TOPIC 2 PRINCIPLES OF FLUID

STATICS
 FLUID PRESSURE
If represents the total force on some finite area
, while represents the force on an elemental area
, then the intensity of fluid pressure is

=

If the pressure is uniform over the total area, then

= ; psi, Pa

PASCALS LAW
At any point in a fluid at rest, the pressure is the
same in all directions.
If a liquid particles at rest is referred in plane,
then
= =
 VARIATION OF PRESSURE

The basic equation of fluid statics in differential

form is defined by
=
When applied to liquid, consider the figure

2 = 1 +

If point 1 is in the water surface, then 1 = 0, 2 =

, and 1 = 0 gage
 When applied to gas, consider the figure

2 = 1

ATMOSPHERIC, GAGE, AND ABSOLUTE

PRESSURE
Atmospheric or Barometric Pressure,
The pressure exerted by the atmosphere on every
surface with which it comes in contact.
Under normal conditions; = 101.325 kPaa =
14.696 psia = 29.921 in Hg = 760 mmHg = 1.01325 bars
 Gage Pressure,
The pressure measured by means of gages above
or below the atmospheric level
At sea level, = 0
Absolute Pressure,
The pressure measured above absolute zero.
At sea level, under normal conditions, =
.
For the relationship of pressures
= + ; pressure above
= ; pressure below
 PRESSURE HEAD
Pressure head is the height of a column of
homogeneous fluid of specific weight that will
produce an intensity of pressure .

= ; in. , m

MANOMETRY
A pressure measuring technique by means of
tubes usually shaped in the form of s and utilizing
the principles of fluid statics.

TYPES OF MANOMETERS
Open Type Manometer: used for measuring gage
pressure with the use of a gage liquid; this type of
manometer contains atmospheric level.
Differential Manometer: used for the measurement of
pressure difference between two points; this does not
have any atmospheric level.

SOLUTION OF MANOMETER PROBLEMS

Take summation of pressures; = , from one
level to another until the last level is reached.

=
=0
Consider the specific weights of the liquids as the
pressure is added (decreasing elevation) or as the
pressure is subtracted (increasing elevation).
1. If the atmospheric pressure is 920 mbars, abs and a
gage attached to a tank reads 20 cm Hg vacuum, what
is the absolute pressure within the tank in kPaa.
Solution:
Determine ; the absolute pressure
=
where:
1 bar 101.325 kPaa
= 920 mbars x x
1000 mbars 1.01325 bar
= 92 kPaa
10 mm 101.325 kPa
= 20 cm Hg x x
1 cm 760 mmHg
= 26.664 kPa
hence
= 92 kPaa 26.664 kPa
= 65.336 kPaa
2. An open tank contains 3 m of water covered with 0.6
m of oil (s. g. = 0.86). Find the pressure at the interface
between the liquids and at the bottom of the tank.

Solution:
a. Determine ; the pressure between the liquids
= = . .
= 9.81 kNm3 0.86 0.6 m
= 5.062
b. Determine ; the pressure at the bottom
= +
= 9.81 kNm3 0.86 0.6 m + 9.81kN/m3 3 m
= 34.492