Introduction to fluid mechanics

In this section we look at the thrust forces/pressures that are exerted by fluids at rest on immersed flat surfaces of regular shape and the nature of these forces on simple everyday engineering structures like sluice gates, lock gates and vertical separators. We then consider, using examples, the fluid thrust forces that act on immersed curved surfaces. In order to find resultant thrust forces and their point of action on these regular shaped surfaces, we need to remember how to define fluid pressure and know how to find the centroid of area of regular shaped laminae. Therefore, if you have forgotten about fluid pressure or how to find centroids and the second moment of area of regular laminae (flat surfaces of regular thickness), you should look back at section 2.4 and section 12.1, to refresh your memory.