Hydrostatic Force (Out of my Calc book)

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SUMMARY

The discussion revolves around calculating the hydrostatic force on a submerged semicircular surface using calculus. The user is attempting to set up the integral for the force, which involves the weight density of water (62.5 lb/ft³) and the geometry of a semicircle submerged 2 feet below the surface. The correct integral setup requires evaluating the force with respect to the vertical axis, specifically from the bounds of 2 to 7 feet, using the formula for the area of the semicircle, \(\frac{1}{2}\pi(r^2)\), and incorporating the depth factor (7 - y). The user ultimately resolves their confusion regarding the setup.

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  • Understanding of hydrostatic pressure principles
  • Knowledge of integral calculus, specifically in evaluating definite integrals
  • Familiarity with semicircular geometry and area calculations
  • Concept of weight density in fluid mechanics
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  • Study the derivation of hydrostatic force equations in fluid mechanics
  • Learn how to set up and evaluate definite integrals in calculus
  • Explore applications of semicircular area calculations in physics
  • Review examples of hydrostatic pressure problems involving different shapes
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Students of physics and calculus, particularly those tackling problems related to hydrostatic forces and fluid mechanics, as well as educators looking for practical examples of integrating geometry with calculus.

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This is technically a physics problem but its straight outta my calculus book...

water.jpg


The instructions are to express the force as an integral and evaluate it.


My problem is just the initial set up. I've tried a couple of different ways and none of them get me the answer that I am seeing in the back of the book.


I know that I am looking at a half circle so that would be \frac{1}{2}\pi(r^2) and I would be evaluating it with respect to x (or y, depending on my axes). Also, the semicircle is submerged 2ft below the surface, so is that (total depth - y), (7 - y)? I am super confused.

On top of all this, I don't even know what upper and lower bounds I should be evaluating it at. 2 to 7? 0 to 5?

All in all this is the closest -yet, incorrect- way I've come to setting it up. Oh, I am using \delta as my weight density (62.5 lb/ft^3).

<br /> \int\limits_?^? \delta \frac{\pi}{2} (\sqrt{r^2 - y^2})^2 (7 - y) dy<br />

Completely lost, any help or nudges in the right direction would be tremendously appreciated.
 
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Never mind...got it.
 

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