Investigate the Effect of Pressure Depends on Submerged Plane with Artificial Dam Model

Abstract

Relationship of submerged structures and fluid pressure can be determined by experimenting the science behind gravity dam. Since pressure behaviours are crucial in understanding how to design the hydrostatic pressure. Therefore, the gravity dam is utilized to investigate the pressure distribution on a submerged plane. We've constructed a simple model using modelling clay as our base or core of the dam, cardboard for the straight-line shape sealed with adhesive tape intended as water resistance and 3-second glue as sealant ensuring no water pass through the gaps. Then, pressure measurement was taken at three specific depths, 3 cm, 5 cm, and 7 cm. Principle of hydrostatic pressure are used in this experiment as a basis for finding the theoretical pressure on the submerged plane. Analytical methods applied based on the fluid mechanic and fluid statics in explaining what have been observed. The results shows that depth of water does influence pressure inside water at rest. A linear increase between depth and pressure are demonstrated proving the theoretical relationship between pressure-depth. It is verified where the base of the gravity dam does not affect pressure at any given depth as long there’s no additional effect such as current or turbulence changing the velocity of water which are out of hydrostatic analysis scope. By any means, there’s no doubt that pressure is determined solely by the depth and fluid density of the submerged point. This small project highlights that by using an affordable and accessible experimental setup others can practice the application of fundamental of fluid mechanics concept regarding to real-world applications. Thus, the findings valuable for understanding pressure behaviour on submerged plane based on the geometry of experimental setup and influences from such density and depth of the fluid.