FLUID MECHANICS

LABORATORY REPORT

To find the Metacentric height of the body and also find the distance between
Buoyancy point and Metacentre and also prove it experimentally

DEPARTMENT OF MECHANICAL ENGINEERING

HEAVY INDUSTRIES TAXILA EDUCATION CITY, UNIVERSITY
 Name Ahsan mehboob
Registration No. 12 me 014 Section A
Date
Total Marks 10 Marks Obtained
Supervised By Engr. Yasir Hameed

Experiment 3
To find the Metacentric height of the body and also find the distance between Buoyancy point and
Metacentre and also prove it experimentally

Apparatus
Hydraulic Bench, Metacentric Height Apparatus.

Figure 1: Concept of Metacentre Height Apparatus

Theory
The metacentric height (GM) is the distance between the center of gravity of a ship and its metacentre.
The GM is used to calculate the stability of a ship and this must be done before it proceeds to sea. The
GM must equal or exceed the minimum required GM for that ship for the duration of the forthcoming
voyage. This is to ensure that the ship has adequate stability.
When a ship is tilted the center of buoyancy of the ship moves laterally. The point at which a vertical line
through the tilted center of buoyancy crosses the line through the original, non-tilted center of
buoyancy is the metacenter. In the diagram to the right the two Bs show the centers of buoyancy of a
ship in the upright and tilted condition and M is the metacenter. The
metacenter is considered to be fixed for small angles of heel
however at larger angles of heel the metacenter can no longer be
considered fixed and other means must be found to calculate the
ship's stability.
Centre of buoyancy:
The center of buoyancy is the center of gravity of the volume of Figure 3: Normal & Tilted Position
water which the hull displaces. This point is referred to as B in naval
architecture.
Center of gravity:
The center of gravity of the ship itself is known as G in naval
architecture. When a ship is upright, the center of buoyancy is
directly below the center of gravity of the ship.
Metacenter
The metacenter is the point where the lines intersect of the upward force of buoyancy. When the ship is
vertical it lies above the center of gravity and so moves in the opposite direction of heel as the ship rolls.
The metacenter is known as M in naval architecture.
The distance between the center of gravity and the metacenter is called the metacentric height, and is
usually between one and two meters. This distance is also abbreviated as GM.
Stable Equilibrium:
A body is said to be in stable equilibrium, if it return backs to its original position, when given a small
angular velocity. When GM > 0, the body is stable
Unstable Equilibrium:
A body is said to be in stable equilibrium, if it does not return backs to its original position, when given a
small angular velocity. When GM < 0, the body is unstable
Procedure
1. Fill the temporary tank of the hydraulic bench with the water.
2. Calculate the Centre of Gravity (CG) by balancing whole apparatus on the steel rule and denote it
by point ‘G’.
3. ‘CG’ is dependent on Slider mass.
4. Float the apparatus in the temporary tank.
5. Note the depth of the apparatus and calculate the buoyancy point, denote it by point ‘B’.
6. Calculate the volume displaced by the body.
7. Shift the adjustable weight ‘m’ to the right by the distance ’X’, there will be the deflection shown
by plumb bob.
8. Measure the angle ‘θ’ between the mast and the plumb bob i.e. angle of tilt.
9. Take readings for different values of ‘X’ by moving it on either side of the central position.
10. Repeat the experiment for three other heights of Sliding mass.
11. Compare the theoretical values with thee experimental values.

Calculations & Readings:

1. Record the weights, ‘W’ of the complete pontoon, ‘w’ of the adjustable Weight, ‘WY’ of the
sliding weight on the mast.
2. Adjustable Weight ‘w’ should be at centre, so that apparatus is in balanced position.
3. Measure the overall length ‘L’ and width ‘W’ of the complete pontoon.
4. Calculate the buoyancy point.
5. Calculate the volume displaced by the body.
6. Counter check volume displaced experimentally and then consequently checks the depth.
7. Calculate ‘BG’ by subtracting distance between Centre of Gravity and Buoyancy point.
8. Calculate ‘GM’ by using GM = w × X / W × θ

Weight of Total Floating body ‘W’ = kg

Adjustable weight ‘w’ = kg
Sliding weight ‘WY’ = kg
Length ‘L’ = m , Width ‘D’ = m
Second Moment of water plain area ‘I’ = (1 /12) ×L×D3
I= m4
Volume of water displaced ‘V’ = Weight / Specific Weight of Water
V= m3
Weight = Buoyancy Force
BM = IO / V = m
Depth of Immersion‘d’ = Volume displaced / L × D
Buoyancy point ‘YB’ = d/2 = m
* Counter check the values of Depth of Immersion & Volume displaced Figure 2: Important Points
values experimentally.

Sr. No. Height of Height of G Position of Adjustable Weight Angle of Tilt

Sliding Mass
Formulas Y1 Y -30 -20 -10 0 10 20 30 θ
& Symbols
Units m m m Degree
1.
2.
3.

Sr. No. Height of G X/θ BG Metacentric Height BM

Formulas Y X/θ BG = Y – YB GM = m / M × X /θ BM = BG+ GM

& Symbols
Units m m / Degree m m m
1.
2.
3.