Problem 3.10

A glacier of specific weight 60 lbf/ft^3 moves slowly over a buried river. The glacier is approximately 500 feet thick.

  • What is the pressure in psi at a depth of one foot in the river?

    Work:

    P2-P1 = the pressure just above the river = -sw*h, where sw = specific weight of glacier and h = height of glacier.
    P2 = pressure at a depth of 500 feet = -sw*h + P1
    (P1 = 1 atm = 2116 lbf/ft^2)
    P2 = -(600 lbf/ft^3)(-500 ft) + 2116 lbf/ft^2
    P2 = 32,116 lbf/ft^2
    P2 = 223.1 psia

    P4-P3 = pressure at a depth of 501 feet
    P4 = -sw*h + P2
    P4 = -(600 lbf/ft^3)(-1 ft) + 32,116 lbf/ft^2
    P4 = 600 lbf/ft^2 + 32,116 lbf/ft^2
    P4 = 32,716 lbf/ft^2
    P4 = 15.5 atm
    P4 = 227.3 psia

    Solution

    P4 = pressure at a depth of 1 foot in the river = 227.3 psia

    Problem posted 7/12/05 -- LAL