Calculation Example: Fluid Statics

1. Problem Statement

A water storage tank contains clean water with a density ( $\rho$ ) of $1,000 \text{ kg/m}^3$ . Calculate the gage pressure ( $P_{gage}$ ) at the bottom of the tank if the water level has a depth ( $h$ ) of $5 \text{ meters}$ . Assume the acceleration due to gravity ( $g$ ) is $9.81 \text{ m/s}^2$ .

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2. Given Information

Water Density (rho)

kg/m³

Gravitational Acceleration (g)

m/s²

Water Depth (h)

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3. Calculation

P_{gage} = \rho g h

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4. Engineering Interpretation

From the calculation results, the gage pressure at the bottom of the water tank at a depth of $5 \text{ m}$ is $49,050 \text{ Pa}$ (Pascals) or $49.05 \text{ kPa}$ .

Engineering Meaning:

The fluid pressure at any point is directly proportional to the fluid's depth and density. The deeper the water, the higher the pressure acting on the walls and the bottom of the tank.
In water storage tank design, engineers must use this calculated pressure to determine the stress occurring on the tank walls to select the appropriate materials and wall thickness, ensuring it can safely withstand the water pressure while accounting for Safety Factors according to relevant design standards.

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Calculation Example: Fluid Statics

1. Problem Statement

2. Given Information

3. Calculation

Gage Pressure Formula

Where:

Calculation:

4. Engineering Interpretation

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Fluid Statics Fundamentals

1. Problem Statement

Gage Pressure Formula

Where:

Calculation:

4. Engineering Interpretation