1. What is Top Force on Plate?

Top Force is defined as the gauge pressures at the top surface of a submerged plate. It represents the downward force acting on the top surface of the plate due to fluid pressure.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the Top Force formula:

Where:

• \( F_{Top} \) — Top Force (N)
• \( \rho_{Fluid} \) — Density of Fluid (kg/m³)
• \( [g] \) — Gravitational acceleration (9.80665 m/s²)
• \( s \) — Distance of Top Edge from Free Surface (m)
• \( A \) — Area of Surface (m²)

Explanation: The formula calculates the hydrostatic force acting on the top surface of a submerged plate by considering fluid density, gravitational acceleration, depth of the top edge, and surface area.

3. Importance of Top Force Calculation

Details: Calculating top force is crucial for structural design of submerged components, dam engineering, shipbuilding, and any application involving fluid pressure on surfaces. It helps determine the forces that submerged structures must withstand.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter fluid density in kg/m³, distance from free surface in meters, and surface area in square meters. All values must be positive numbers greater than zero.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is the difference between top force and total hydrostatic force?
A: Top force specifically refers to the force acting on the top surface only, while total hydrostatic force considers the entire submerged surface area.

Q2: Why is gravitational acceleration constant used?
A: The gravitational acceleration constant [g] is used because hydrostatic pressure depends on the weight of the fluid column above the surface.

Q3: Does this formula work for all fluid types?
A: Yes, but you must use the correct density value for the specific fluid (water = 1000 kg/m³, air = 1.225 kg/m³, etc.).

Q4: What if the plate is inclined?
A: For inclined plates, the distance 's' should be measured vertically from the free surface to the top edge of the plate.

Q5: How accurate is this calculation?
A: The calculation assumes constant fluid density and gravitational acceleration, providing accurate results for most engineering applications under standard conditions.