Centre Of Pressure

The equipment consists ofa vertical panel that holds a clear plastic quadrant, to which students addwater. The quadrant has engraved lines to help students keep the plane in avertical or angled position. The cylindrical sides of the quadrant have theircentral axis coincidental with the moment measurement axis. This product allows students to measure the moment due tothe fluid (hydrostatic) thrust on a fully or partially submerged plane. The plane works in either a vertical or inclined (angled) position. Students thencompare their measurements with theoretical analysis. The total fluid pressures on these curved surfaces therefore exert no moment about this pivot.Therefore, the moment is only due to the fluid pressure on the plane testsurface. Students measure this moment using weights suspended from a level arm. A scale on the panel of the apparatus shows the head of water. They then initially balance the quadrant tank using one of the weighthangers and the smaller trimming tank. They take results by balancingincremental weights on the hanger with known quantities of water. To performexperiments, students level the apparatus using its levelling feet and spirit(bubble) level. They decide whether to test either a vertical or inclinedplane. Students note the relationship between the moment and the water height(h). They then usethe results to calculate the equivalent moment of force (M) or hydrostaticthrust.