University of Jordan

Faculty of Engineering and Technology

Mechanical Engineering Department

Fluids mechanics Laboratory

Section: 1 (Monday 2-5) Group: A

Experiment No. (1): Center of Pressure

on a Plane Surface

0128534
0128358
0129549
2121319
0118828
0126967
0120551
 Introduction:

In this experiment we are going to study the force that acts on

the face of torrid when the water is partially and totally
immersed. The point of application of this force is called center
of pressure.

Objective:

1- To determine the position of the centre of pressure on the

rectangular face of the toroid.
2- To compare the measured value with that predicted from
the theoretical analysis.

Apparatus:

Figure 1 The Apparatus Used In the Experiment

 Procedure:

1-Find the dimension of the rectangular face of torrid.(a,b,c,d)

2-Level the tank under the torrid and adjust the weight to level
the balance arm.

3-Fill the tank with water until the water touches the bottom
tip of the torrid and read the varnier.

4-Raise the water level and add weight to the balance pan to
level the balance arm, note the mass and the depth of
immersion for each reading.

Given Variables:

Variable Value (m)

a 0.1
b 0.075
c 0.3
d 0.1
 Data collected:

Partial immersion

h (cm) M (g) Immersed area (m^2) Theoretical Ycp (cm) Experimental Ycp (cm) M/H^2 (g/cm^2)
0.01 -0.0783 1.33
1.5 3 1.5 cm*0.075=1.125e-3
0.02 -0.0189 1.89
3 17 3 cm *.075=2.25e-3
0.03 0.0228 2.22
4.5 45 4.5 cm *0.75=3.375e-3
0.04 0.0267 2.08
6 75 6 cm *0.075=4.5e-3
0.05 0.0528 2.22
7.5 125 7.5 cm *0.075=5.625e-3
0.06 0.0579 2.10
9 170 9 cm *0.075=6.75e-3

Total immersion

H (cm) M (g) Theoretical Ycp (cm) Experimental Ycp (cm) (h-(d/2)) (cm)

0.0667 0.0600 5.00

10 200
0.0802 0.0600 6.00
11 225
0.0940 0.0743 7.00
12 270
0.1082 0.0800 8.00
13 300
0.1227 0.0956 9.00
14 350
 Sample of calculation:
 Results:
 Graphs:
The relation between m/h2 and h has been plotted and the slope has
been obtained for sub immersion, also the relation between M and h-
d/2 has been obtained and the slope has been calculated for total
immersion.

sub immersion:

Figure 2 The variation of M/h2 over h

From the figure above the slope = 0.09 g/cm

 total immersion:

Figure 3 The variation of M over h-d/2

From the figure above the slope = 0.026 g/cm

 Conclusion:

1- The experimental and theoretical values are both so

close, with small percentage error for most of the
data .

2- The slope and interception of the graphs are close to

those theoretical ones.

3- The other 4 sides experience pressure forces but are

equal in magnitude and opposite in direction so they
cancel out .

4- The buoyancy force effect is very small in this

experiment because the line of action is not far
away from the pivot so it can be safely ignored.

5- No, since the position of center of pressure does not

depend on the type of fluid used.