EXPERIMENT #6

DETERMINATION OF METACENTRIC HEIGHT

OF A FLOATING BODY
Introduction:
In this experiment we'll deal with floating body which a floating body is:
a. Stable: If it tends to return to its original equilibrium position after it had been tilted
through a small angle. For a floating body to be stable it is essential that the metacenter
( M ) is above the center of gravity; metacentric height (MG) should be positive.
b. Unstable: If it tends to a new equilibrium position after it had been tilted through a small
angle. And a floating body to be unstable it is essential that the metacenter ( M ) is below
the center of gravity.

The metacentric height can be calculated as followed:

MG = BM + OB OG

OBJECTIVES:
To determine the metacentric height of a floating body
To illustrate the relationship of the metacentric height of a floating body and its stability.

APPARATUS:
(a) metacentric height apparatus
 The unit shown inFigure6.1 consists of a pontoon (1)
and a water tank as float vessel. The rectangular
pontoon is fitted with a vertical sliding weight (2)
which permits adjustment of the height of the centre
of gravity and a horizontal sliding weight (3) that
generates a defined tilting moment. The sliding
weight scan be fixed in any positions using knurled
screws. The positions (4, 5) of the sliding weights and
the draught (6) of the pontoon can be measured
using the scales. A heel indicator (7) is also available
for measuring the heel angle.

Figure 6.1 Different parts of experimental apparatus

(b) Weight
(c) Basin of water

PROCEDURE:
1. Measure the dimensions of the scow.
2. Determine the weight of the scow together with the set of weight.
3. Observe the angle indicator reading from the normal position and the titled position.
4. Measure the depth of floatation of the block in water for the different magnitude of load. Make sure
that the plumb line is vertical.
5. Move the load in a quarter distance going to the centre edge of the block. Observe and record the
offset from the center or the angle of inclination or tilt.
6. Move again the load a quarter distance or place it three four distance from the centre going to the
edge. Observe and record the inclination or tilt.
7. Repeat the procedure for two more trials.

DISCUSSION:
 There are in fact two Metacentric heights of a ship. One for Rolling and the other for Pitching.
The former will always be less than the latter and unless otherwise stated, the Metacentric
given will be for Rolling

Sample Data Sheet

Angle of
No. of Displacement
Rotation CM
Observation of weight
R L
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
Comments & Recommendations:
Errors founded and may be affected on a results in the experiment due to manyreasons listed
below:
1.Zero error: If the setup reading isnt zero at zero load.
2. Human error: if the experimenter red the outputs and calculate incorrectly.It is recommended
to make sure that there is no zero error