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Water Pressure


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374262
Water Pressure

Water pressure is a fundamental concept in the study of fluid mechanics, which is concerned with the behavior of fluids at rest and in motion. It refers to the force per unit area that is exerted by a liquid on any surface that it comes into contact with. This force is generated by the weight of the liquid and is transmitted equally in all directions, as a result of the fluid's incompressibility. The pressure of a liquid varies with depth, as the weight of the liquid above a given point increases with depth. This is known as hydrostatic pressure, and it is one of the key factors that engineers must consider when designing structures that are in contact with water. For example, dams and levees must be designed to withstand the pressure exerted by the water they are holding back, while water towers and pipelines must be designed to withstand the pressure of the water they are carrying. Water pressure is also affected by other factors, such as the density of the liquid and the ambient temperature. For example, the pressure of water decreases as its temperature increases, due to the expansion of the water molecules. This can lead to problems in plumbing systems, where hot water can cause a drop in pressure and reduce the flow rate. In addition to its importance in engineering and plumbing, water pressure is also a key factor in the study of oceanography and meteorology. The pressure of seawater varies with depth and is affected by factors such as temperature and salinity, which can have a significant impact on ocean currents and climate patterns. Overall, water pressure is a fundamental concept in the study of fluids and has important applications in a wide range of fields, from engineering and plumbing to oceanography and meteorology.

hydrostatic pressure, fluid mechanics, engineering, plumbing, oceanography, meteorology

Ryan Johnson

CITATION : "Ryan Johnson. 'Water Pressure.' Design+Encyclopedia. https://design-encyclopedia.com/?E=374262 (Accessed on July 16, 2025)"

247175
Water Pressure

Water pressure is a term used to describe the force that is exerted by a liquid on any surface that it is in contact with. It is a form of hydrostatic pressure, which is the pressure that is exerted by a fluid at equilibrium. This pressure is generated by the gravitational force of the liquid, and is typically expressed in terms of pounds per square inch (PSI). The pressure of a liquid is affected by factors such as the depth of the liquid, the density of the liquid, and the ambient temperature. In the field of engineering, water pressure is of particular importance, as it is used to calculate the design of structures such as dams, bridges, and water towers. Structural engineers must consider the pressure exerted by water on structures when designing them, while civil engineers must consider the pressure when designing water storage and delivery systems.

hydrostatic, PSI, gravitational, depth, density.

Joseph Anderson


Water Pressure Definition
Water Pressure on Design+Encyclopedia

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