Deriving Pressure on a Fluid Surface at Rest with Constant Density

In summary, the problem involves finding the pressure in a stationary fluid with constant density and a downward force of gravity acting on it. Using Euler's equation and setting the fluid's velocity to 0, it is found that the pressure is independent of x and y and can be solved for by using the boundary condition that the pressure is equal to a constant value at a specific height. The final solution for the pressure at a height of 0 is given as P=P_a + \rho g(h_0-z).
  • #1
coverband
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Homework Statement


Consider a stationary fluid (u=0) with constant density and take F= (0,0,-g). Find P(z) which satisfies [tex] P=P_a [/tex] on [tex] z=h_0 [/tex], where z is measured positive upwards. What is the pressure on z=0?


Homework Equations



Euler's equation: [tex] \frac{Du}{Dt}=-\frac{1}{\rho}\nabla P + F [/tex]

The Attempt at a Solution


[tex]\frac{1}{\rho}\nabla P = (0,0,-g) [/tex] Gives the answer in the back of the book as:
then [tex] P = P_a + \rho g(h_0-z); P(0) = P_a + \rho g h_0 [/tex]. How did they get this? Thanks
 
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  • #2
As they say u=0, then as you correctly wrote down:
[tex]
\frac{1}{\rho}\nabla P=(0,0,-g)
[/tex]
Which means that:
[tex]
\frac{\partial P}{\partial x}=0,\quad\frac{\partial P}{\partial y}=0,\frac{\partial P}{\partial z}=-\rho g
[/tex]
Which shows that the pressure in independent of both x & y. so you are left to solve:
[tex]
\frac{\partial P}{\partial z}=-\rho g
[/tex]
Can you solve this? What are the boundary conditions that you need to use?
 
  • #3
Thanks
 

FAQ: Deriving Pressure on a Fluid Surface at Rest with Constant Density

What is the hydrostatic pressure law?

The hydrostatic pressure law, also known as Pascal's law, states that the pressure exerted by a static fluid (such as water) increases with depth and is equal in all directions. This means that the pressure at any given point in a fluid is the same in all directions.

How does the hydrostatic pressure law apply to fluids?

The hydrostatic pressure law applies to all fluids, whether they are liquids or gases. It states that the pressure at a specific depth in a fluid is directly proportional to the density of the fluid and the depth of the point in the fluid.

What are some real-world applications of the hydrostatic pressure law?

The hydrostatic pressure law has many applications in everyday life, such as in hydraulic systems, scuba diving, and the function of our circulatory system. It also plays a crucial role in the design and operation of dams, water towers, and submarines.

What is the formula for calculating hydrostatic pressure?

The formula for calculating hydrostatic pressure is P = ρgh, where P is the pressure, ρ is the density of the fluid, g is the acceleration due to gravity, and h is the depth of the point in the fluid. This formula can be used to calculate the pressure at any given point in a fluid.

How does hydrostatic pressure change with depth?

According to the hydrostatic pressure law, the pressure in a fluid increases with depth. This means that as you go deeper into a body of water, the pressure exerted by the water on your body will increase. For every 10 meters of depth, the pressure increases by 1 atmosphere (or about 14.7 pounds per square inch).

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