ABSTRACT
Hydrostatics is the study of fluids at rest and is therefore the simplest aspect of hydraulics. The main characteristic of a stationary fluid is the force which it brings to bear on its surroundings. In this chapter, the measurement of fluid pressure is first introduced, and then pressure forces are described, and equations are developed for calculating forces on submerged bodies and hydraulic structures. Finally, the topic of flotation and stability of floating bodies is considered. Worked examples and problems for solution are also given in the text.
