WOLFRAM|DEMONSTRATIONS PROJECT

Forces on a Partially Submerged Gate

​
angle
60°
water height (m)
1.22
gate weight (kN)
22.2
​
US customary
SI
show distances
A gate, which is hinged at the bottom, is partially submerged under water, and a cable holds the gate closed. Use the sliders to set the angle of the gate, the weight of the gate, and the water height. Use the buttons to change the units from
klb
F
and ft (US customary units) to kN and m (SI units). Check the "show distance" box to display distances. The Demonstration displays the cable tension needed to support the gate. When the tension is too high (greater than 4.23
klb
F
or 18.82 kN), the cable breaks.