What is the resulting force acting on water tank walls?

In summary, the conversation discusses the calculation of the force exerted by water pressure on the walls of two different water tanks, a cylindrical tank and a cuboid tank. The calculations for the force on the walls of each tank are based on the internal surface area and the pressure exerted by the water. However, it is noted that the pressure on the sides is not constant and can vary depending on the amount of water above that point.
  • #1
halfaguava
3
0
Hello,

I am trying to calculate the force exerted by the water pressure on the walls of two different water tanks. A cylindrical tank and a cuboid tank.

Are the following calculations correct? (It seems too easy!)

Using generic dimensions:

Cylindrical Tank: Height 1m, Diameter 1m
Cuboid Tank: 1m × 1m ×1m
Tanks are full: P = [tex]\rho[/tex]gh= 1000 × 9.81 × 1 = 9810Pa

Internal Surface Area of Cylindrical Tank: [tex]\pi[/tex] × 1 × 1 = [tex]\pi[/tex]m^3
Internal Surface Area of Cuboid Tank: 1 × 1 × 4sides = 4m^3

F = P × A

Force on Walls of Cylindrical Tank: 30kN
Force of Walls of Cuboid Tank: 39.24kN

Thanks in advance!
 
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  • #2
The problem with that is that the pressure on the sides isn't constant. The pressure on the sides is dependent on how much water is above that point.
 
  • #3
In that case, I have calculated the total resulting force acting at a third of the way up the wall?
 

1. What is the force exerted on a water tank?

The force exerted on a water tank is the weight of the water inside the tank. This force is equal to the mass of the water multiplied by the acceleration due to gravity (9.8 m/s²).

2. How do you calculate the force exerted on a water tank?

To calculate the force exerted on a water tank, you need to know the mass of the water inside the tank and the acceleration due to gravity. The formula for calculating force is F=ma, where F is force, m is mass, and a is acceleration. So, to find the force exerted on a water tank, you would multiply the mass of the water by the acceleration due to gravity.

3. Does the force exerted on a water tank change?

Yes, the force exerted on a water tank can change. It depends on the amount of water in the tank, as well as the acceleration due to gravity, which can vary depending on the location.

4. How does the shape and size of a water tank affect the force exerted on it?

The shape and size of a water tank can affect the force exerted on it. A taller and wider tank will have a greater force exerted on it compared to a shorter and narrower tank, as the weight of the water will be distributed over a larger area. The shape of the tank can also affect the distribution of the force, as a cylindrical tank will have a more even distribution compared to a rectangular tank.

5. What are some factors that can increase the force exerted on a water tank?

The force exerted on a water tank can be increased by adding more water to the tank, increasing the acceleration due to gravity (such as by moving the tank to a location with a higher gravity), or by changing the shape or size of the tank to have a greater surface area. Additionally, external forces such as wind or earthquakes can also increase the force exerted on a water tank.

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