The weight of fluids at rest causes a pressure that is known as hydrostatic pressure or gravitational pressure. This pressure acts on any area that is in communication with the fluid, exerting a force that is proportional to the size of the area. The effect of hydrostatic pressure is highly important in many fields of engineering: in shipbuilding, in hydraulic engineering when designing locks and weirs, in sanitation and building services.

The FM 100.13 experimental unit offers typical experiments to study hydrostatic pressure in liquids at rest. The effect of the hydrostatic pressure of water can be clearly shown at different water levels and angles of inclination. The experimental unit consists of a transparent, tilting water tank with a scale for measuring volumes. Another scale is used to adjust the angle of inclination of the water tank. The device is balanced by a lever arm using different weights and the compressive force measured.