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Module 4 Merged

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15 views

Module 4 Merged

Uploaded by

eranagwynethapolinares
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
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Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Hydraulics

Engr. JWC Vertudazo

Module 4: Buoyancy
Learning Objectives:
By the end of the lecture, students will be able to:
 Define buoyancy and Archimedes' principle.
 Explain the relationship between buoyant force, displaced fluid volume, and fluid density.
 Calculate the buoyant force acting on an object submerged in a fluid.
 Apply buoyancy principles to practical hydraulics problems.

Buoyancy is a fundamental principle in physics that deals with the ability of objects to float in
fluids, like water or air. It's governed by Archimedes' principle, which states that an object
submerged in a fluid experiences an upward force equal to the weight of the fluid it displaces.

Now, let's explore some real-world examples of buoyancy:


1. Ships: Ships are designed to displace a volume of water equal to their weight, allowing
them to float. The shape of the ship's hull and its overall density play crucial roles in
determining its buoyancy. This principle enables massive vessels to stay afloat even
though they may weigh thousands of tons.
2. Submarines: Submarines are fascinating examples of buoyancy at work. By adjusting
the amount of water in their ballast tanks, submarines can control their buoyancy and
either sink or rise in the water. When the tanks are filled with water, the submarine
becomes heavier than the water it displaces and sinks. Conversely, when the tanks are
filled with air, the submarine becomes lighter and rises to the surface.
3. Hot Air Balloons: Hot air balloons rely on the principle of buoyancy to soar through the
sky. The balloon itself is filled with hot air, which is less dense than the surrounding cooler
air. This density difference creates an upward buoyant force, lifting the balloon and its
passengers into the air. By adjusting the temperature of the air inside the balloon, pilots
can control its buoyancy and altitude.

These examples highlight how buoyancy is not only a fundamental principle of physics but also a
crucial concept in various fields, from maritime engineering to aviation. It's a concept that
influences the design and operation of numerous objects and vehicles we encounter in our daily
lives.
Hydraulics
Engr. JWC Vertudazo

Defining Buoyancy and Archimedes' Principle


Buoyancy: Imagine you're in a pool, and you try to push a beach
ball underwater. What happens? The ball pushes back up against
your hand, right? That's buoyancy in action! Buoyancy is the
upward force exerted by a fluid on an object submerged in it. It's
like a helping hand from the water, pushing objects upward.

Intuitive Meaning of Buoyancy: Think of buoyancy like a


natural reaction to being submerged in a fluid. When an object is
placed in water or any fluid, the fluid pushes back against it, trying
to lift it up. This force is what keeps objects afloat. So, if an object is
less dense than the fluid it's in, it will float because the buoyant
force is greater than its weight.

Archimedes' Principle: Now, Archimedes was a brilliant ancient


Greek mathematician, and he figured out this principle of buoyancy.
Archimedes' principle states that the buoyant force acting on an object in
a fluid is equal to the weight of the fluid displaced by that object. In simple
terms, it means that the upward force pushing on an object (buoyant
force) is equal to the weight of the fluid it pushes out of the way.

Mathematical Expression: The mathematical expression of


Archimedes' principle is quite straightforward. It's represented by the
equation:
Buoyant Force = Weight of Displaced Fluid
This means that the force pushing up on an object in a fluid (buoyant force) is equal to the weight
of the fluid that's been moved aside by the object.
Key Concepts:
1. Displaced Fluid Volume: When an object is submerged in a fluid, it pushes the fluid
out of the way, creating a space. The volume of fluid displaced by the object is crucial in
determining the buoyant force. More displacement means more buoyant force.
2. Fluid Density: The density of the fluid also plays a significant role. Denser fluids exert
more buoyant force compared to less dense fluids. For example, objects float more easily
in saltwater than in freshwater because saltwater is denser.
Examples are attached at the end.

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