Objectives

- To determine the location of the center of pressure on the rectangular face of a toroid
- To compare the values of center of pressure obtained experimentally with the
corresponding values obtained theoretically.

Introduction & Theory

Any surface immersed partially or totally in a static fluid will be subjected to pressure forces
acting normal to it . Center of pressure is a point on the surface on which the resultant force
due to pressure acts. Figure 1 shows a plane surface immersed in a liquid and inclined at
angle 𝜃 to the free surface of the liquid. The resultant pressure force acting on the surface is
found as follows:
The differential force 𝑑𝐹 acting on the element 𝑑𝐴 is
𝑑𝐹 = 𝑃 𝑑𝐴 = 𝜌𝑔ℎ 𝑑𝐴
Where,
𝜌 is the density of the liquid (kg/m3)
𝑔 is the gravitational acceleration (m/s2)
ℎ is the perpendicular distance from the free surface to the differential element dA (m)
As shown in figure 1
ℎ = 𝑦 𝑠𝑖𝑛𝜃
Hence, 𝑑𝐹 becomes
𝑑𝐹 = 𝜌𝑔(𝑦 𝑠𝑖𝑛𝜃 ) 𝑑𝐴
Now, integrate both sides and notice that 𝜌, 𝑔 and 𝜃 are constants
𝐹𝑅 = 𝜌𝑔𝑠𝑖𝑛𝜃 ∫ 𝑦𝑑𝐴
Recall from statics course, the center of area 𝑦̅𝑐 (centroid) is found using the following
formula
∫ 𝑦𝑑𝐴 = 𝑦̅𝑐 𝐴
Thus, 𝐹𝑅 becomes
𝐹𝑅 = 𝜌𝑔𝐴𝑠𝑖𝑛𝜃𝑦̅𝑐
 O

Figure 1. Plane surface immersed in liquid [1]

The location of the center of pressure is found as follows:

From the above figure, O represents the point of intersection between the free surface of the
liquid and the extension of the immersed surface area. Taking the moment of the distributed
pressure force about point O gives

𝑀𝑂 = ∫ 𝑦 𝑑𝐹
Which equals to the moment resulting from the resultant pressure force 𝐹𝑅
𝐹𝑅 𝑦𝑐𝑝 = ∫ 𝑦 𝑑𝐹

Where,
𝐹𝑅 = 𝜌𝑔𝐴𝑠𝑖𝑛𝜃𝑦̅𝑐
𝑑𝐹 = 𝜌𝑔(𝑦 𝑠𝑖𝑛𝜃 ) 𝑑𝐴
Substituting the values of 𝐹𝑅 and 𝑑𝐹 in the moment equation gives,
(𝜌𝑔𝐴𝑠𝑖𝑛𝜃𝑦̅𝑐 ) 𝑦𝑐𝑝 = ∫ 𝑦 𝜌𝑔(𝑦 𝑠𝑖𝑛𝜃 ) 𝑑𝐴

Notice that 𝜌, 𝑔 and 𝜃 are constants, and hence the can be pulled out from the
integration
(𝜌𝑔𝐴𝑠𝑖𝑛𝜃𝑦̅𝑐 ) 𝑦𝑐𝑝 = 𝜌𝑔𝑠𝑖𝑛𝜃 ∫ 𝑦 2 𝑑𝐴

𝐴𝑦̅𝑐 𝑦𝑐𝑝 = ∫ 𝑦 2 𝑑𝐴 (Cancelling out 𝜌, 𝑔 and 𝑠𝑖𝑛𝜃 )

∫ 𝑦 2 𝑑𝐴
𝑦𝑐𝑝 = 𝐴𝑦̅𝑐
 Recall from statics course, ∫ 𝑦 2 𝑑𝐴 is the second moment of area about point O . Using the
parallel axis theorem
∫ 𝑦 2 𝑑𝐴 = 𝐼𝑥,𝑐 + 𝐴𝑦̅𝑐2
Where,
𝐼𝑥,𝑐 is the second moment of area about axis parallel to the x-axis and passing through
the centroid of the surface.

Hence 𝑦𝑐𝑝 becomes

𝐼𝑥,𝑐 +𝐴𝑦̅𝑐2 𝐼
𝑥,𝑐
𝑦𝑐𝑝 = = 𝑦̅𝑐 + 𝐴𝑦
𝐴𝑦̅𝑐 ̅ 𝑐

Apparatus
Figures 2 and 3 show the hydrostatic pressure apparatus. It consists of a toroid that has a
doughnut shape with rectangular cross section. This toroid is suspended on a balance, which has
a pivot passing through the center of curvature of the toroid. A rider weight is used to balance the
weight of the toroid in the dry condition, thus, the moment of the hydrostatic force on the vertical
plane of the toroid is balanced with the moment resulting from the weight set on the pan. The
toroid is immersed in a tank containing water and a hook gauge is used to measure the depth of
immersion of the toroid.

Figure 3. A schematic diagram of the hydrostatic

Figure 2. The hydrostatic pressure apparatus pressure apparatus [2]
Procedure
1. Adjust the rider weight to balance the weight of the toroid. Carefully, introduce the water
into the tank until it touches the bottom surface of the toroid. Take the Vernier reading.
2. Raise the water level in increments of 15 mm in the partial immersion experiment and 10
mm in the total immersion experiment. Add weights on the pan to balance the pressure
force acting on the toroid. For each immersion depth, record the mass set on the pan.

Data Collected

- Partial Immersion

Table1. Observed data in partial immersion of toroid experiment

h (m) M (Kg) Immersed Area Theoretical Experimental Relative M/h2
(m2) Ycp (m) Ycp (m) error % (Kg/m2)
0.015 0.005 0.001125 0.01 -0.00722 172.2 22.2222
0.03 0.019 0.00225 0.02 -0.00111 105.55 21.1111
0.045 0.044 0.003375 0.03 0.01882 37.266 21.7283
0.06 0.077 0.0045 0.04 0.03111 22.225 21.3888
0.075 0.116 0.005625 0.05 0.03997 20.06 20.6222
0.09 0.165 0.00675 0.06 0.05296 11.7333 20.3703

- Total Immersion:
Table2. Observed data in total immersion of toroid experiment

h (m) M (Kg) Theoretical Experimental Relative h-d/2 (m)

Ycp (m) Ycp (m) error %
0.1 0.198 0.0666 0.0584 12.31 0.05
0.11 0.235 0.07388 0.06666 9.772 0.06
0.12 0.275 0.08190 0.07714 5.811 0.07
0.13 0.31 0.09041 0.085 5.983 0.08
0.14 0.346 0.09925 0.09377 5.521 0.09
Sample of calculations

Toroid dimensions: a = 0.1 m, b = 0.075 m, c = 0.3 m, d = 0.1 m

Figure 4. A schematic diagram showing the dimensions of
the toroid
- Partial immersion
at immersion depth h = 6 cm
1)Immersed Area = h*b =6*7.5 = 45 c𝑚2
𝐼𝑥,𝑐
2)Theoretical center of pressure 𝑦𝐶𝑃,𝑡ℎ𝑒𝑜 =𝑦𝐶 +
𝑦𝐶 𝐴
𝑏ℎ3 7.5∗63
− The area moment of inertia of rectangular cross section𝐼𝑥,𝑐 = = = 135 𝑐𝑚4
12 12
−The centroid of the immersed area 𝑦𝐶 = 3 𝑐𝑚
135
𝑦𝐶𝑃,𝑡ℎ𝑒𝑜 = 3 +3∗45 = 4 cm

3)Experimental center of pressure:

- The moment of the hydrostatic force on the vertical plane of the toroid is balanced with the
moment resulting from the weight set on the pan. Mathematically:
𝑀𝑔𝑐 = 𝐹𝐿
𝑀𝑔𝑐 = 𝜌𝑔𝑦𝐶 𝐴𝐿
𝑀𝑐 77∗30
L=𝜌𝑦 =1∗3∗45=17.1111cm
𝐶𝐴
- From the above figure, we can extract the following relation
a + d = h + L − 𝑦𝐶𝑃,𝑒𝑥𝑝 => 𝑦𝐶𝑃,𝑒𝑥𝑝 = −𝑎 − 𝑑 + ℎ + 𝐿

𝑦𝐶𝑃,𝑒𝑥𝑝 = −10 − 10 + 6 + 17.1111 = 3.111 cm

4)The relative error is given by

𝑦 −𝑦𝐶𝑃,𝑒𝑥𝑝 4−3.111
𝜀% = 𝐶𝑃,𝑡ℎ𝑒𝑜 = ∗ 100% = 22.225%
𝑦 𝐶𝑃,𝑡ℎ𝑒𝑜 4
 𝑀
5)Calculate ℎ2
𝑀
=0.077/0.062 =21.388 kg/m2
ℎ2

- Total immersion
at immersion depth h = 12 cm
𝐼
1)Theoretical center of pressure 𝑦𝐶𝑃,𝑡ℎ𝑒𝑜 =𝑦𝐶 +𝑦𝑥,𝑐𝐴
𝐶

− The area of the rectangular cross section A = 𝑏𝑑 = 7.5 ∗ 10 = 75 𝑐𝑚2

𝑏𝑑3 7.5∗103
− The area moment of inertia of rectangular cross section𝐼𝑥,𝑐 = = = 625 𝑐𝑚4
12 12
−The centroid of the immersed area 𝑦𝐶 = 7 𝑐𝑚
625
𝑦𝐶𝑃,𝑡ℎ𝑒𝑜 = 7 +7∗75 = 8.190cm

2)Experimental center of pressure:

- The moment of the hydrostatic force on the vertical plane of the toroid is balanced with the
moment resulting from the weight set on the pan. Mathematically:
𝑀𝑔𝑐 = 𝐹𝐿
𝑀𝑔𝑐 = 𝜌𝑔𝑦𝐶 𝐴𝐿
𝑀𝑐 275∗30
L=𝜌𝑦 = =15.7142cm
𝐶 𝐴 1∗7∗75
- From the above figure, we can extract the following relation
a + d = h + L − 𝑦𝐶𝑃,𝑒𝑥𝑝 => 𝑦𝐶𝑃,𝑒𝑥𝑝 = −𝑎 − 𝑑 + ℎ + 𝐿

𝑦𝐶𝑃,𝑒𝑥𝑝 = −10 − 10 + 12 + 15.7142 = 7.7142cm

3)The relative error is given by

𝑦 −𝑦𝐶𝑃,𝑒𝑥𝑝 8.19−7.7142
𝜀% = 𝐶𝑃,𝑡ℎ𝑒𝑜 = ∗ 100% = 5.81%
𝑦 𝐶𝑃,𝑡ℎ𝑒𝑜 8.19
Results and discussions
Partial immersion (ℎ < 𝑑)
(1)Derive an expression for the depth of the center of pressure (ycp) below the surface and,
for each level, compare it with the experimental depth of the pressure. (You may assume
the Force F to be that calculated from the formula)
-From Figure 4.: summing the moments about point O
Σ𝑀𝑂 = 0
Mgc − F(a + d − h + 𝑦𝑐𝑝 ) = 0
- The pressure force F is given by
𝐹 = 𝜌𝑔𝑦𝐶 𝐴
Where,
𝑦𝐶 : Distance from centroid to surface of the water.
A: Area of immersed part.

- Substituting the values of A and 𝑦𝐶 in the pressure force equation gives:

ℎ ℎ2 𝑏
𝐹 = 𝜌g( )(bh)= 𝜌g
2 2
- Substituting the value of the pressure force in the moment equation gives:
ℎ2 𝑏
Mgc − 𝜌g (a + d − h + 𝑦𝑐𝑝 ) = 0
2
ℎ2𝑏
Mc =𝜌 (a + d − h + 𝑦𝑐𝑝 )
2
2𝑀𝐶
𝑦𝑐𝑝 = +h-(a+d)
𝜌ℎ 2 𝑏

(2) Derive the equation

- The theoretical value of center of pressure is given by

3
𝐼 ℎ 𝑏ℎ /12 ℎ ℎ
(𝑦𝑐𝑝 )𝑡ℎ𝑒𝑜𝑟𝑒𝑡𝑖𝑐𝑎𝑙 = 𝑦𝐶 +𝑦𝑥,𝑐𝐴 = 2+ ℎ = +
𝐶 (𝑏ℎ)(2 ) 2 6

-From Figure 4.: summing the moments about point O

Σ𝑀𝑂 = 0
Mgc − F(a + d − h + 𝑦𝑐𝑝 ) = 0
ℎ2 𝑏
Mgc − 𝜌g (a + d − h + 𝑦𝑐𝑝 ) = 0
2
- Rearranging the equation and cancelling out the gravitational acceleration g
ℎ2𝑏
Mc =𝜌 (a + d − h + 𝑦𝑐𝑝 )
2
- Substituting the value of 𝑦𝑐𝑝 gives
ℎ2𝑏 ℎ ℎ
Mc = 𝜌 (a + d − h + + )
2 2 6

𝜌ℎ2 𝑏 ℎ 𝜌ℎ2 𝑏(𝑎 + 𝑑) 𝜌ℎ3 𝑏

Mc = (a + d − ) = −
2 3 2 6
2
- Divide the above equation by 𝑐ℎ
𝑀 𝜌𝑏(𝑎+𝑑) 𝜌𝑏ℎ
ℎ 2= 2𝑐
-
6𝑐
𝑀
(3)Plot versus ℎ and obtain the slope and intercept.
ℎ2

Slope = -21.077 kg/m3

y-intercept = 22.347 kg/m2

𝑀
Figure 5 versus ℎ plot for partial immersion
ℎ2

Total immersion (ℎ ≥ 𝑑)
(1) As in (1) above
-From Figure 4.: summing the moments about point O
Σ𝑀𝑂 = 0
Mgc − F(a − (h − d) + 𝑦𝑐𝑝 ) = 0
- The pressure force F is given by
𝐹 = 𝜌𝑔𝑦𝐶 𝐴
Where,
𝑦𝐶 : Distance from centroid to surface of the water.
A: Area of immersed part.
- Substituting the values of A and 𝑦𝐶 in the pressure force equation gives:
𝑑
𝐹 = 𝜌g([(ℎ − 𝑑 ) + ](bd)
2
- Substituting the value of the pressure force in the moment equation gives:
𝑑
Mgc − 𝜌g([(ℎ − 𝑑 ) + ] (bd) (a − (h − d) + 𝑦𝑐𝑝 ) = 0
2
- Rearranging the equation and cancelling out the gravitational acceleration g
𝑑
Mc = 𝜌([(ℎ − 𝑑 ) + ] (bd) (a − (h − d) + 𝑦𝑐𝑝 )
2
𝑀𝐶
𝑦𝑐𝑝 = 𝑑 –a+(h-d)
𝜌𝑏𝑑[(ℎ−𝑑)+ ]
2

(2) Derive the equation

- The theoretical value of center of pressure is given by

3
𝐼 𝑑 𝑏𝑑 /12
(𝑦𝑐𝑝 )𝑡ℎ𝑒𝑜𝑟𝑒𝑡𝑖𝑐𝑎𝑙 = 𝑦𝐶 +𝑦𝑥,𝑐𝐴 = (h − d) + 2 +
𝐶 ((ℎ−𝑑)+𝑑2)(𝑏𝑑)

-From Figure 4.: summing the moments about point O

Σ𝑀𝑂 = 0
Mgc − F(a − (h − d) + 𝑦𝑐𝑝 ) = 0
𝑑
Mgc − 𝜌g [(ℎ − 𝑑 ) + ] (bd) (a − (h − d) + 𝑦𝑐𝑝 ) = 0
2
- Rearranging the equation and cancelling out the gravitational acceleration g
𝑑
Mc = 𝜌bd [ℎ − ] (a − (h − d) + 𝑦𝑐𝑝 )
2
- Substituting the value of 𝑦𝑐𝑝 gives
𝑑 𝑑 𝑏𝑑 3 /12
Mc = 𝜌bd [ℎ − ] (a − (h − d) + (h − d) + + )
2 2 ((ℎ − 𝑑) + 𝑑 )(𝑏𝑑)
2
2
𝑑 3
𝑑 𝑑 12 𝑑 𝑑 𝜌b𝑑
Mc = 𝜌bd [ℎ − ] a + + = 𝜌bd [ℎ − ] (a + ) +
2 2 h−d 2 2 12
( 2)

- Divide the above equation by c

 3
𝜌bd 𝑑 𝑑 𝜌b𝑑
M= [ℎ − ] (a + ) +
𝑐 2 2 12𝑐

(3) Plot (M) versus (h-d/2) and obtain the intercept and slope

Slope = 3.71 kg/m

y-intercept = 0.0131 kg

Figure 6. (M) versus (h-d/2)plot for total immersion

Conclusions

1.How do the experimental values of the position of centre of pressure correspond with the
calculated theoretical values from physical dimensions?
The experimental values of the position of center of pressure are close to the calculated
theoretical values with error. The error sources in this experiment is as follows: The actual
density of water is not 1000Kg/m3 exactly, also there is a small error in balancing weights and
adjusting the water level.

2. How do the measured values of slope and intercept obtained in 3 above correspond with
theoretical values?
𝑀
Theoretical equation on ℎ2 for partial immersion
𝑀 𝜌𝑏(𝑎+𝑑) 𝜌𝑏ℎ 1000∗0.075(0.1+0.1) 1000∗0.075ℎ
= - = - = 25 − 41.667h
ℎ2 2𝐶 6𝐶 2∗0.3 6∗0.3

Theoretical equation on 𝑀 for total immersion

𝜌𝑏𝑑3 𝑑 𝜌𝑏𝑑 𝑑 1000∗0.075∗0.13 𝑑 1000∗0.075∗0.1 0.1
M= +(h- 2 )[ ( 𝑎 + 2 )]= +(h- 2 )[ (0.1 + )]
12𝐶 𝐶 12∗0.3 0.3 2

M=0.0208+3.75(h-d/2)
____________
For partial immersion
𝑀
The best line equation for measured data is = −21.077ℎ + 22.347 with slope -21.077 kg/m3
ℎ2

y-intercept=22.347 kg/m2
𝑀
but theoretical values the equation is = - 41.667h+25 with slope - 41.667 kg/m3
ℎ2

y-intercept =25 kg/m2

(−21.077)−(−41.667)
Slope error percent=| | ∗ 100% = 49.45 %
−41.667
(22.347)−(25)
Intercept error percent=| | ∗ 100% = 10.612 %
25

For Total immersion

The best line equation for measured data is 𝑀 = 3.71 ∗ (ℎ − 𝑑/2) + 0.0131
with slope 3.71 kg/m and y-intercept=0.0131 kg
but theoretical values the equation is 𝑀 = 3.75(h-d/2)+0.0208 with slope 3.75kg/m and
y-intercept =0.0208kg
 (3.71)−(3.75)
Slope error percent=| | ∗ 100% = 1.06667 %
3.75

(0.0131)−(0.0208)
Intercept error percent=| | ∗ 100% = 37.019 %
0.0208

3.The pressure force act on the four surfaces of the rectangular toroid which are
submerged were ignored in the experiment. Are they zero, negligible or is there a mistake
in the experiment method?
On the two sides of the toroid, the pressure forces are equal in magnitude and opposite in
direction, hence, they cancel each other. On the bottom and top surfaces, the forces are opposite
in direction but not equal in magnitude. However, the resultant force passes through the pivot
and thus it will not affect the calculations.

4. You ignored the buoyance effect of the submerged part of the toroid comment on the
implications. Justify.
The buoyancy force passes through the pivot where the summation of moments about it is taken
to be zero. So, there is no moment about the pivot from this force.

5. Would the location of the centre of pressure change if a different fluid were used in the
tank? Explain
The location of the center of pressure will not change if a different fluid were used in the tank
because it does not depend on the fluid property it depends only on the geometry of the emerged
object such as area and second moment of inertia.

References
[1] Engineering Fluid Mechanics, Elger, D. F., Williams, B. C, Crowe, C. T., and Roberson, J.
A., John Wiley and Sons., 10th edition,(SI units)
[2] Fluid Mechanics Lab. manual: The University of Jordan.