The hydrostatic pressure is that generated by a fluid at rest, unlike the pressure of a fluid in motion, called hydrodynamic pressure.
It is a property of great importance in the world, since a large part of the earth is made up of matter in a liquid state.
This pressure exists due to the weight of a fluid at rest. Any fluid located in a container generates pressure on the bottom and the edges that contain it.
What is the hydrostatic pressure?
This pressure is that which is generated inside any mass or matter in a liquid state caused by the weight of the liquid in a submerged body.
One way of expressing said pressure in a formula is by evaluating the pressure of the liquid on the submerged body, at a specific height of the fluid.
The hydrostatic pressure of a fluid in its container causes a force perpendicular to the edges or walls of said container, regardless of the direction to which it is directed.
This pressure will depend on the density and height of the fluid or liquid with reference to the point at which it is being measured.
What is a fluid?
A fundamental component in the measurement of hydrostatic pressure is the fluid. The fluid can be defined as a substance with the ability to flow or run.
It can be divided into liquids or gases, which differ by their density. The density is calculated by dividing the value of the mass of a body by the volume occupied by that body.
Difference between liquids and gases
It is important to emphasize that the gases normally tend to occupy the entire volume of the container in which they are located, while the liquids are molded to the container but do not cover its entire volume.
Also, gases are easier to calculate, since it is known that their volume and density varies depending on the pressure they are at.
On the other hand, liquids are not very comprehensible, since their volume and density is constant at a certain temperature.
The principle of Archimedes and hydrostatic pressure
Archimedes of Syracuse was a Greek mathematician, physicist, astronomer and inventor considered one of the greatest scientists of classical history.
It is world-renowned for having designed innovative machines such as the Archimedes screw and siege weapons. As for the world of physical refers, Archimedes focused his studies towards hydrostatics.
The principle of Archimedes, also known as the hydrostatic law, states that"a body totally or partially submerged in a fluid at rest, experiences a vertical and upward thrust equal to the weight of the mass of the volume of the fluid it dislodges."
This means that every body that is totally or partially immersed in a static fluid, will feel pressured with a force similar to the weight of the fluid volume already displaced by the same body.
As far as the hydrostatic pressure is concerned, it can be said that at a certain depth, said pressure will be equal to the product of the density of the fluid due to the gravitational acceleration.
References
- Archimedes' principle. Retrieved on December 16, 2017, from Wikipedia: en.wikipedia.org
- Fluid. Retrieved on December 16, 2017, from Wikipedia: en.wikipedia.org
- Hydrostatic Pressure. Retrieved on December 16, 2017, from Dictionary: dictionary.com
- Hydrostatic Pressure. Retrieved on December 16, 2017, from Oilfield Glossary: glossary.oilfield.slb.com
- Hydrostatic Pressure. Retrieved on December 16, 2017, from Sensors One: sensorsone.com
- Hydrostatics. Retrieved on December 16, 2017, from Wikipedia: en.wikipedia.org
- What is Hydrostatic Pressure: Fluid Pressure and Depth. Retrieved on December 16, 2017, from Math and Science Activity Center: edinformatics.com