INDIAN INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY GOA

ME 201: FLUID MECHANICS

EXPERIMENT 3
LAB REPORT

NAME ROLL NUMBER

T S HEMANTH 2306336
TANAY B DOBLE 2306337
VANSHIKA MALIK 2306338
VEDAANT SINGH SENGAR 2306339
VIDHI 2306340
YASH SUDHINDRA PAWAR 2306342
YASHVARDHAN SINGH 2306343

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EXPERIMENT 3: METACENTRIC HEIGHT

Objective:
The aim to find the metacentric height of the body immersed in water.

Theory:
What is Metacentric Height?
Metacentric height (GM) is a crucial measure in naval architecture, representing the initial
stability of a floating vessel like a ship. It is the vertical distance between the ship's centre of
gravity (G) and its metacentre (M), the point where the line of buoyant force intersects the
ship's vertical axis when it tilts. This measurement helps determine how easily a vessel can
return to its upright position after being heeled by an external force.

A positive metacentric height indicates a stable ship, where any tilt generates a righting
moment, pushing the vessel back to an even keel. If GM is zero, the ship is neutrally stable,
meaning it will remain at the angle to which it was tilted. Conversely, a negative GM suggests
instability, with the vessel prone to further tilting, raising the risk of capsizing.

The design of the hull, the distribution of weight, and the ship's loading conditions significantly
influence metacentric height. Naval architects carefully calculate and measure GM to ensure
that vessels remain stable and safe under various conditions, balancing comfort and safety for
both passengers and crew.

Technical details using adjustable mass

Item Details
Adjustable mass 0.384 kg (nominal)
Rectangular hull 2.04 kg (nominal)
1.5 mm thick stainless steel
Sail 0.389 kg (weight nominal)
Main sail 5 mm thick clear acrylic
Tank 595 mm (length), 400 mm (width), 125 mm
(height), 2kg (weight nominal)

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What is a hull and where are its applications?
Hull is the most essential body part of ships/boats. It is a watertight shell that interacts first-
hand with water, supporting the deck, providing storage spaces and ensuring the boat’s
buoyancy and stability on water.
In this report we are basically talking about rectangular hull which we have used for calculating
metacentric height.

Figure 1

From the figure given below we can see how a rectangular hull is used in boats

Reference: - https://www.quora.com/Why-would-a-rectangular-shaped-boat-hold-more-weight-
than-a-circular-or-triangular-shaped-boat-How-does-the-shape-of-a-boat-affect-the-amount-of-
weight-it-can-hold

Figure 2

Notations for useful equations and theory: -

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Sr No Symbol Meaning Units
1. B Centre of Buoyancy -
2. B’ Resultant Centre of -
Buoyancy
3. C Immersion reference -
point
4. D Width of hull m
5. 𝐹𝑏 Buoyancy Force N
6. g Gravity 𝑚 𝑠 −1
7. G Centre of gravity, in -
neutral position
8. G’ Resultant centre of -
gravity
9. I Second moment of 𝑚4
Inertia
10. L Element Length m
11. m mass kg
12. M Metacentre -
13. 𝑀𝑏 Buoyancy moment Nm
14. 𝑀ℎ Hull mass kg
15. 𝑀𝑗 Mass of adjustable kg
mass
16. 𝑀𝑠 Sail mass kg
17. O Reference point on -
underside of hull
18. V Volume of displaced 𝑚3
water
19. 𝑉𝑖 Distance of m
adjustable mass
above hull base
20. W Weight N
21. 𝑊𝑖 Adjustable mass N
weight
22. 𝑥𝑔 Distance between m
the centre of gravity
in neutral position
and the resultant
centre of gravity (G
and G’)
23. 𝑥𝑗 Distance between m
the centre of
Buoyancy and
resultant centre of
buoyancy (B and B’)

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 24. 𝑥𝑚 m
25. 𝑦𝑗 Position of m
adjustable mass
26. 𝑦𝑠ℎ Centre of mass m
without adjustable
mass
27. 𝜃 Small tilt angle radians
28. 𝜌𝑤 Density of water 𝐾𝑔3 𝑚−1
29. 𝜙 Half Segment Angle radians

What is water density and how it is affected by varying parameters?

As the temperature of water fluctuates, there are corresponding slight changes in its density.
Interestingly, water reaches its maximum density at around 4°C. Beyond this point, as the
temperature continues to rise, the density of the water decreases gradually. This phenomenon
has significant implications and must be carefully considered in any related calculations to
ensure accuracy.
The below given equation shows how to accurately calculate density of water at any given
temperature T,
𝜌
999.839 + 16.952𝑇 − 7.990 × 10−3 𝑇 2 − 46.241 × 10−6 𝑇 3 + 105.846 × 10−9 𝑇 4 − 281.030 × 10−12 𝑇 3
=
(1 + 16.887 × 10−3 𝑇)

The graph given below shows the variation of density of water with change in temperature,

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Stability:
To determine if a floating body is stable, the body must be first examined floating in a neutral
position, upright, in a fluid.

Figure 3 (Neutral Equilibrium)

It can be seen from figure 1 that with a force W, the body’s weight acts at the centre of gravity,
G. There is also a buoyancy force acting at the centre of buoyancy, B. the body floats so the
buoyancy force must match the weight of the body, W.
The centre of buoyancy is located at the centre of gravity of the fluid displaced. In the example,
the body is symmetrical, and it is clear to see that the centre of buoyancy will lie on the centre
line of the floating body. The volume of the fluid displaced can be found as follows:

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 𝑊 𝑚
𝑉 = 𝑔𝜌 = 𝜌𝑤
......(2)
𝑤

The two forces are in line and equal, so the body is in equilibrium. This is different to being
stable. If an external force were to act on this body, it may easily topple over.

Figure 4

Consider the body after being displaced be a small angle, as shown in figure 2 (stable
buoyancy), the vessel is now titled. The centre of buoyancy has been moved to a new position
and the area of displaced water changes, no longer being symmetrical. The gravity and
buoyancy forces now effectively produce a couple, which wants to restore the body to its
natural position. This is a stable configuration.
Consider a third scenario in which after an angular displacement, the centre of gravity is
further outboard than the centre of buoyancy. This is shown in figure 2 (unstable buoyancy).
The generated couple this time wants to tilt the body further from the vertical. This is classed
as unstable.
A fourth case is possible where the buoyancy force moves but lies directly underneath the
centre of gravity whereby there is no resultant couple created. This is known as neutral
stability.

Determination of Stability:

1. Overview of Metacentric Height (GM) and Stability:

• Metacentric Height (GM): The metacentric height is the vertical distance between the
centre of gravity (G) and the metacentre (M) of a vessel. It is a key indicator of a ship's
stability. A positive GM means the ship will return to its upright position after being
tilted, indicating stability. A negative GM indicates the vessel is unstable and may
capsize.

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 • Metacentre (M): The point where the buoyant force acts on the ship when it is tilted.
It varies with the angle of heel.
• Center of Gravity (G): The point where the ship's entire weight is considered to act
vertically downward.
• Center of Buoyancy (B): The centre of the displaced volume of water, which is where
the buoyant force acts upward.

2. Steps to Conduct the Metacentric Height Experiment:

Step 1: Prepare the Vessel for the Experiment

• Empty the Vessel: Ensure the ship is at an appropriate load, usually done in a dock
where it can float freely without external constraints.
• Identify and Mark the Reference Points: Mark the centreline of the ship and identify
points on the deck where you will place and move known weights.

Step 2: Measure Initial Conditions

• Determine Initial Draft: Measure the draft of the ship (the distance between the
waterline and the bottom of the ship) at the fore, aft, and midship to understand how
the ship sits in the water.
• Calculate Initial Stability Data: From the known weight distribution and the ship’s
geometry, calculate or look up the ship's initial centre of gravity (G) and centre of
buoyancy (B).

Step 3: Conduct the Inclining Experiment

• Add Known Weights: Place a known weight on the deck of the ship at a fixed distance
from the centreline.
• Measure Angle of Heel: Measure the angle by which the ship tilts due to the added
weight. This can be done using a pendulum or inclinometer installed on the ship.
• Shift the Weights: Move the weight across the deck to different positions (port to
starboard and vice versa) and record the angles of heel each time.

Step 4: Calculate the Metacentric Height (GM)

• Formula: GM=w×d /Δ×tan⁡(θ)

• Where:
o w is the weight shifted.
o d is the distance the weight is moved.
o Δ is the displacement of the vessel (weight of the ship in water).
o Θ is the angle of heel observed.
This formula allows you to determine GM by considering the effect of a known weight shift on
the ship’s heel angle.

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Step 5: Analyse the Data

• Positive GM: A positive value indicates the ship is stable and will return to an upright
position after being heeled.
• Negative GM: A negative value indicates instability, meaning the ship is prone to
capsizing.

Interpreting Results for Stability:

• Initial Stability (Small Angles of Heel): The initial GM provides an indication of how
stable the ship is under small disturbances. A larger GM typically means better initial
stability.
• Large Angles of Heel: Beyond small angles, the stability of the ship can change, so it’s
important to consider how the GM behaves as the ship heels further. This involves
more complex calculations or simulations.

Stability Considerations:

• Positive GM (Stable): If G is below M, the ship returns to its original position after
tilting, indicating stability.
• Zero GM (Neutral Stability): If G coincides with M, the ship stays in its tilted position
without returning or capsizing.
• Negative GM (Unstable): If G is above M, the ship will continue to tilt further and
potentially capsize.

Figure 5

Centre of Buoyancy:

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The centre of buoyancy is the point inside a submerged or floating object where the buoyant
force, or the upward force exerted by the fluid, is concentrated. This point aligns with the
centroid of the displaced fluid volume, essentially the geometric centre of the volume of fluid
that the object displaces. The position of the centre of buoyancy plays a critical role in
assessing the stability of floating objects; when the centre of buoyancy is aligned with or
located above the centre of gravity, the object is more likely to maintain stability in the fluid.

Measurements:
For experiments it is easier to take measurements from the base of the hull, on the underside.
The below given figure explains the measurements better,

Here C is the immersion point, yj is the distance from O to the adjustable mass and O is the
base of the hull.
From the above figure, it can be deduced that,
𝑥𝐵𝑀 = 𝑂𝐺 − 𝑂𝐵 + 𝑥𝑚

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Centre of Area:
As we have already seen that when the hull is tilted over a small angle The buoyant force
acting shifts to the direction where the submerged volume is higher hence restoring the hull
back to its original position given that it is in the Stable or Neutral equilibrium.
The Buoyant force acting on the body is as if it acts at a single point called the centre of
buoyancy.
This centre of buoyancy acts at the centroid of the area submerged under the water and is
called as the Centre of Area.

The submersed cross-sectional area can be calculated by dividing the submersed volume by
the hull length (l).

Determining The Centre of Buoyancy:

The centre of buoyancy is located at the centre of gravity of the fluid displaced, so when hull
is slightly tilted the amount of water displaced on tilted side is greater this results in the centre
of buoyancy to shift to that side.
The centre of buoyancy is at the centroid of the liquid displaced.
We can calculate the volume of the fluid displaced using the Equation ----> (2).

Using the equations

xBM = OG – OB + xM AND

𝑂𝐶𝑡∗𝐴𝑡+𝑂𝐶𝑟∗𝐴𝑟
OB = 𝐴𝑡+𝐴𝑟

We can find the theoretical centre of buoyancy

Procedure to measure centre of buoyancy:(Rectangular Hull)

1. For the rectangular hull which is uniformly submerged the centre of buoyancy is at
half the distance from the bottom to the surface.
2. Take a scale and measure the depth of the hull from the surface.
3. Divide the distance by 2 to get the centre of Buoyancy.

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Centre of buoyancy (as done in the laboratory):
Measured
Hull
OC (mm) OB (mm)
Rectangular 26 13

Image reference: https://byjus.com/question-answer/what-do-u-mean-by-centre-of-buoyancy/

Figure 6

The above image refers to the centre of buoyancy and depicts the difference between COG
(centre of gravity) and COB (centre of Buoyancy).

We can observe the COB is acting at the centre of area of submerged volume.

or different types of hulls?

The centre of buoyancy is the point through which the buoyant force, or the force exerted by
a fluid to keep a body afloat, acts. It corresponds to the centroid of the displaced volume of
water when the hull is submerged.

1. Rectangular Hull

• Center of Buoyancy Calculation: For a rectangular hull, the centre of buoyancy is

simply the geometric centre of the submerged part of the hull. If the hull is evenly
submerged, the centre of buoyancy is located at half the height of the submerged
section.
• Real-Life Application: Barges and pontoons often have rectangular hulls because they
provide a stable platform for carrying heavy loads.

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 Ship with rectangular hull
Reference: Quora
Figure 7

2. Half-Circle Hull

• Center of Buoyancy Calculation: For a half-circle hull, the centre of buoyancy is located
at a point 4r/3π from the flat surface, where "r" is the radius of the circle. This point is
slightly lower than the centre of the circular arc.
• Real-Life Application: Semi-circular hulls are often used in pontoon boats and some
specialized ships because they offer good stability and reduced drag.

Ship with Half-Circle Hull

Reference: https://www.chegg.com
Figure 8

3. Vee-Chine Hull

• Center of Buoyancy Calculation: A Vee-chine hull has a more complex shape, and its
centre of buoyancy depends on the angle of the Vee and the degree of submersion.
Typically, the centre of buoyancy is located deeper and slightly forward compared to
the geometric centre, depending on the exact shape and load distribution.
• Real-Life Application: Vee-chine hulls are common in speedboats and some fishing
vessels because they provide a smoother ride in choppy water and can handle higher
speeds efficiently.

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 Ship with Vee-chine hull
Reference:
https://www.albernipowermarine.com/
Figure 9

Understanding the centre of buoyancy is crucial for the design and stability of different hull
types. Rectangular hulls offer simplicity and stability for heavy loads, half-circle hulls are used
for stable, low-drag designs, and Vee-chine hulls are preferred for performance in rough
waters.

Procedure for determining centre of gravity

1. Fix the sail to the desired hull.

2. Remove the adjustable mass.
3. Ensure the trimming weight is secure.
4. Fit the centreline hanger and lift up the hull, ensure the correct orientation of the
hanger.
5. Allow the hull to hang freely as shown in the figure 10.
6. Mark the position where the hanger crosses the sail centreline mark with typists,
correcting fluid, this is 𝑦𝑠ℎ .
7. Remove hanger.
8. Re-fit the adjustable mass.
9. Tabulate the results with reference to 𝑂 .
10. Use the below equation to find the overall centre of mass.

𝑦𝑠ℎ (𝑚𝑠 + 𝑚ℎ ) + 𝑦𝑗 𝑚𝑗
𝑂𝐺 =
𝑚𝑠 + 𝑚ℎ + 𝑚𝑗

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Figure 10 Using centreline hanger to determine the centre of gravity

Sail assembly mass, 𝑚𝑠

Hull Rectangular 0.4
(kg)

Hull mass, 𝑚ℎ 2.05 Adjustable mass (kg) 0.4

𝑦𝑠ℎ (mm) 46.0

Adjustable
1 2 3 4 5
mass row

𝑦𝑗 (mm) 59.0 109.0 159.0 209.0 259.0

𝑂𝐺 (mm) 47.82 54.84 61.86 68.88 75.89

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Determining metacentric height
𝑑𝑥
𝑋𝑚 = 𝑤𝑗 × 𝑑𝜃
𝑊
Where, Wj is adjustable mass weight, W is the weight of total setup, dx is the distance between the
centre of gravity in a neutral position and the resultant centre of gravity, and dθ is a small tilt angle.

1) Create a table as shown below.

2) With the floating body in the water and fully trimmed, measure the immersion depth OC.

3) Move the adjustable mass to each horizontal position and record the tilt angle.

4) Repeat for each row on the sail until the floating body becomes unstable.

5) Convert each angle into radians.

Table 3: Table for determining the angle of tilt

Adjustable mass readings

Y1(mm) 1 2 3 4 5
-70 -9.05 - - - -
-60 -7.80 -8.10 -8.50 - -
-50 -6.50 -7.00 -7.75 - -
-40 -5.10 -5.40 -5.85 -7.20 -
-30 -3.85 -4.20 -4.50 -5.50 -
-20 -2.50 -2.65 -3.05 -3.30 -4.25
-10 -1.30 -1.50 -1.70 -1.75 -1.90
0 0 0 0 0 0
10 1.60 2.00 2.20 2.50 3.10
20 2.85 3.10 3.80 4.50 5.60
30 4.4 5.70 5.80 6.30 -
40 5.80 6.35 7.10 8.20 -
50 6.90 7.80 8.50 - -
60 8.00 9.10 10.10 - -
70 9.30 - - - -

Result Analysis
1) Plot results for each row xj against angle (in radians)

2) Add a line of best fit for each row and determine the gradient of each line.

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3) Using the equation of metacentric height, determine the metacentric height for each row. Have
written it in the table.

In the graph:

Y axis: Angle (in radians)

X axis: Xj(in mm)

Row 1 graph

Row 2 graph

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Row 3 graph

Row 4

Row 5

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 Table 4: Metacentric height (Rectangular hull)

Hull Rectangular

Row dxj/dθ (mm/rad) xm (mm)

1 437.5 61.25

2 400.0 56.00

3 370.7 51.90

4 297.0 41.58

5 232.6 32.56

Questions
QUESTION 1: How does the position of the centre of gravity (CG) affect the stability of a
floating body?

Answer:

The position of the CG is crucial in determining the stability of a floating body.

Lower CG: If the CG is lower, the metacentric height (GM) tends to be larger. A larger GM
indicates greater initial stability. The body will resist overturning more effectively.

Higher CG: As the CG rises, the GM decreases. This reduces the body's initial stability. The
body becomes more prone to heeling (tilting) and may even capsize if the GM becomes
negative.

Factors affecting CG:

Weight distribution within the body

Addition or removal of weights

Changes in the body's shape or dimensions

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QUESTION 2: How can you experimentally determine the metacentric height of a floating
body?

Answer:

There are several methods to determine the metacentric height experimentally:

1. Inclining Experiment:

This method involves intentionally inclining the body to a small angle.

2. Added Weight Method:

A known weight is added to a specific location on the body.

The resulting change in the body's heel is measured.

Using this data, the metacentric height can be calculated.

3. Period of Oscillation Method:

The body is allowed to oscillate freely in the water.

The period of oscillation is measured.

Using the period and other known parameters, the metacentric height can be determined.

By conducting these experiments and analysing the results, engineers and naval architects
can assess the stability of a floating body and make necessary design modifications to ensure
safety.

QUESTION 3: How does the shape of a floating body influence its stability?

Answer:

The shape of a floating body significantly impacts its stability.

Beam (width): A wider beam generally increases stability by providing a larger waterplane
area, which resists heeling.
Draft: A deeper draft can increase stability by lowering the centre of gravity and increasing
the righting arm. However, excessive draft can also lead to decreased stability in certain
conditions.

Hull Form: The shape of the hull, such as V-shaped or round bilge, affects how the body
responds to waves and inclinations. A V-shaped hull generally offers better stability in waves.

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