Exercise A

Objective
To locate the position of the metacentre (M) of a floating body, by determining its
distance from the centre of gravity (G); this distance (GM) is known as the Metacentric
Height.
Note: it is a condition for stable equilibrium that M remains higher than G.
Method
The centre of gravity of the pontoon assembly can be varied by adjusting the position of
a sliding weight on the mast. For a fixed position of the centre of gravity, the metacentric
height (GM) can be determined experimentally be measuring the angle heel ()
produced at each position of an inclining weight, as it is traversed across the width of
the pontoon.
Equipment Required
In order to complete the demonstration of the metacentric height apparatus we need a
number of piece of equipment.

The F1-10 Hydraulic bench (or a suitable depth of undisturbed free water
surface)
The F1-14 Metacentric height apparatus
Weigh Balance max 2.0 kg (not supplied)
Ruler (not supplied)
Knife Edge of fine string (not supplied)

Theory
The theoretical results given her are derived from the first principles in many first-degree
level fluid mechanics text-books.
For static equilibrium of the pontoon, the total weight (W) which acts through the centre
of gravity (G) must be equal to the buoyancy force which acts through the centre of
buoyancy (B) which is located at the centroid of the immersed cross-section. When the
pontoon heels through a small angle () the metacentre (M) is identified as the point of
intersection between the line of action of the buoyancy force (always vertical) and BG
extended. For stable equilibrium, M must be above G.

Armfield instruction Manual

When the inclining weight is moved to one side, the centre of gravity G shifts to a new
position G and the centre of buoyancy B also shifts to a new positon B.
Since the shift in the centre of gravity was caused by moving the weight P though a
distance x, we can write:
Px = W(G G)
From the figure above, we can see that:
G G = GM tan
Hence:
GM =

PX
W X tan

Note that this equation cannot be used when = 0.

It is also possible to calculate the metacentric height, GM, from the first principles, by
calculating the shift in the centre of buoyancy of the vessel.

Armfield Instruction Manual

hence:
BM =

l x b3
12 x b x d

The immersed volume (V) can be determined by calculations. Since the buoyancy force
(upthrust) is equal to the total weight (W) of the pontoon and its load:
W

V = W
The depth of immersion can be found from:
d=

V
l xb

d
Finally, the centre of buoyancy B is at a distance KB = 2

from the base.

The centre of gravity G is at a distance KG above the base. Hence:

GM = BM = KG + KB
Note: For body with fixed displacement, the position of the metacentre will remain
constant but the metacentric height GM will reduce if the centre of gravity is raised.
Equipment Set Up
Weigh the inclining weight (=P kg), used for traversing across the pontoon width.
Assemble the pontoon, mast and both weights and determine the total weight (=W kg).
At the start of the experiment, position the sliding weight on the mast to give the location
of the centre of gravity (G) for the whole assembly at the level of the top of the pontoon
i.e. y = 75mm.
The position of G can be determined by:

Use of a knife edge

Tying a light string tightly around the mast and carefully allowing the whole
assembly to be suspended from it , adjusting the position of the suspension of
point until the mast direction becomes horizontal.

Measure the distance G from the base of the pontoon and record the distance y.
If using the F1-10 Hydraulic bench fill the volumetric tank with water, then
remove the filling tube from the tank (to prevent back siphoning through the main
tank).
Procedure
Move the inclining weight to the centre of the pontoon, indicated by 0mm on the
linear scale then lighten the securing screw.
Float the pontoon in the water and measure the immersed depth d for the
comparison with the calculated value (see Theory).
If necessary adjust the tilt of the mast (by slackening securing screws which
pass though slotted holes) to ensure that the plumb line aligns with the angular
scale without rubbing. Tighten the screws.
Traverse the inclining weight to the right 10mm increments to the end of the
scale and note the angular displacement () of the plumb line for each position
of the weight. Repeat this procedure traversing the inclining weight to the left of
the centre. Angles should be designated +ve to one side and ve to the other to
avoid confusion when analysing the readings.
Change the position of the Pontoon centre of gravity by moving the sliding
weight up the mast. Suggested positions are at the maximum height and then
the location midway between maximum height and the position use in the first
test. A lower position of the weight at the bottom of the mast (G inside the
pontoon) may also be evaluated. For each new position G, repeat the above test
and determine the metacentric height , GM. Hence, locate the position of the
metacentre M (=y + GM) from the base of the pontoon, using the results from all
of the tests.
Note: The equation for the calculation of GM cannot be applied when =0, so
this must be determined graphically as described in the result section below.

(m)l

Armfield Instruction Manual

Results (CG @ full height)

0.2
0.2
0.2
0.2
0.2
0.2

0.35
0.35
0.35
0.35
0.35
0.35

0.777

0.777

0.777

0.777

0.777

0.777

0.307

0.307

0.307

0.307

0.307

0.307

0.103

0.103

0.103

0.103

0.103

0.103

0.025

0.025

0.025

0.025

0.025

0.025

0.06

0.05

0.04

0.03

0.02

0.01

15.2

11.4

9.3

4.7

2.5

0.017

0.020

0.024

0.032

0.048

0.090

Pontoon
Pontoon
Inclining
Height of
Depth of Theoretical Position of
Angle of
Exp.
(m) b
Total weight
(kg) P
gravity
d
height
weight
(degrees)
height
length
width
weight
centre of immersion metacentric
inclining
heel
Metacentric

(m)l

0.2
0.2
0.2
0.2
0.2
0.2
0.2
0.2
0.2

0.35
0.35
0.35

Results (CG @ 10.3)

0.35

Armfield Instruction Manual

0.35
0.35
0.35
0.35
0.35

0.777

0.777

0.777

0.777

0.777

0.777

0.777

0.777

0.777

0.307

0.307

0.307

0.307

0.307

0.307

0.307

0.307

0.307

0.103

0.103

0.103

0.103

0.103

0.103

0.103

0.103

0.103

0.025

0.025

0.025

0.025

0.025

0.025

0.025

0.025

0.025

0.09

0.08

0.07

0.06

0.05

0.04

0.03

0.02

0.01

10.6

9.9

8.6

7.4

6.3

3.8

2.5

1.3

0.021

0.023

0.026

0.030

0.036

0.045

0.059

0.090

0.174

Pontoon
Pontoon
Inclining
Height of
Depth of Theoretical Position of
Angle of
Exp.
(m) b
Total weight
(kg) P
gravity
d
height
weight
(degrees)
height
length
width
weight
centre of immersion metacentric
inclining
heel
Metacentric

For

each position of the centre of gravity, plot a graph of metacentric height GM against
angle of heel .

From this graph, extrapolate the position of GM when = 0

(m)l

For each position of the centre of gravity, plot a graph of metacentric height GM against
angle of heel .

From this graph, extrapolate the position of GM when = 0

Armfield Instruction Manual

Results (CG @ midway)

0.2
0.2
0.2
0.2
0.2
0.2
0.2
0.2

0.35
0.35
0.35
0.35
0.35
0.35
0.35
0.35

0.777

0.777

0.777

0.777

0.777

0.777

0.777

0.777

0.307

0.307

0.307

0.307

0.307

0.307

0.307

0.307

0.103

0.103

0.103

0.103

0.103

0.103

0.103

0.103

0.025

0.025

0.025

0.025

0.025

0.025

0.025

0.025

0.08

0.07

0.06

0.05

0.04

0.03

0.02

0.01

11.6

10.35

7.45

4.4

2.9

1.3

0.019

0.022

0.025

0.030

0.038

0.051

0.078

0.17

Pontoon
Pontoon
Inclining
Height of
Depth of Theoretical Position of
Angle of
Exp.
(m) b
Total weight
(kg) P
gravity
d
height
weight
(degrees)
height
length
width
weight
centre of immersion metacentric
inclining
heel
Metacentric

For each position of the centre of gravity, plot a graph of metacentric height GM against
angle of heel .
From this graph, extrapolate the position of GM when = 0

Conclusions

Comment on the effects of changing the position of G on the position of the

Metacentre.
Comment on why the values of GM at the lowest values of aare likely to be less
accurate.

Explain how unstable equilibrium might be achieved.