and closed end uppermost, this end being held 7m
below the water surface. The cylinder is at first full of water, but compressed air is admitted from beneath in the immersed position until it has
displaced 2/3 of the water. Determine the total absolute pressure from above on top of the cylinder in kN.

Solution: RE: Pabs = Pg + Patm

Total absolute pressure on top of cylinder : 7m
0.9m
F = PA
F = [ (101.325+9.81(7) ] x [ 𝜋(0.45)2 ] F = 108.1461462 kN
0.6m
Patm Pg = 𝛾ℎ Area

0.3m
PROBLEM 25:
• A hollow cylinder 0.9m long in diameter, closed in one end is immersed with axis vertical and closed end uppermost, this end being held 7m
below the water surface. The cylinder is at first full of water, but compressed air is admitted from beneath in the immersed position until it has
displaced 2/3 of the water. Determine the total absolute pressure from below on top of the cylinder in kN.

Solution: RE: Pabs = Pg + Patm

Total absolute pressure from below on top of cylinder : 7m
0.9m
F = PA
F = [ (101.325+9.81( 7 + 0.6) ] x [ 𝜋(0.45)2 ] F = 111.8906576 kN
0.6m
Patm Pg = 𝛾ℎ Area

0.3m
PROBLEM 26:
• A bottle consisting of a cylinder 29cm in diameter and 29cm high, has a neck 5cm in diameter and 30cm long. If this bottle filled with water
under atmospheric pressure, is inserted and submerged in water. Find the depth to which the open end is submerged if the depth of water on
the bottle is 29cm. Assume atmospheric pressure of 1030 𝑔ൗ𝑐𝑚2. 29

Solution:
𝑃1 = 1030 29
h - 29
𝑉1 = ( 𝜋 𝑥 14.52 )(29) + ( 𝜋 𝑥 2.52 )(29) 19724.38948
𝑃2 = ( h + 1000 )
𝑉2 = ( 𝜋 𝑥 14.52 )(29) 19155.07581
𝑃1 𝑉1 = 𝑃2 𝑉2
29
1030 (19724.38948) = [ ( h + 1000 ) ] (19155.07581)

h = 60.61293445
PROBLEM 27:
• A bottle consisting of a cylinder 29cm in diameter and 29cm high, has a neck 5cm in diameter and 30cm long. If this
bottle filled with water under atmospheric pressure, is inserted and submerged in water. Compute the distance from the
water surface to the joint of the neck of the bottle. 29

Solution:
29
X = 60.61293445 - 29 h - 29

= 31.61293445 cm.

29
PROBLEM 28:
• An open cylindrical tank having a diameter of 3 ft and a height of 6 ft is submerged in water at a depth of 3ft. What is
the weight of the tank if it floats in the position shown.
3’
Solution

W = (𝜋)(1.52 )( 1 ) ( 62.4 )

441.0796086 lb
PROBLEM 29:
• From the figure, what is the weight of the tank if it floats in the position as shown in the figure.

10’
Solution

W = (𝜋)(52 )( 1 )( 62.4 )

4900.88454 lb
PROBLEM 30:
• From the figure, what is the weight of the tank if it floats in the position as shown in the figure.

8’
Solution

W = (𝜋)(42 )( 1 )( 62.4 )

3136.566105 lb
SOURCES

Gillesania, D. (2015). Fluid mechanics and hydraulics. Gillesania Engineering Review and Training Center.
Kundu, P., Cohen, I., & Dowling, D. (2012). Fluid mechanics. Elsevier, Inc.
Liu, C., Evett, J., & Giles, R. (2014). Schaum's Outline of Fluid Mechanics and Hydraulics. McGraw-Hill.
Potter, M., Wiggert, D., Ramadan, B., Shih, T., & Tiwari, S. (2012). Mechanics of fluids. Stamford: Cengage
Learning.
White, F., & Chul, R. (2017). Fluid mechanics. New York: McGraw-Hill education.