Buoyancy and stability of floating bodies

Problems concerns with floating bodies (partially

immersed bodies) are problems of equilibrium between
the weight of the body (W) and the resultant pressure
force, acting on the body by the fluid, (FB). This force is
called the buoyancy force.

This force and its point of action, (B) will be our subject in this
section.

Archimedes principle

The buoyant force acting on a body immersed

(or floated) in a fluid is equal to the weight of
the displaced fluid by the body. It acts 

vertically upward in the centroid of the

displaced volume. 𝑉𝑑

𝐹𝐵 is the buoyancy force affects on the floated body.

B is the center of buoyancy (point of action of 𝐹𝐵 ) = the centroid of

the displaced volume 𝑉𝑑

𝐹𝐵 = 𝛾 𝑉𝑑

 is the specific weight of the fluid

For equilibrium:

The weight of the body W which acts at the center of gravity (G) must be
equal to the buoyancy force 𝐹𝐵 which acts at the center of buoyancy (B).
G and B must be collinear, (G and B acts at the same vertical line).

The law of Archimedes can be easily derived by using the laws of the
hydrostatic forces on the curved surface as follow:

Consider ABCD is an irregular solid body

immersed in a fluid has specific weight . The
resultant pressure force can be determined by:

a- Horizontal component 𝐹𝐻

We will divide the body into the curved surface DAB (where the fluid is
at the left of the surface) and another curved surface DCB (where the
fluid is at the right of the surface). So,

𝐹𝐻 = 𝐹𝐻 (𝐷𝐴𝐵) + 𝐹𝐻 (𝐷𝐶𝐵)

𝐹𝐻 (𝐷𝐴𝐵)
= 𝐹 𝑜𝑛 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑝𝑟𝑜𝑗𝑒𝑐𝑡𝑒𝑑 𝑣𝑒𝑟𝑡𝑖𝑐𝑎𝑙 𝑝𝑙𝑎𝑛𝑒 𝑎𝑟𝑒𝑎 (𝐷𝐵) 𝑎𝑡 𝑖𝑡𝑠 𝑙𝑒𝑓𝑡 𝑠𝑖𝑑𝑒

𝐹𝐻 (𝐷𝐶𝐵)
= 𝐹 𝑜𝑛 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑝𝑟𝑜𝑗𝑒𝑐𝑡𝑒𝑑 𝑣𝑒𝑟𝑡𝑖𝑐𝑎𝑙 𝑝𝑙𝑎𝑛𝑒 𝑎𝑟𝑒𝑎 (𝐷𝐵) 𝑎𝑡 𝑖𝑡𝑠 𝑟𝑖𝑔ℎ𝑡 𝑠𝑖𝑑𝑒

These two forces are equal and opposite. So 𝐹𝐻 = 0

 b- Vertical component 𝐹𝑉

We will divide the body into the curved surface ADC (where the fluid
is above the surface) and another curved surface ABC (where the fluid
is below the surface). So,

𝐹𝑉 = 𝐹𝑉 (𝐴𝐷𝐶) + 𝐹𝑉 (𝐴𝐵𝐶)

𝐹𝑉 = 𝛾 𝑉(𝐴𝐷𝐶𝐹𝐸) ↓ + 𝛾 𝑉(𝐴𝐵𝐶𝐹𝐸) ↑

𝐹𝑉 = 𝛾 [ 𝑉(𝐴𝐵𝐶𝐹𝐸) − 𝑉(𝐴𝐷𝐶𝐹𝐸) ]

𝐹𝑉 = 𝛾 𝑉(𝐴𝐵𝐶𝐷) = 𝛾 (𝑣𝑜𝑙𝑢𝑚𝑒 𝑜𝑓 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑖𝑚𝑚𝑒𝑟𝑠𝑒𝑑 𝑏𝑜𝑑𝑦)

𝐹𝑉 = 𝛾 (𝑑𝑖𝑠𝑝𝑙𝑎𝑐𝑒𝑑 𝑣𝑜𝑙𝑢𝑚𝑒 𝑜𝑓 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑓𝑙𝑢𝑖𝑑)

𝐹𝑉 = 𝐵𝑢𝑜𝑦𝑎𝑛𝑐𝑦 𝑓𝑜𝑟𝑐𝑒 𝐹𝐵

Relation between the weight of the body (𝑊) and the immersed volume
of the body (displaced volume of fluid). (𝑉𝑑 )

The figure shows 4 bodies with different

weights (𝑊4 > 𝑊3 > 𝑊2 > 𝑊1 ) and with the
same volumes, submerged in a fluid has
specific weight . As shown, with the increase
of the weight, the immersed part of the body
increases (displaced volume of the fluid
increases) such that 𝑊 = 𝐹𝐵 = 𝛾 𝑉𝑑 . It is the case of floated and
suspended bodies (body 1, body 2 and body 3). For body 3 (suspended
body), 𝐹𝐵3 = 𝑊3 = 𝛾 (𝑉𝑏𝑜𝑑𝑦 3 ). It is the maximum buoyant force can
be obtained for this body. With further increase of the weight, the body
will sink (body 4), because 𝑊4 > 𝐹𝐵4 .
Apparent weight

It is the difference between the actual weight of the body 𝑊 and the

buoyant force 𝐹𝐵 . It depends on the fluid surrounds the body:

 Bodies in gases (or air)

𝐴𝑝𝑝𝑎𝑟𝑒𝑛𝑡 𝑤𝑒𝑖𝑔ℎ𝑡 = 𝑊 − 𝛾𝑔𝑎𝑠 (𝑉𝑏𝑜𝑑𝑦 )

 Bodies in liquids (or water)

𝐴𝑝𝑝𝑎𝑟𝑒𝑛𝑡 𝑤𝑒𝑖𝑔ℎ𝑡 = 𝑊 − 𝛾𝑙𝑖𝑞𝑢𝑖𝑑 (𝑉𝑏𝑜𝑑𝑦 )

Since 𝛾𝑔𝑎𝑠 ≪ 𝛾𝑙𝑖𝑞𝑢𝑖𝑑 , the buoyant force due to gases can be neglected
compared with liquids. So, in air the apparent weight of the body equals
to its actual weight.

Important note:

1- Any floated or suspended body, its apparent weight equal zero. So,
the apparent weight for body (1, 2, or 3) = 0.
2- The apparent weight (for body 4) = 𝑊4 − 𝐹𝐵4
Example 1
A block of concrete weighs 10 kN in air and weighs only 6 kN when
immersed in fresh water ( =1000 kg/m3). What is the average specific
weight of the block?

Solution

𝐴𝑐𝑡𝑢𝑎𝑙 𝑤𝑒𝑖𝑔ℎ𝑡 (𝑊) = 𝑤𝑒𝑖𝑔ℎ𝑡 𝑖𝑛 𝑎𝑖𝑟 = 10 𝑘𝑁

apparent weight (in water) = 𝐴𝑐𝑡𝑢𝑎𝑙 𝑤𝑒𝑖𝑔ℎ𝑡 − buoyancy force
6 = 10 − 𝐹𝐵
𝐹𝐵 = 4 𝑘𝑁 = 4000 𝑁
𝐹𝐵 = 𝛾𝑤 𝑉𝑏𝑜𝑑𝑦
4000 = 9.81(10)3 𝑉𝑏𝑜𝑑𝑦

𝑉𝑏𝑜𝑑𝑦 = 0.4077 𝑚3

𝑊𝑒𝑖𝑔ℎ𝑡 10000
𝑠𝑝𝑒𝑐𝑖𝑓𝑖𝑐 𝑤𝑒𝑖𝑔ℎ𝑡 = = = 24527.83 𝑁/𝑚3
𝑉𝑏𝑜𝑑𝑦 0.4077

Example 2

A crane is used to lower weights into the sea (density 1025 kg/m3) for an
under - water construction project. Determine the tension in the rope of
the crane due to a rectangular 0.4 m x 0.4 m x3 m concrete block (density
2300 kg/m3) when it is (a) suspended in the air and (b) completely
immersed in water.
Solution

(a) Consider the free-body diagram of the

concrete block. The forces acting on the
concrete block are its weight and tension
force by the rope. These two forces must
balance each other, and thus the tension in
the rope must be equal to the weight of the
block:

𝐹𝑇,𝑎𝑖𝑟 = 𝑊

𝑊 = 𝑚𝑔 = 𝜌𝑉𝑔
= 2300(0.4 × 0.4 × 3)9.81
= 10.8 𝑘𝑁

(b) When the block is immersed in water, there is the additional force of
buoyancy acting upward.

𝐹𝐵 = 𝛾𝑠𝑒𝑎 𝑤𝑎𝑡𝑒𝑟 (𝑉𝑏𝑜𝑑𝑦 ) = 𝜌𝑠𝑒𝑎 𝑤𝑎𝑡𝑒𝑟 𝑔(0.4 × 0.4 × 3)

𝐹𝐵 = 9.81 × 1025 × 0.48 = 4.8 𝑘𝑁

𝐹𝑇,𝑤𝑎𝑡𝑒𝑟 = 𝑎𝑝𝑝𝑎𝑟𝑒𝑛𝑡 𝑤𝑒𝑖𝑔ℎ𝑡 = 𝑊 − 𝐹𝐵 = 10.8 − 4.8 = 6.0 𝑘𝑁

Stability of floating bodies
There are 3 possible types (conditions) of equilibrium of floating bodies:
i- Stable equilibrium
In this type, a small displacement (disturbance) of
the body from its equilibrium position, would
produce a righting moment (restoring moment)
makes the body to restore its equilibrium position.
It is similar to the case of right cone its base rests
on a horizontal surface.

ii- Unstable equilibrium

In this type, a small displacement (disturbance) of
the body from its equilibrium position, would
produce an overturning moment makes the body
to displace further from its equilibrium position.
It is similar to the case of a cone its very small
base rests on a horizontal surface.

iii- Neutral equilibrium

In this type, the body remains at rest in any position
to which it may be displaced. It is the case of a cone
its side rests on a horizontal surface.
The above 3 types of equilibrium of floating bodies will be discussed in
details as follow:
i- Stable equilibrium

The figure shows a floating body has weight

W that acts in the center of gravity G. It is in
equilibrium with the buoyant force 𝐹𝐵 that
acts in the center of buoyancy B (centroid of
the displaced volume). G and B are collinear,
it is the line of symmetry of the body.

If this body is subjected to a disturbance (small

displacement) makes the body to rotate
anticlockwise. This tilted position changes the
shape of the displaced volume (its geometry). As
a result, the center of buoyancy is displaced to
B'. The body in this case becomes under the effect of two parallel and
equal forces but not collinear. They form couple with moment in
clockwise direction (it is opposite to the direction of the disturbance
moment). It is the righting moment that makes the body to restore its
equilibrium position.

Metacenter point M
The vertical line drawn upward from B' intersects the line of symmetry of
the body at a point M, called the metacenter.
𝑅𝑖𝑔ℎ𝑡𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑚𝑜𝑚𝑒𝑛𝑡 = 𝑊. 𝑋 = 𝑊. 𝐺𝑀. sin ∆𝜃 = 𝑊. 𝐺𝑀. ∆𝜃 (for small
tilting angle ∆𝜃. X is the moment arm of the couple, it is the normal
distance between W and 𝐹𝐵 .
ii- Unstable equilibrium

The figure shows a floating body has weight W

that acts in the center of gravity G. It is in
equilibrium with the buoyant force 𝐹𝐵 that acts in
the center of buoyancy B.

If the body is subjected to a disturbance (small

displacement) makes the body to rotate
anticlockwise. This tilted position changes the
shape of the displaced volume (its geometry). As
a result, the center of buoyancy is displaced to B'.
The body in this case becomes under the effect of
two parallel and equal forces but not collinear.
They form couple with moment in anticlockwise
direction (the same direction of the moment of
disturbance). It is the overturning moment that
makes the body to displace further from its
equilibrium position. In this case, the body does
not return to its initial state.

The Metacenter point can be obtained by drawing the vertical line

upward from B' and intersects the line of symmetry of the body at the
point M.

𝑂𝑣𝑒𝑟𝑡𝑢𝑟𝑛𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑚𝑜𝑚𝑒𝑛𝑡 = 𝑊. 𝑋 = 𝑊. 𝐺𝑀. sin ∆𝜃 = 𝑊. 𝐺𝑀. ∆𝜃

Metacenteric height GM
It is the distance from the center of gravity G and the metacenter point M.

Comparing between the two conditions of equilibrium, we find that:

1- If M lies above G, a righting moment is produced. GM is considered

positive and the equilibrium is stable.

2- If M lies below G, an overturning moment is produced. GM is

considered negative and the equilibrium is unstable.

3- If M coincides on G, no moment is produced. GM is zero and the

equilibrium is neutral.
Determination of Metacentric height

Consider a body that floated on a fluid has

specific weight . It is in equilibrium under
the effect of its weight w and the buoyant
force 𝐹𝐵 .

𝐼𝑜
𝐺𝑀 = − 𝐺𝐵
𝑉𝑑

G is the center of gravity of the body

B is the center of buoyancy = centroid of the displaced volume
(immersed part of the body)

GB is the distance between G and B.

𝑉𝑑 is the displaced volume of the fluid = volume of the immersed part
of the body.

𝑜 is the centroid of the water-line plane. The water-line plane is the

section of the body at the water surface. The details of the water-
line plane are drawn at the plane view.

𝐼𝑜 is the moment of inertia of the water-line plane about axis passing

through its centroid (o). It is axis about which the body rotates by
the disturbance moment.
According the obtained values of GM, we can determine the type of
equilibrium of the body (the values of GM give indication of the stability
of the body).

1- If GM is positive, the equilibrium is stable.

2- If GM is negative, the equilibrium is unstable.

3- If GM = zero, the body is in neutral equilibrium.

Example 1

A ship has dimensions 20m long, 7m wide and 3m

height. It has draft of 2m. The center of gravity of
the body is on the axis of symmetry of the water-
line. Determine the metacentric height and the
condition of equilibrium of this ship.

Solution

The figure shows the body in two views:

 The front view (elevation), it shows the water-line and its centroid
(o). It also indicates the center of gravity of the body (G) and the
center of buoyancy (B) = centroid of the immersed part. In this
problem, (G) coincides on (o), and B is at the mid-point of the draft.

 The plane view, it is the details of the water-line plane (section of the
body at the water surface). Also, the principle axes about which the
body may rotate by the disturbance moment are shown. They are:
  Pitching axis or y axis

 Rolling axis or x axis

𝑉𝑑 = 𝑙𝑒𝑛𝑔𝑡 × 𝑤𝑖𝑑𝑡ℎ × 𝑑𝑟𝑎𝑓𝑡 = 20 × 7 × 2 = 280 𝑚3

𝐺𝐵 = 1 𝑚

We will determine the type of equilibrium with respect to:

1- Pitching axis (y axis)

7(20)3
𝐼𝑜 = 𝐼𝑦 = = 4666.6 𝑚4 , then
12

𝐼𝑜 4666.6
𝐺𝑀 = − 𝐺𝐵 = − 1 = 15.66 𝑚
𝑉𝑑 280

Since, 𝐺𝑀 > 0, the body is stable with respect to this axis.

2- Rolling axis (x axis)

20(7)3
𝐼𝑜 = 𝐼𝑥 = = 572 𝑚4
12
𝐼𝑜 572
𝐺𝑀 = − 𝐺𝐵 = − 1 = 1.04 𝑚
𝑉𝑑 280

Also, 𝐺𝑀 > 0, the body is stable with respect to this axis.

Example 2

A barge displaces 250 ton of

water has water-line plane
shown. The center of gravity of
the barge is 0.5 m below the
water surface and its center of
buoyancy is 2 m from this
surface. Determine its
metacentric height and the
equilibrium condition of the body.

Solution
Displaced mass of water 𝑚𝑑 = 250 ton = 250000 kg

𝑚𝑑 250000
𝑉𝑑 = = = 250 𝑚3
𝜌𝑤 1000

Point G below point O with distance

0.5m
Point B below point O with distance 2 m
So,

𝐺𝐵 = 1.5 𝑚
To determine the type of equilibrium:
1- With respect to y axis

𝐼𝑜 = 𝐼𝑦 = 𝐼𝑦 (1) + 4 𝐼𝑦 (2)

8(10)3 4(3)3
𝐼𝑦 = + 4( + 6 (6)2 ) = 885.66 𝑚4
12 36

𝐼𝑦 885.66
𝐺𝑀 = − 𝐺𝐵 = − 1.5 = 2.04 𝑚
𝑉𝑑 250
Since, 𝐺𝑀 > 0, the body is stable with respect to this axis.
2- With respect to x axis

𝐼𝑜 = 𝐼𝑥 = 𝐼𝑥 (1) + 4 𝐼𝑥 (2)

10(8)3 3(4)3
𝐼𝑥 = + 4( ) = 490.66 𝑚4
12 12

𝐼𝑥 490.66
𝐺𝑀 = − 𝐺𝐵 = − 1.5 = 0.46 𝑚
𝑉𝑑 250

Also, 𝐺𝑀 > 0, the body is stable with respect to this axis.