GATE 2020 ME (ME1) – Question 50
A unit-width (1 m into the plane) barrier between two water tanks is modelled as a cantilever, with water depths 4 m and 1 m on opposite sides as shown. For water density 1000 kg/m³ and g = 10 m/s², find maximum absolute bending moment in the cantilever (kN·m), nearest integer.
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Correct answer: 104 to 106
Explanation
Each triangular hydrostatic load gives base moment ρgbh³/6. Opposing loads subtract: $M=1000(10)(1)(4^3-1^3)/6=105000$ N·m=**105 kN·m**. Net pressure acts in one direction at every height, so the maximum moment is at the base.