Force Due to Liquid Pressure by Integration

The force F on an area A at a depth y in a liquid of density w is given by

`F = wyA`
The force will increase if the density increases, or if the depth increases or if
the area increases.
So if we have an unevenly shaped plate submerged vertically in a liquid, the
force on it will increase with depth. Also, if the shape of the plate changes as
we go deeper, we have to allow for this.
So we have:

Now, the total force on the plate is given by

`F=wint_a^bxy\ dy`
where

x is the length (in m) of the element of area (expressed in terms of y)

y is the depth (in m) of the element of area

w is the density of the liquid (in N m-3)
(for water, this is w = 9800 N m-3)

a is the depth at the top of the area in question (in m)

b is the depth at the bottom of the area in question (in m)
Example 1

Find the force on one side of a cubical container `6.0` cm on an edge if the
container is filled with mercury. The weight density of mercury is `133` kN/m3.
Answer
This is the same as having a square plate of sides 6.0 cm submerged in mercury.

This is a very basic example where the width of the plate does not change as we move
down the plate.
It is always `x = 6`.
Also, the depth of the top of the plate is 0, so `a = 0`.
To apply the formula, we have:
`x = 0.06\ "m"`
`y` is the variable of integration

`w = 133\ "kN m"^-3= 133,000\ "N m"^-3`

`a = 0`
`b = 0.06`
So we have:
`"Force"=w int_a^b xy\ dy`
`=133000 int_0^0.06 0.06y\ dy`
`=7980 int_0^0.06\ y\ dy`
`=7980[(y^2)/(2)]_0^0.06`
`=14.4\ text[N]`

Example 2

A right triangular plate of base `2.0` m and height `1.0` m is submerged

vertically in water, with the top vertex `3.0` m below the surface.
Find the force on one side of the plate.
Answer
Before we can proceed, we need to find x in terms of y.
Now when `x = 0`, `y = 3` and when `x = 2`, `y = 4`.
So we have:
`y=mx+c`
`=1/2x+3`
This gives us `x = 2y 6`.
To apply the formula, we have:

`x = 2y 6 = 2(y 3) `
`y` is the variable of integration
`w = 9800\ "N m"^-3`
`a = 3`
`b = 4`
So we have:
`"Force"=wint_a^bxy\ dy`
`=9800 int_3^4 2y(y-3)\ dy`
`=19600 int_3^4 (y^2-3y) text[d]y`
`=19600 [(y^3)/(3)-(3)/(2)y^2]_3^4`
`=19600[((4^3)/(3)-3/2(4)^2)-((3^3)/(3)-3/2(3)^2)]`
`=19600[-2.667 - (-4.5)]`
`=35900\ text[N]`
Find the volume of the solid generated when the area bounded by the curve y 2 = x, the
x-axis and the line x = 2 is revolved about the x-axis.

Solution: Circular Disk Method

V=x1x2yU2dxV=x1x2yU2dx
V=02(x1/2)2dxV=02(x1/2)2dx
V=02xdxV=02xdx
V=[x22]20V=[x22]02
V=12[2202]V=12[2202]

V=2 unit3V=2 unit3

answer

Solution: Cylindrical Shell Method

V=2y1y2yC(xRxL)dyV=2y1y2yC(xRxL)dy
V=202y(2y2)dyV=202y(2y2)dy
V=202(2yy3)dyV=202(2yy3)dy
V=2[2y22y44]20V=2[2y22y44]02
V=2[(2)2(2)44]V=2[(2)2(2)44]
V=2 unit3V=2 unit3

answer