Module 1 Lesson 4
Module 1 Lesson 4
Module 1 Lesson 4
Consider two points 1 and 2 lie in the ends of fluid prism having a cross-sectional area dA and
length L. The difference in elevation between these two points is h as shown in Figure 02
below. The fluid is at rest and its surface is free. The prism is therefore in equilibrium and all
forces acting on it sums up to zero.
Note: FFS stands for Free Fluid Surface which refers to fluid surface subject to zero gauge
pressure.
The volume of the prism is equal to the length times the base area of the fluid.
V=LdA
The weight of the fluid prism shown is equal to the product of the unit weight and volume.
W=γV
W=γLdA
Transmission of Pressure
Pressure Head
Properties of Water
• s = 1.0
• γ = 9.81 kN/m3 (or 62.4 lb/ft3 in English system)
• ρ = 1000 kg/m3 (or 1.94 slugs/ft3 in English system)
SAMPLE PROBLEMS:
1. Determine the pressure in a vessel of mercury, specific gravity 13.6, at a point 20 cm below
the surface. Express the answer in N/m2.
2. Take sea water to be 3% heavier than fresh water and assume it is incompressible. What is
the pressure, in metric ton per square meter, at 3.22 km below the surface of the ocean if fresh
water weighs 9.79 kN/m3?
3. What height of mercury column will cause a pressure of 680 kPa? What is the equivalent
height of water column?
4. If the pressure in the tank of oil (sp gr 0.80) is 60 psi, what is the equivalent head: (a) in feet
of oil, (b) in feet of water, and (c) in inches of mercury?