The experiment is designed to calculate the hydrostatic pressure force exerted by fluid on surface which is partially or fully submerged in the fluid. Further, it helps us to compare the magnitude and position of this force with respect to theory.
The apparatus consists of a manufactured quadrant mounted on a balanced arm, pivoting on the tip of the knife. The knife-edge of the quadrant coincides with the center of the arc. This ensures that of all the sides of the quadrant which gets immersed in the fluid, only the hydrostatic forces acting on the rectangular end face gives rise to a moment about the knife-edge. A balancing pan for the supplied weight and an adjustable counter balance are built into the balance arm.
This whole assembly is mounted on the top of an acrylic tank, with a level screw which can be used for the purpose levelling. A spirit level is given on the quadrant's top surface to show that the balance arm is or is not horizontal. Water is fed to the top of the tank and can be drained by a valve on the side of the tank.
