Fluid mechanics - Finding force point of application

In summary: The centroid of the area will determine the point of application for the vertical force on a curved surface. And since the vertical component of force is equal to the weight of the fluid contained, the x-component of the centroid will be the distance at which the force acts from the straight edge. In summary, the point of application for the vertical force on a curved surface can be determined by finding the centroid of the area and taking the x-component for a vertical force.
  • #1
ual8658
78
3
I get how to find vertical and horizontal forces on a submerged surface (vertical = weight of fluid and horizontal = force on vertical projection). I also get how to find the point of application for the horizontal force using a moment balance. But how do you determine the point of application for the vertical force on the surface if that surface is something like a flat incline or a quarter circle?
 
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  • #2
ual8658 said:
I get how to find vertical and horizontal forces on a submerged surface (vertical = weight of fluid and horizontal = force on vertical projection). I also get how to find the point of application for the horizontal force using a moment balance. But how do you determine the point of application for the vertical force on the surface if that surface is something like a flat incline or a quarter circle?
Since the vertical component of force = weight of the fluid contained by the curved surface . So it will act at the centre of gravity of the corresponding weight. For eg. For a quarter circle it will act at a distance of 4R/3π from straight edge.
Hope it is clear now.
 
  • #3
HimanshuM2376 said:
Since the vertical component of force = weight of the fluid contained by the curved surface . So it will act at the centre of gravity of the corresponding weight. For eg. For a quarter circle it will act at a distance of 4R/3π from straight edge.
Hope it is clear now.

Oh so just the centroid of an area basically? But only take the x-component of the centroid if its a vertical force.
 
  • #4
ual8658 said:
Oh so just the centroid of an area basically? But only take the x-component of the centroid if its a vertical force.
Precisely.
 

FAQ: Fluid mechanics - Finding force point of application

1. What is fluid mechanics?

Fluid mechanics is a branch of physics that deals with the behavior of fluids (liquids, gases, and plasmas) at rest and in motion. It involves the study of properties such as flow rate, viscosity, pressure, and density of fluids, and their effects on objects in their path.

2. What is a force point of application?

The force point of application is the point at which a force is applied to an object. In fluid mechanics, it refers to the specific location where a force is exerted on a fluid, such as a solid object moving through the fluid or a fluid being pushed or pulled by an external force.

3. How do you find the force point of application?

The force point of application can be found by considering the direction and magnitude of the applied force and the properties of the fluid, such as its density and viscosity. It can also be determined through experiments and calculations using mathematical equations and principles of fluid mechanics.

4. Why is it important to know the force point of application?

Knowing the force point of application is important in understanding the behavior of fluids and their interactions with objects in their path. It can also help in the design and optimization of various systems that involve fluid flow, such as airplanes, pumps, and pipelines.

5. What are some applications of finding the force point of application in fluid mechanics?

Some common applications of finding the force point of application in fluid mechanics include designing efficient aerodynamic shapes for vehicles, optimizing hydraulic systems, and calculating the lift and drag forces on objects in a fluid flow. It is also important in studying the effects of fluid flow on marine structures, such as ships and offshore platforms.

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