Fluid Mechanics - Theory & Concepts - Fluid Pressure

A comprehensive overview of Fluid Mechanics explaining fluid statics, pressure, buoyancy, and fluid dynamics principles.

Open the complete lesson

Interactive engineering simulation

Hydrostatic Pressure Field & Gate Simulator

Submerge a rectangular vertical gate in a fluid field. Watch the hydrostatic pressure prism grow linearly with depth, and observe how the resultant force anchors precisely at the Center of Pressure (y_cp).

Fresh Water

Fluid Preset

Centroid Depth (hc)5.0 m

1.1–25.0

Drag for exploration or enter an exact value. Press Enter to apply; Escape restores the current value.

Fluid Density (ρ)1000 kg/m³

kg/m³

700–1500

Drag for exploration or enter an exact value. Press Enter to apply; Escape restores the current value.

Gate Vertical Height (h)2.0 m

0.5–6.0

Drag for exploration or enter an exact value. Press Enter to apply; Escape restores the current value.

Gate Horizontal Width (b)1.5 m

0.5–5.0

Drag for exploration or enter an exact value. Press Enter to apply; Escape restores the current value.

Governing Formulas

Resultant Hydrostatic Force

F_R = P_c \cdot A = (\rho g h_c) \cdot (b \cdot h)

Vertical Center of Pressure

y_{cp} = h_c + e = h_c + \frac{h^2}{12 h_c}

Pressure at Centroid (Pc)

49.05 kPa

Resultant Force (Fr)

147.15 kN

Centroid Depth (hc)

5.00 m

Center of Pressure (y_cp)

5.07 m

Model scope and verification

Use the displayed units and idealizations, then verify the governing balance or compatibility equation before interpreting the result.

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