1.3. Force on Curved Surfaces

Try these first

1. 1.

   What is the formula for calculating the resultant force on a flat surface?

   Hint

   Think about how pressure and area relate.

2. 2.

   Define the term centroid in fluid mechanics.

   Hint

   This is where the average position of mass is located.

3. 3.

   What does the resultant force on a surface depend on?

   • Area only
   • Pressure only
   • Both area and pressure

   Hint

   Recall the equation used.

4. 4.

   True or False: The center of pressure is always located above the centroid in a fluid.

   • True
   • False

   Hint

   Consider how pressure affects their locations.

5. 5.

   A curved arch of a bridge submerges 3 meters underwater with a horizontal cross-section of 8 square meters. Calculate the resultant force acting on the arch, assuming the fluid density is 1000 kg/m³.

   Hint

   Use the density to determine pressure and multiply it by the area.

6. 6.

   Analyze how the center of pressure would shift if the curved surface was tilted at a 30-degree angle compared to the horizontal. What would be the relationship observed?

   Hint

   Consider how pressure changes with additional depth.