Interactive Self-Study Module: Submerged Gates
Overview:
This module uses screencasts and interactive simulations to derive equations for hydrostatic pressure on submerged and partially submerged surfaces. The screencasts are used to show how to setup and force balance on submerged surfaces. An interactive simulation and example problems allow the user to test themselves. Your retention of material in this module will increase if you write down reasons for your answers to ConcepTests, questions in screencasts, and questions to answer before using interactive simulations, and you try to solve the example problems before watching the screencast solutions. We suggest using the learning resources in the following order:
- Attempt to answer the multiple-choice ConcepTest and solve the example problem before watching the screencasts or working with the simulation.
- Watch the screencasts that describe force balances on submerged surfaces and answer the questions within the screencasts.
- Review important equations for submerged gates.
- Use the interactive simulations to further understand the forces acting on a submerged gate and a partially submerged gate.
- Try to solve the example problems before watching the solutions in the screencasts.
- Answer the ConcepTests.
- Look at the list of key points, but only after you try to list the key points yourself.
Motivation:
- Determination of hydrostatic pressure on submerged surfaces is essential for designing structurally stable storage tanks, reactors, and other hydraulic surfaces.
- This module is intended for fluid dynamics courses.
Before studying this module, you should be able to:
- Calculate hydrostatic pressures.
- Do a force balance.
- Calculate moments of inertia and centroids.
After studying this module, you should be able to:
- Calculate the forces on a submerged surface.
- Calculate the center of pressure on a surface.
- Determine forces needed to hold a rotating or hinged gate in place.