Objective
The apparatus has been designed to introduce students to the concept of centre of pressure of an object immersed in fluid. It will enable students to measure the static thrust exerted by a fluid on a submerged surface, while allowing them to compare the magnitude and direction of the force with theory.
Experimental Capabilities

• Determination of the centre of pressure on both submerged and partially submerged plane surface
• Comparison of the centre of pressure measurement with the theoretical position

Construction Details

• The apparatus consists of a specially constructed quadrant mounted on a balance arm. It pivots on knife edges, which also correspond to the centre of arc of the quadrant. This means that only the hydrostatic force acting on the rectangular end face will provide a moment about the knife edges. The balance arm also has an adjustable counterbalance, and a balance pan for the weights supplied. The quadrant assembly is mounted on top of a clear reservoir tank provided with leveling screws on its feet. A spirit level attached to the base of the tank assures accuracy of the alignment. The tank is filled with water from the top and can be drained through a valve at the side. A scale is provided on the side of the quadrant to indicate the water level in the tank. The torque exerted by the hydraulic thrust is measured by direct weighing. Tests may be carried out over a range of water levels.

Components Included

• Transparent tank
• Counter weights
• Lever for mounting weights
• Supplied with a set of weights (50 gm X 6 Nos.)

Technical Specifications:-

• Tank capacity : 5.5 Liters
• Total depth of quadrant : 100 mm
• Height of fulcrum over quadrant : 100 mm