Hydrostatic Pressure on Sponge

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SUMMARY

The hydrostatic pressure applied to a sponge and a solid material like rubber with the same surface area is fundamentally the same in terms of pressure measurement. However, the sponge's porous structure affects how this pressure is distributed internally, potentially increasing the effective surface area subjected to hydrostatic pressure. The internal pores of the sponge experience pressure that counteracts the external pressure, similar to how internal pressure in a solid material like rubber functions. This results in different mechanical responses to the same hydrostatic force.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of hydrostatic pressure principles
  • Knowledge of material properties, specifically porosity
  • Familiarity with basic fluid mechanics
  • Concept of internal versus external pressure in materials
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  • Research the effects of porosity on hydrostatic pressure in materials
  • Study fluid mechanics principles related to pressure distribution
  • Explore the mechanical properties of sponges versus solid materials
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Students and professionals in materials science, fluid mechanics, and engineering, particularly those interested in the behavior of porous materials under pressure.

Jpacio
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Hi there,

I was wondering if the hydrostatic force applied on the surface of a sponge is the same of the same force applied on a different material with the same surface area.

Let's say I have 1m^3 of water soaked sponge and 1m^3 of rubber. The forces applied on the surface of those materials are the same?
I ask because the sponge has pores that might reduce the overall hydrostatic force. However, because of that too, the inside of the pores might be subjected to hydrostatic pressure (increasing the real surface area and thus the overall force).

If you have an idea on how it works or can show me documentation about it, I would be really apreciated :)
 
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The pressure is the same. Just - like you said - pressure inside internal pores acts against external pressure. Like in case of a big cube of rubber - its internal pressure also acts against external one, so it gots not visibly squeezed.
 

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