Question 3

Arectangulargate (shown in the figure below) is located at the end of a rectangular passage that is

connected to a lake filled with an unknown liquid. The gate is hinged at the bottom and held closed by a

horizontal force FH, applied to the centre of the gate.

On the surface of the lake is stationing a river barge whose cross section is approximately rectangular. Its

draft (depth of submergence) is hB.

Determine the maximum water depth, h, above the centre of the gate that can exist without the gate

opening. Is the answer the same if the gate is hinged at the top?