Definition of Fluid Pressure
Fluid pressure is the force exerted per unit area by a fluid at rest, measured in Pascals (Pa) or pounds per square inch (psi).
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The statement of the theorem
In the context of a continuous fluid medium at rest (i.e., ), the pressure is defined via the Cauchy stress tensor . For an incompressible, static fluid, the stress tensor is isotropic and purely normal, , where is the identity tensor. The pressure is mathematically defined as the scalar field representing the normal stress component acting on a surface element due to the fluid's internal energy and external body forces. Specifically, considering the equilibrium of a differential volume element , the Cauchy momentum equation reduces to: \n\n\n\nSubstituting the hydrostatic stress assumption into the equilibrium equation yields: \n\n\n\nThis simplifies to the fundamental differential equation for pressure: \n\n\n\nIntegrating this gradient yields the hydrostatic pressure equation, which defines at any point relative to a reference point : \n\n \n\nWhere is the constant fluid density, is the acceleration due to gravity, and and are position vectors.