Centre of Pressure in Immersed Body

Definition: The point in the immersed body through which the resultant pressure of the liquid may be taken to act is known as the centre of pressure.

Explanation:

When a body is immersed in a liquid, it experiences pressure from all sides. The pressure at any point in the liquid is proportional to the depth of that point from the free surface of the liquid. Due to this variation in pressure with depth, the resultant pressure on the body acts at a particular point. This point is known as the centre of pressure.

It is important to determine the centre of pressure for the design of structures that are immersed in liquids like dams, ships, and submarines.

Factors Affecting Centre of Pressure:

The centre of pressure depends on the following factors:

1. Shape of the Body: The shape of the body greatly influences the location of the centre of pressure. For example, a flat plate has its centre of pressure at one-third the height of the plate from the bottom.

2. Depth of Immersion: The depth of immersion also affects the location of the centre of pressure. The deeper the body is immersed, the lower the centre of pressure.

3. Density of the Liquid: The density of the liquid also plays a role in determining the centre of pressure. For a denser liquid, the centre of pressure is lower.

4. Orientation of the Body: The orientation of the body with respect to the liquid also affects the location of the centre of pressure. If the body is inclined at an angle, the centre of pressure will shift accordingly.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, the centre of pressure is an important concept in fluid mechanics. It is the point through which the resultant pressure acts on an immersed body. The location of the centre of pressure depends on several factors like the shape of the body, depth of immersion, density of the liquid, and orientation of the body.

Center of pressure