Hydrostatic Pressure at Depth
Hydrostatic Pressure at Depth
Pressure in a still fluid increases linearly with depth — the basis of dam, tank and diving calculations.
The gauge pressure is p = ρ·g·h. where ρ is density, g gravity and h the depth below the surface.
Inputs
rho := 1000 kg/m^3=1000 kg/m^3
g := 9.81 m/s^2=9.81 m/s^2
h := 12 m=12 m
Pressure is the weight of the fluid column above.
p := rho·g·h=117720 Pa
Results
Every 10 m of water adds about one atmosphere. Add atmospheric pressure for the absolute value. This sets tank wall thickness and diver decompression.
Assumptions & limitations
- Static, incompressible fluid.
- Constant density with depth.
- Gauge pressure (relative to the surface).