In the study of the equilibrium of a floating object, such as a boat , three cases have to be distinguished:
- Stable equilibrium: If the metacentre is above the center of gravity, it will remain in equilibrium.
- Unstable equilibrium: If the metacentre is below the center of gravity, there is a deviation between the vector of the floating object and the buoyant force of the fluid in which it floats, making some tilting, and thus the deviation tends to increase.
- Neutral equilibrium: If the metacentre matches with the center of gravity, the metacentric height is equal to zero.
It is possible to perform calculations in different situations so to clearly understand the Archimedes’ principle and the stability of a floating object.
Moreover the position of the center of gravity of the floating object can be changed moving the calibrated rulers to control the position of the weights and to check directly the inclination angle of the barge.
TRAINING OBJECTIVES
- Calculation and study of metacentric height of a floating object.
- Study of the Archimedes’ principle.
TECHNICAL DATA
Barge:
- External dimensions: 350 x 200 x 100mm
- Wall width: 6mm
Weights:
- Movable horizontal counterweight: 500g
- Movable vertical weight on the mast: 200g For each supplied equipment, the mass of the weights is calibrated.
Further information:
- Maximum angular deviation: 33°
- Counterweight linear deviation: ±90mm
- Barge total weight: ca. 2.300g
- Mast height: 400mm
