Hydrostatic Force Calculator

Calculate the hydrostatic force on a submerged surface due to fluid pressure

Input Parameters

Calculation Results

Hydrostatic Force (F)

0.00 N

Center of Pressure (yc)

0.00 m

Calculation Formula

F = ρ × g × havg × A

Where:
F = Hydrostatic Force (N)
ρ = Fluid Density (kg/m³)
g = Acceleration due to gravity (9.81 m/s²)
havg = Average Depth (m)
A = Area of Submerged Surface (m²)

Hydrostatic Force Calculator Calculator Usage Guide

Learn how to use the Hydrostatic Force Calculator and its working principles

How to Use This Calculator

  1. Enter the fluid density (ρ) in kg/m³. Default is water (1000 kg/m³).
  2. Enter the depth (h) of the submerged surface in meters.
  3. Enter the width (w) of the submerged surface in meters.
  4. Enter the height (h) of the submerged surface in meters.
  5. Click the "Calculate" button to compute the hydrostatic force and center of pressure.
  6. Use the "Reset" button to clear all inputs and start over.

Understanding Hydrostatic Force

Hydrostatic force is the pressure exerted by a fluid at rest on a submerged surface. It is calculated as the product of fluid density, gravity, average depth, and the area of the submerged surface.

The center of pressure is the point at which the total hydrostatic force can be considered to act. For a rectangular surface, it is located at a depth that is the average depth plus half the height of the surface.

Applications

This calculator is useful for engineers and scientists in fields such as naval architecture, civil engineering, and hydraulics. It can help determine the forces acting on gates, dams, and other hydraulic structures.