KFUPM — College of Design and Built Environment (CDB)
Department of Architectural Engineering & Construction Management (AECM)
ARE 220 — Fundamentals of Thermal Science
Assignment 1 — Understanding Manometers: A Self-Learning
Activity
Individual submission · Weight: part of the 10% Assignments grade
Name: ______________________________
ID: ____________________
Purpose of This Activity
This is a self-learning activity, not a problem set. Its goal is to build your theoretical understanding of
manometers — what they are, how they work, and where they're used — before we begin solving
manometer calculation problems in class. Numerical problems will follow in a later assignment once this
foundation is in place.
Learning Objectives
●
Explain the working principle of a manometer as a device for measuring pressure.
●
Identify and differentiate between the common types of manometers and where each is used in
practice.
●
Connect manometer operation back to the hydrostatic pressure relation (P = Patm + ρgh) covered
in Topic 1C.
Instructions & Expectations
●
Research using your textbook (Cengel, Cimbala & Ghajar) or/and any credible engineering
references (avoid unreliable or AI-generated sources).
●
Answer in your own words. Direct copy-paste from any source, including AI tools, will be
penalized under the course's academic integrity policy.
●
Include at least one labeled sketch or diagram per manometer type discussed in Part B (handdrawn photos are acceptable; cite the source if you use an existing figure).
●
Cite sources you used (textbook page, website, or article).
Part A — Manometer Fundamentals
1.
Define a manometer and explain, in your own words, its working principle as a pressure-measuring
device.
2.
Explain how the hydrostatic pressure relation P = Patm + ρgh (covered in Lec-2) underlies how a
manometer converts a fluid column height into a pressure reading. Walk through the logic step by
step.
3.
What properties should a manometer fluid have (e.g., density, volatility, wetting behavior)? Explain
why the choice of fluid — for example, mercury versus water — affects the range of pressures a
manometer can practically measure.
Part B — Types of Manometers & Applications
4.
Identify and briefly describe the following manometer types: U-tube manometer, inclined-tube
manometer, differential manometer, and digital (electronic) manometer.
5.
For each type identified in Q4, describe one real-world application. At least one of your four
applications must be building- or HVAC-related (for example: duct static pressure, air filter
differential pressure, or fume hood face velocity verification).