FACULTY OF ENGINEERING

BACHELOR OF TECHNOLOGY:
CIVIL & MECHANICAL ENGINEERING
FLUID MECHANICS
(FDM610S)
Laboratory experiment to Confirm Bernoulli’s principle and
determination of Hydrostatic force acting on both a Partially
& Fully submerged plane surface
Names and Student Nos of lab partners(Group 6):
Narib Lestor J – 221120300 Markus Hatupopi - 221070753
Kazadi Nathan M - 222003375
Pauline Shiimi - 220123438
Ryan Coetzee- 220031746
Markus Hatupopi - 221070753
Shawn Plaatjies - 222101806

DATE: 24 May 2023

 1. Abstract
The laboratory experiment aimed to confirm Bernoulli's principle and
determine the hydrostatic force acting on both a partially and fully
submerged plane surface. Bernoulli's principle states that as the velocity
of a fluid increases, its pressure decreases, and vice versa, assuming
steady, incompressible flow.
Equipment to verify Bernoulli's principle included the F1-10 hydraulics
bench, F1-15 Bernoulli's apparatus test equipment, and a stopwatch for
timing flow measurements. Bernoulli's principle states that as the velocity
of a fluid increases, its pressure decreases, assuming steady,
incompressible flow.
The hydraulics bench provided a controlled flow of water, while the
Bernoulli's apparatus allowed for the measurement of pressure and flow
characteristics. The experiment involved adjusting the flow rate of water
using the hydraulics bench and observing the corresponding changes in
pressure at different points along the flow path. Pressure readings were
recorded and the flow rate was measured using a stopwatch to time the
flow.
The results confirmed the expected relationship between fluid velocity,
pressure, and flow rate, in line with Bernoulli's principle. The experiment
demonstrated the practical application of Bernoulli's principle in a
controlled laboratory setting using the F1-10 hydraulics bench and F1-15
Bernoulli's apparatus test equipment.
The findings contribute to a better understanding of fluid dynamics and
have implications for various engineering applications involving fluid flow
and pressure calculations.
By raising the water depth in the apparatus water tank and achieving an
equilibrium state between the moments acting on the test apparatus'
balance arm, the hydrostatic force and center of pressure acting on a
vertical surface will be measured in this experiment. The weight on the
balance arm and the hydrostatic force on the vertical surface are the
forces that cause these moments.

List of symbols

P - Pressure
A - Cross-sectional area
V - Velocity
h - Depth or height of the fluid
ρ - Density of the fluid
g - Acceleration due to gravity
F - Force
Fb - Buoyant force
W - Weight of the fluid
v – Fluid velocity
z
Q - Flow rate
t - Time
ΔP - Pressure difference
Δh - Difference in height or depth
A1, A2: Cross-sectional areas at different points
h1, h2: Heights or depths at different points
Fh: Hydrostatic force
Fp: Pressure force
Fv: Velocity force
Fnet : Net force
Aplane: Area of the plane surface
5. Introduction
The purpose of the laboratory experiment was to prove Bernoulli's
principle and to calculate the hydrostatic force acting on a partially and
fully submerged planar surface. Bernoulli's principle asserts that as a
fluid's velocity increases, so does its pressure, assuming constant,
incompressible flow. This principle is important in many engineering
domains, including fluid dynamics, aerodynamics, and hydraulic systems.
Understanding Bernoulli's principle and the hydrostatic forces operating
on submerged surfaces is critical when constructing and analysing fluid
flow systems like pipelines, channels, and hydraulic structures. Engineers
may make informed decisions about fluid behaviour, pressure
differentials, and force estimates by experimentally proving Bernoulli's
principle and quantifying hydrostatic forces, assuring the efficient and
safe design of engineering projects.
The investigation included experiments on a partially and totally
submerged flat surface. The link between velocity, pressure, and
hydrostatic forces was explored by varying the flow rate, pressure, and
depth of the fluid. The assessment of the hydrostatic forces operating on
the submerged surfaces provides helpful information regarding force
distribution and submerged structure stability.
The laboratory test results were analysed and compared to theoretical
predictions based on Bernoulli's principle and hydrostatic equations. The
experiment's results helped to validate Bernoulli's principle and gave
actual evidence of its practical use in fluid mechanics. (press, 2019)
6. Apparatus and Procedure
Apparatus:
Armfield F1-12 Hydrostatic pressure apparatus

Electronic Balance
Armfield F1-10 Hydraulics apparatus

(White, 2006)
Procedures: Verification of Bernoulli’s Principle

 Start the pump and initiate a flow of water through the test section.
 Regulate the flow to the inlet head tank so that there is a small but
steady overflow from P6103.
 Adjust the swivel tube of the outlet tank to obtain a differential
head of approximately 50mm
 Measure the height of the water level in each manometer tube by
placing a paper behind the tubes and marking using different colour
pens and record on the test sheet.
 Measure the time taken to fill the bench measuring tank from zero
to 10 litres and record.
 Increase the differential head between the inlet and outlet head
tanks by 50mm increments, until the water level in the centre
manometer tubes drops off the scale. For each condition record the
heights of liquid in the manometer tubes
 Record the results on a copy of the result sheet provided.
 Calculate the flow rate for each set of results.
 For each set of results calculate at the cross-section adjacent to
each
 Manometer tube the flow velocity and the Reynolds number.
 Plot a graph of head against distance and also (H + v2/2g) against
distance.
 Conclude on the relationship between static pressure,
 Dynamic pressure and velocity.
Procedures: Determining Hydrostatics force
 Wipe the quadrant with a wet rag to remove surface tension and
prevent air bubbles from forming.
 Place the apparatus on a level surface, and adjust the screwed-in
feet until the built-in circular spirit level indicates that the base is
horizontal. (The bubble should appear in the centre of the spirit
level.)
 Position the balance arm on the knife edges and check that the arm
swings freely.
 Place the weight hanger on the end of the balance arm and level
the arm, using the counter weight, so that the balance arm is
horizontal.
 Add weights to the weight hanger.
 Add water to the tank and allow time for the water to settle.
 Close the drain valve at the end of the tank, then slowly add water
until the hydrostatic force on the end surface of the quadrant is
balanced. This can be judged by aligning the base of the balance
arm with the top or bottom of the central marking on the balance
rest.
 Record the water height, which displayed on the side of the
quadrant in mm. If the quadrant is partially submerged, record the
reading in the partially submerged portion of the Data Table.
 Repeat the steps, adding weights each time, when the quadrant is
fully submerged, record the readings in the fully submerged part of
the Data Table.
 Repeat the procedure in reverse by progressively removing the
weights.
 Release the water valve, remove the weights, and clean up any
spilled water
 Theoretical and Experimental calculations:
Fully submerged: For Partially submerged:
Mgl Mgl
Fexp = d
a+( ) F exp = a+d −( y )
2 3

d 1
FTheor = pgbd(y – ¿ F exp = p gb y2
2 2

d 2
Hp = y - 2 Hp = 3
y

Fexperimental−Ftheoretical
% Error = Ftheoretical
x 100

% Error should be < 10% for fully submerged

% Error should be < 3% for partially submerged
Tapping no:
Q= v x A
Dynamic head = v2/2g
Tot Energy Head = h + v2/2g
 7. Results

Bernoulli’s principle verification

Set 1
Inlet head 497
(mm)
Outlet Head 338
(mm)
Volume 10
(liters)
Time (sec) 129
Flow Rate 0.0775
(Litres/s)
Tapping No. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11
Flow Area 102.56 90.11 77.66 65.22 52.77 40.32 52.77 65.22 77.66 90.11 102.56
(mm2)
Static head 0.414 0.394 0.369 0.313 0.247 0.122 0.196 0.242 0.268 0.285 0.294
(m)
Velocity (m/s) 7.56*10-4 8.60*10 9.97*10 1.18*10 1.46*10 1.92*10 1.46*10 1.18*10 9.97*10 8.60*10 7.56*10
-4 -4 -3 -3 -3 -3 -3 -4 -4 -4

Dynamic 2.91*10 -
3.76*1 5.06*1 7.09*1 1.08*1 1.87*1 1.08*1 7.09*1 5.06*1 3.76*1 2.91*1
Head (m) 8
0-8 0-8 0-8 0-7 0-7 0-7 0-8 0-8 0-8 0-8
h + v2/2g (m) 0.414 0.394 0.369 0.313 0.247 0.122 0.196 0.242 0.268 0.285 0.294

Distance (m) 0.000 0.025 0.050 0.075 0.100 0.125 0.150 0.175 0.200 0.225 0.250

Set 2
Inlet head 497
(mm)
Outlet Head 315
(mm)
Volume 10
(liters)
Time (sec) 121
Flow Rate 0.0826
(Litres/s)
Tapping No. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11
Flow Area 102.56 90.11 77.66 65.22 52.77 40.32 52.77 65.22 77.66 90.11 102.56
(mm2)
Static head 0.405 0.384 0.350 0.293 0.216 0.085 0.159 0.211 0.241 0.259 0.270
(m)
Velocity (m/s) 8.05*10-4 9.16*10 1.06*10 1.26*10 1.56*10 2.08*10 1.56*10 1.26*10 1.06*10 9.16*10 8.05*10
-4 -3 -3 -3 -3 -3 -3 -3 -4 -4

Dynamic 3.30*10 -
4.27*1 5.72*1 8.09*1 1.24*1 2.20*1 1.24*1 8.09*1 5.72*1 4.27*1 3.30*1
Head (m) 8
0-8 0-8 0-8 0-7 0-7 0-7 0-8 0-8 0-8 0-8
h + v2/2g (m) 0.405 0.384 0.350 0.293 0.216 0.085 0.159 0.211 0.241 0.259 0.270
Distance (m) 0.000 0.025 0.050 0.075 0.100 0.125 0.150 0.175 0.200 0.225 0.250

Set 3
Inlet head 497
(mm)
Outlet Head 287
(mm)
Volume 10
(liters)
Time (sec) 113
Flow Rate 0.0884
(Litres/s)
Tapping No. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11
Flow Area 102.56 90.11 77.66 65.22 52.77 40.32 52.77 65.22 77.66 90.11 102.56
(mm2)
Static head O.399 0.373 0.334 0.269 0.184 0.026 0.114 0.172 0.206 0.227 0.239
(m)
Velocity (m/s) 8.62*10-4 9.81*10 1.14*10 1.36*10 1.68*10 2.19*10 1.68*10 1.36*10 1.14*10 9.81*10 8.62*10
-4 -3 -3 -3 -3 -3 -3 -3 -4 -4

Dynamic 3.79*10 -
4.905* 6.62*1 9.43*1 1.43*1 2.44*1 1.43*1 9.43*1 6.62*1 4.905* 3.79*1
Head (m) 8
10-8 0-8 0-8 0-7 0-7 0-7 0-8 0-8 10-8 0-8
h + v2/2g (m) 0.399 0.373 0.334 0.269 0.184 0.026 0.114 0.172 0.206 0.227 0.239
Distance (m) 0.000 0.025 0.050 0.075 0.100 0.125 0.150 0.175 0.200 0.225 0.250
Hydrostatic force determination:

COMPLETE 1 2 3
IMMERSION
TOTAL LOAD ON 440.4 406 366.1
ARM (M) [g]
DEPTH OF WATER 154 145 135
(y)
[mm]
EXPERIMENTAL 7.921 7.302 6.584
FORCE ON PLANE
SURFACE (F) [N]
THEORETICAL 7.6518 6.9896 6.254
FORCE ON PLANE
SURFACE (F) [N]
%ERROR[%] 3.5 4.5 5.3
DEPTH OF CENTRE 0.104 0.095 0.085
OF PRESSURE (Hp)
[m]

b=0.075m
d=0.100m
l=0.275m
a=0.100m
Calculations:
For first experiment
mgl 0.4404∗9.81∗0.275
Experimental = a+ d = 0.100+ 0.100 = 7.921 N
2 2
 d 0.100
Theoretical = ρgbd ( y− 2 ) = 1000*9.81*0.075*0.100*(0.154- 2 ) = 7.6518 N

F exp −F Theo 7.921−7.6518

%Error = F Theo
*100= 7.6518
∗100= 3.5%

d 0.100
Hp= y - 2 = 0.154 - 2
= 0.104 m

Experiment 2 & 3 use the same formula.

depth against weight

500

450

400

350

300
Total load on Arm

250

200

150

100

50

PARTIAL
0
1 2 3
IMMERSION 1 2 3

depth of water
TOTAL LOAD ON 191.8 144.5 109.9
ARM (M) [g] Column A Column B

DEPTH OF 90 80 70
WATER (y)
[mm]
EXPERIMENTAL 3.044 2.249 1.678
FORCE ON
PLANE SURFACE
(F) [N]
THEORETICAL 2.980 2.354 1.803
FORCE ON
PLANE SURFACE
 (F) [N]
%ERROR[%] 2.1 -4.5 -6.9
DEPTH OF 0.06 0.053 0.0467
CENTRE OF
PRESSURE (Hp)
[m]

b=0.075m
d=0.100m
l=0.275m
a=0.100m
Calculations:
For first experiment
mgl 0.1918∗9.81∗0.275
Fexp = a+d − y = 0.100+0.100− 0.090 = 3.044N
3 3

Ftheo = 0.5* ρgb y 2 = 0.5*1000*9.81*0.075* 0.0902 = 2.980 N

F exp −F Theo 3.044−2.980
%Error = F Theo
*100= 2.980
∗100= 2.1%

2 2
Hp = 3 ∗y = 3 ∗0.090 = 0.06 m

Experiment 2 & 3 use the same formula.

depth against weight

250

200

150
Total load on Arm

100

50

0
1 2 3

depth of water
8. Discussion
The objective of this experiment was to determine the hydrostatic force
on both partially and fully submerged surfaces and compare the results
with the theoretical calculations based on fluid mechanics principles. The
experiment involved measuring the hydrostatic force at different depths
of fluid and analysing the relationship between depth and force.
In our experiment, we submerged a rectangular plate in a water tank and
varied the depth of the water by adjusting the water level. We measured
the force using a load cell connected to the plate and recorded the
corresponding depths. The measured force was then compared to the
theoretical values calculated based on the depth and density of water.
The results obtained from the experiment showed a close agreement
between the measured and theoretical values of the hydrostatic force.
The force increased linearly with an increase in the depth of the water,
which is consistent with the theoretical predictions. The small
discrepancies between the measured and theoretical values can be
attributed to experimental errors, such as slight misalignments and
uncertainties in the load cell measurements.
For the fully submerged surface, the hydrostatic force was calculated
using Archimedes' principle. According to this principle, the buoyant force
acting on a fully submerged body is equal to the weight of the fluid
displaced by the body.
The experimental results for the fully submerged surface also aligned well
with the theoretical predictions based on Archimedes' principle. The
measured forces were consistent with the weight of the water displaced.
In conclusion, our experimental results successfully demonstrated the
determination of hydrostatic forces on both partially and fully submerged
surfaces. The measured forces closely matched the theoretical
calculations based on fluid mechanics principles. However, it is important
to note that there were minor discrepancies between the measured and
theoretical values, which could be attributed to experimental limitations
and uncertainties. Future improvements could include more precise
instrumentation, careful alignment, and repeated measurements to
minimize errors. (Hangombe, 2018)
The understanding and application of hydrostatic forces are crucial in
various engineering fields, such as civil engineering for designing dams
and submerged structures, as well as naval architecture for designing
ships and submarines. By accurately determining hydrostatic forces,
engineers can ensure the structural integrity and stability of these
structures under different fluid conditions.
Overall, this experiment provided valuable insights into the principles of
hydrostatic forces and their practical implications. Further studies could
explore more complex submerged surfaces and investigate the effects of
fluid density and shape on the hydrostatic forces to enhance our
understanding of fluid mechanics phenomena.
From the calculation it is very clear that with decrease in area of the flow
velocity increase and pressure decrease. As shown in graph of all three
test that the decrease in area of flow decrease the height of water in
manometer column means they are directly proportional to each other.
Difference in the theoretical and measured value it can be said that water
is not an ideal fluid. Height of water in the final column was not equal to
the initial values which show that there are friction losses in water
particle. This type of information is very use full in the case if nozzles, jets
and diffusers.

9. Conclusion
Increasing the hang mass needs to be balanced by increasing the volume
of water in the tank because increasing the mass suppress the toroid
more and this can only be balanced by submerging more volume of toroid
in water thus increasing the pressure forces that balances the weight of
the hang mass. This is done by adding more water. Increased in Centre of
pressure when mass of more magnitude is hung is due to increase in the
volume of water needed to balance the unbalanced weight of the hang
mass. The point at which the resultant pressure forces act on the toroid is
called Centre of pressure. Centre of pressure is gotten by taking moment
of the fulcrum when at equilibrium or when balanced. Since the moment
of the hang weight about the fulcrum is balanced by the moment of the
pressure forces acting on toroid about the same fulcrum.
10.References
Hangombe, F. (2018). Lab report writing manual. Windhoek: Namibia
University of Science and Technology.
press, M. o. (2019, November). Mavs open press. From
https://uta.pressbooks.pub/
White, F. (2006). Fluid Mechanics. New york: Adventure works press.