Fluid Statics - Forces on Submerged Surface?

In summary, the question is asking to determine the force and center of pressure on a 1-m width of a concrete retaining wall holding back rainwater-saturated soil. The force value is dependent on the height of the wall and can be calculated using the formula dF=P_G~dA. The 1m width refers to the horizontal dimension of the wall, while the height (y) is the key factor in determining the force value. In order to align math symbols in the same line with regular text, the use of LaTeX is recommended.
  • #1
e.pramudita
14
0
QUESTION
Rainwater collects behind the concrete retaining wall shown in the figure. If the water saturated soil (specific gravity 2.2) acts as a fluid, determine the force and center of pressure on a 1-m width of the wall.

attachment.php?attachmentid=187909&d=1356276372.png


PROBLEM
1. What does it mean by 1-m width of the wall? Is it 1-m from contact surface with water and soil? Isn't the value of force depends on the height (since pressure does)?

2. [tex] dF=P_G ~dA [/tex] is the definition of force. How can I apply this for 1-m, 2-m, 3-m, or x-m width of the wall?
It is essentially asking for the force value inside the wall vertically. But shouldn't this value depends on the height (y) since pressure does?

P.S. How do you make mathematics symbols in the same line with usual word. If I were to write latex here [tex] like this [/tex] it makes a new line.
 
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  • #2
This is homework.

Please follow the homework procedure.

https://www.physicsforums.com/showthread.php?t=93682

Here is a hint : The wall is a 3 dimensional object. Which dimension do you think the 1m is measured in?
 

1. What is fluid statics?

Fluid statics is the branch of fluid mechanics that deals with fluids at rest, or in a state of constant motion. It focuses on the study of forces and pressures exerted by fluids, such as liquids and gases, on objects at rest or submerged in the fluid.

2. What is the difference between fluid statics and fluid dynamics?

The main difference between fluid statics and fluid dynamics is that fluid statics deals with fluids at rest or in a state of constant motion, while fluid dynamics deals with fluids in motion and the forces that cause the motion.

3. What is the importance of studying fluid statics?

Studying fluid statics is essential in various fields such as engineering, geology, and meteorology. It helps in understanding the behavior of fluids and the forces they exert, which is crucial in designing structures that can withstand fluid forces, predicting weather patterns, and determining the distribution of groundwater.

4. How are forces on submerged surfaces calculated in fluid statics?

The forces on submerged surfaces in fluid statics are calculated using the principles of buoyancy and hydrostatic pressure. Buoyancy is the upward force exerted by a fluid on an object submerged in it, and it is equal to the weight of the fluid displaced by the object. Hydrostatic pressure is the pressure exerted by a fluid on a submerged object, and it increases with depth.

5. What are some practical applications of fluid statics?

Some practical applications of fluid statics include calculating the buoyancy and stability of ships and submarines, designing dams and levees to withstand water pressure, predicting the behavior of fluids in pipelines and storage tanks, and determining the stability of aircraft in flight.

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