Hydrostatic Forces on Surfaces MCQ with answer and solution

Concept

Tensile stresses in cylindrical water tanks

Formula

NONE

Step-by-step solution

1. Tensile stresses develop in the walls of a cylindrical water tank due to internal hydrostatic pressure. Answer: B

Explanation

Hydrostatic pressure from stored liquid increases linearly with depth, reaching its maximum value at the base of the tank. This maximum fluid pressure exerts the greatest outward radial force, causing the highest circumferential tensile stresses near the bottom of the cylindrical wall. Thus, the tensile stresses due to internal pressure are highest near the bottom of the tank, making option B correct.

Why the other options are wrong

C) Tensile hoop stresses vary non-linearly and are not at maximum at mid-height. D) Tensile stresses occur within the cylindrical wall rather than in the foundation structure.

Shortcut

Hydrostatic pressure increases linearly with depth, making tensile hoop stress highest at the bottom of the tank.

Common mistake

Selecting option C or A by assuming stress is highest at mid-height or top instead of at the bottom where hydrostatic pressure is maximum.