A Simple Physical Model to Assist in Fluid Mechanics Calculations
Anne Ronan · 2020
Abstract This “5-minute presentation” will introduce participants to a simple physical model that the author uses to help students learn how to calculate the hydrostatic force on a planar surface. A frequent source of confusion among students when learning this concept is the definition of “area.” Students often mix up the area of the planar surface with the area of the side of the pressure distribution. This model helps differentiate between the two. It also provides an easy means of showing students that the pressure distribution is not prismatic when the it acts on a planar surface of variable width. Since introducing this model several years ago, student performance on homework and exam problems related to this concept have generally increased by approximately ten percent.