LAB 2

FAKULTI TEKNOLOGI KEJURUTERAAN

MEKANIKAL DAN PEMBUATAN
UNIVERSITI TEKNIKAL MALAYSIA MELAKA
BMMM 2303 SOLID MECHANICS

LAB SHEET 2

STABILITY OF A FLOATING BODY

Learning LO2 Identify and display appropriate experimental techniques in

Outcome (LO): mechanics of material through laboratory experiments.

Program PO5 Ability to select and apply appropriate techniques, resources and
Outcome: modern engineering tools, with an understanding of their limitations.

Synopsis: This lab activity will enrich students’ knowledge on stability of a floating body.
Students are expected to be able to apply their understanding on the concept of
buorancy and stability of a floating body.

Related Lecture’s 1. Buoyancy and stability

Topic:

Prepared by: Mohd Sulhan Bin Mokhtar Date: 20 Apr 2020

Approved by Dr Muhammad Ilman Hakimi Chua Bin Date

LM/SLM/HOD Abdullah

QMS : REVISION RECORDS

Revision Date Approved by

Description Prepared by :
No (DD/MM/YY) LM/SLM/HOD:
1.0 OBJECTIVE
To determines the stability of a pontoon with its center of gravity at various heights.

2.0 THEORY

Consider the rectangular pontoon shown floating in equilibrium on an even keel, as shown in the
cross section of Figure 1(a). The weight of the floating body acts vertically downwards through its centre
of gravity G and this is balanced by an equal and opposite buoyancy force acting upwards through the
centre of buoyancy B , which lies at the centre of gravity of the liquid displaced by the pontoon.

Figure 1 Derivation of Stability of Floating Pontoon

2.0 3.0 EQUIPMENT & TOOLS
1.Hydrostatics and properties of fluid apparatus
2. Floating Pontoon

Figure 1 : Hydrostatics and properties of fluid apparatus

 Figure 2 : Floating Pontoon

3.0 PROCEDURES/ METHODOLOGY

A.To find the height of the centre of gravity iy of a pontoon (refer to Figure 3).
1. Fit the two magnetic weights to the base of the pontoon.
2. Fit the thick knotted cord, with the plumb weight, through the hole in the sail, ensuringthat the
plumb weight is free to hang down on the side of the sail which has thescored centre line.
3. Clamp the adjustable weight into the V-slot, on the centre line of the lowest row.
4. Lift the pontoon by holding the plumb weight. Mark the point where the plumb linecrosses the
sail centre line with liquid-paper.
5. Repeat step 3 for the other four rows.

B.To measure angle of list, θ:

1. For the highest row, displace the adjustable weight laterally from the sail centre line, with an
increment of 15 mm at a time, until the plumb bob goes beyond the degree scale. Record
the angle of list, θfor each increment into Table 1.
Note: Decide which side of the sail centre line is to be termed negative and then term list
angles on that side negative.

2. Repeat step 1 for the other four rows to complete Table 1.

 Figure 3 : Method of finding centre of gravity

Figure 4 : Dimensions of Pontoon

Video Link :

LAB 2 STABILITY OF FLOATING BODY

https://youtu.be/_kva3xTj5P4
4.0 RESULTS
EXPERIMENTAL DATA AND RESULTS
The total weight of the apparatus (including the two magnetic weights) is stamped on a
label affixed to the sail housing. The adjustable weight (𝜔) has its weight engraved on its
side. The addition of these two values will give the total weight W of the pontoon.
Table 1 List angles for height and position of adjustable weight

Table 2 Derivation of metacentric height from experimental results

1. Plat a graph of lateral position of the adjustable weight, x1 against angle of list, for each height
of adjustable weight, yi (on the same graph sheet).
2. Plot the value of which is the slope of the graph of x1 against , against the height of
centre of gravity above water line, CG. Extrapolation of this plot will indicate the limiting value of CG at
which
5.0 DISCUSSION
For discussion, you should answer all questions as follows:

i. Base on the graph of x1 against angle of list, , discuss the stability of pontoon.

ii. Base on the graph of versus CG, when is the pontoon become unstable? Justify.
iii. What will happen if we change the density of the fluid, using brine, say, instead of fresh
water?

6.0 CONCLUSION

Give your conclusion of this experiment work / report. Summarize its main findings.

7.0 OTHERS

The report must be prepared as APPENDIX.

ASSESSMENT CRITERIA:
Your response to each task will be graded separately based on the checklist attached. To obtain
maximum marks, ensure that your response addresses each of the tasks in the question accordingly.

Assessment checklist for Lab Activity 1

Assessment tasks Mark LO PO C/P/A level

allocation

Procedure (Ability to choose lab 10 LO2 PO5

P1 - Perception
for torsion test and use equipment)

Work Process (Ability to construct 10 LO2 PO5 P2 - Set

and understanding of torsion test
activity)

Work Process (Ability to show 15 LO2 PO5 P4 – Mechanism

data – Fotography skills)

Outcome (Results - Torque-angle 25 LO2 PO5 P4 – Mechanism

of twist data)

Outcome (Explanation of the 15 LO2 PO5 P5 - Complex

results) Overt Response

Outcome (Discussion) 15 LO2 PO5 P5 - Complex

Overt Response

Discipline (Ability to perform lab 10 LO2 PO5 P2 - Set

and safety regulations)

TOTAL 100

SPECIFIC INSTRUCTION

1. Answer in ENGLISH .
2. Must include list of references .
3. Submit your assignment ONCE only in a SINGLE file.
4. Submit your assignment ONLINE.
5. Submission date: Week 4
6. This lab report/activity accounts for 5% of the total marks for the course.