Demonstrates how to fi nd the metacentric height of a fl oating body. Allows full investigations into theoretical predictions.
Key Features
• Full and accurate experimental analysis
• Ideal for classroom demonstrations
• Bench-mounted
• No services required
• Compact and requires minimal storage space
Learning Outcomes
Determination of the metacentric height, and thus the metacentre, of a fl oating pontoon. This is by graphic analysis of the angles of tilt of the pontoon with various centres of gravity
Description
Determination and analysis of the stability of fl oating bodies, such as ships, rafts and pontoons, is important throughout many branches of engineering. This experiment allows students to determine the stability of a pontoon with its centre of gravity at various heights. They can then compare this to predictions calculated from theory.
The experiment consists of a rectangular pontoon fl oating in water. Plastic materials and corrosion-resistant fi nishes throughout the equipment give the fullest possible protection against corrosion.
The pontoon has a plastic sail with fi ve rows of slots. These rows are at equally spaced heights on the sail. The slots are equally spaced around the centre line.
To change the centre of gravity and the tilt (list) angle of the pontoon, students fi t an adjustable weight into one of the slots. A clinometer pointer hangs at the top of the sail where it can freely rotate. Along with an inclusive scale on the sail the tilt angle is clearly indicated. Students can easily trim the pontoon using a small weight attached to the sail.
Ancillary Pontoons H2a MkII
The H2 (mkII) has a pair of optinal pontoons for further experimentation. Half-circle and Vee Chine pontoons allow the student to compare the stability of diff erent hulls. For reduced set-up times, the sail is easily moved from one pontoon to another.