FACULTY OF CHEMICAL ENGINEERING

UNIVERSITI TEKNOLOGI MALAYSIA

FLUID MECHANICS LABORATORY
TITLE OF EXPERIMENT
STABILITY OF FLOATING BODY (E 2)
Name
Matrix No.
Group / Section
Supervisor
Date of Experiment
Date of Submission
Marks obtained (%)

Objective :The objectives of this experiment are to determine the height of meta-center using the
tilting method
Apparatus :1.
2.
3.
4.

Water tank
Pontoon and pillar (with horizontal and vertical weights)
Instrument to stabilize the mass of pontoon
Ruler to measure the length of CG

Introduction
The knowledge on the stability of pontoon such as a floating ship is important. Whether
the ship is stable, unstable or at critical condition, it is determined by the height of the
center of gravity. In this experiment, the stability of a pontoon is determined with the
center of gravity at different heights. The results obtained from the experiments can be
compared with the calculation method.
Theory :Symbols :W
w
GM

x
I
L
B
V
BM
y

=
=
=
=
=
=
=
=
=
=
=

total mass of pontoon with the vertical weight (kg)

mass of horizontal weight (kg)
height of meta-center (mm)
angle of tilt (degrees)
distance by which the horizontal weight is moved (mm)
second moment of water surface area at vertical axis (mm4)
length of pontoon (mm)
width of pontoon (mm)
volume of displaced water (mm3)
length between center of body and meta-center
the distance between the base of pontoon to the center of gravity

Given Data :Mass of horizontal weight

Total mass of pontoon with vertical weight
Width of pontoon
Length of pontoon
Height

=
=
=
=
=

0.28078 kg
1.16567 kg
200 mm
350 mm
75 mm

If a horizontal weight is moved a distance x from the center, the pontoon will tilt. The
angle of tilt can be measured by using the plumb bob.
Overturning couple, Co = wgx
Righting couple,
Cr = Wg(GM) tan

For equilibrium, Co = Cr then GM = wx / (W tan )

Calculation using area of second moment:BM = I/V, where I = LB3 /12 and V= W/
Thus, GM = BM BG
= BM y + d/2
Procedure :1.
2.
3.

4.
5.
6.
7.
8.

9.
10.

Take out the horizontal weight. Fix the height of the vertical weight on the mast of
the pontoon
Adjust the thread until it gives an angle of zero degree (no tilt).
Determine the center of gravity by putting the pontoon mast on the mass balance.
Measure the length of CG which is the length (in mm) from the middle of mast to
the base of pontoon.
Fix the horizontal weight. Make sure that the thread is at zero mm (no tilt).
Fill the tank with water. Float the pontoon in the tank.
Measure the length of the pontoon which is submerged in the water.
Move the horizontal weight 10 mm to the right and record the angle of tilt of the
thread.
Repeat the above step by moving the horizontal weight 10 mm to the right.
Record the angle of tilt. Repeat this step until the plump bob which is hanging on
the thread touches the side of the pontoon.
Repeat procedure by moving the horizontal weight this time to the left.
Adjust the height of the vertical weight to new height and repeat the above
procedures no. 7,8 and 9. Do this test at two (2) values of vertical heights.

Questions
1. Determine the GM, using the equation GM =wx / W tan . Plot GM versus .
Determine the GM when = 0
2. Calculate the height of the meter-center (GM) for each case.
GM = BM BG = I / V (Y d / 2) =I /V Y + d / 2.
3. Does the location of the meter-center depend on the location of the center of
gravity ?
4. Does the location of the meter-center vary with the angless of tilt ?

Table Of Test Data For Stability Of Floating Body

TESTS
Test 01
CG = ____ mm

d = ____ mm

Test 02
CG = ____ mm

d = ____ mm

Test 03
CG = ____ mm

d = ____ mm

Movement To The Right

x (mm)
(degree)

GM

=wx / W tan
mm

Movement To The Left

x (mm) (degree)

GM

=wx / W tan
mm