742 A Textbook of Engineering Mechanics

742
Equilibrium of
Floating Bodies
36
C H A P T E R C H A P T E R C H A P T E R C H A P T E R C H A P T E R
Contents
1. Introduction.
2. Archimedes Principle.
3. Buoyancy.
4. Centre of Buoyancy.
5. Metacentre.
6. Metacentric Height.
7. Analytical Method for
Metacentric Height.
8. Types of Equilibrium of a
Floating Body.
9. Stable Equilibrium.
10. Unstable Equilibrium.
11. Neutral Equilibrium.
12. Maximum Length of a Body
Floating Vertically in Water.
13. Conical Buoys Floating in a
Liquid.
36.1. INTRODUCTION
We see, that whenever a body is placed over a
liquid, either it sinks down or floats on the liquid. If
we analyse the phenomenon of floatation, we find that
the body, placed over a liquid, is subjected to the fol-
lowing two forces :
1. Gravitational force.
2. Upthrust of the liquid.
Since the two forces act opposite to each other,
therefore we have to study the relative effect of these
forces. A little consideration will show, that if the gravi-
tational force is more than the upthrust of the liquid,
the body will sink down. But if the gravitational force
Contents
Chapter 36 : Equilibrium of Floating Bodies 743
is less than the upthrust of the liquid, the body will float. This may be best understood by the
Archimedes principle as discussed below.
36.2. ARCHIMEDES PRINCIPLE
It states, Whenever a body is immersed fully or partially in a fluid, it is buoyed up (i.e., lifted
up) by a force equal to the weight of fluid displaced by the body. Or in other words, whenever a
body is immersed fully or partially in a fluid, the resultant force acting on it, is equal to the difference
between the upward pressure of the fluid on its bottom, and the downward force due to gravity.
36.3. BUOYANCY
The tendency of a fluid to uplift a submerged body, because of the upward thrust of the fluid,
is known as the force of buoyancy or simply buoyancy. It is always equal to the weight of the fluid
displaced by the body. It may be noted, that if the force of buoyancy is greater than the weight of the
body, it will be pushed up till the weight of the fluid displaced is equal to the weight of the body. Then
the body will float. But if the force of buoyancy is less than the weight of the body, it will sink down.
36.4. CENTRE OF BUOYANCY
The centre of buoyancy is the point, through which the force of buoyancy is supposed to act. It
is always the centre of gravity of the volume of the liquid displaced. In other words, the centre of
buoyancy is the centre of area of the immersed section.
Example 36.1. A wooden block 2 m 1 m 05 m and of specific gravity 076 is floating
in water. What load may be placed on the block, so that it may completely inmerse in water.
Solution. Given: Volume of block = 2 1 05 = 1 m
3
and specific gravity of wood = 076.
Let W =Weight placed on the block of wood.
We know that weight of the wooden block
=(98 076) 1 = 745 kN
Total weight acting downwards
=745 + W ...(i)
and volume of water displaced when the block is completely immersed in it
=1 m
3
Upward thrust when the block is completely immersed
=98 1 = 98 kN ...(ii)
Now equating the total downward weight and upward thrust
745 + W = 98
W =98 745 = 235 kN Ans.
Example 36.2. A block of wood 4 m long 2 m wide 1 m deep is floating horizontally in water.
If density of the wood is 7 kN/m
3
, find the volume of water displaced and the position of the centre of
buoyancy.
Solution. Given: Volume of block = 4 2 1 = 8 m
3
and density of wood = 7 kN/m
3
.
Volume of water displaced.
We know that weight of the block
= 8 7 = 56 kN
Contents
744 A Textbook of Engineering Mechanics
and volume of the water displaced =
3
Weight of block 56
571 m
Density of water 98
= =
Position of the centre of buoyancy
We know that the depth of immersion
=
Volume of water displaced 571
071 m
Sectional area 4 2
= =

and centre of buoyancy =

071
0355 m
2
=
Ans.
Example 36.3. A piece of steel of specific gravity 78 floats in mercury of specific gravity
136. If sufficient water is added just to cover the steel, what fraction of the steel will be below the
surface of mercury?
Solution. Given: Specific gravity of steel = 78 and specific gravity of mercury = 136.
Let x = Part of the steel piece inside the mercury.
(1 x) = Part of the steel piece outside the mercury, i.e., inside water.
Consider one cubic metre of the steel piece. We know that weight of the body
(98 78) 1 = Weight of the fluid displaced
= Weight of mercury displaced + Weight of water displaced
= (98 136) x + 98 (1 x)
7644 = 13328 x + 98 98 x
12348 x = 6664
or x =
6664
054
12348
=
Fraction of steel inside the mercury
=
054
054
1
=
Ans.
36.5. METACENTRE
Whenever a body, floating in a liquid, is given a small
angular displacement, it starts oscillating about some point.
This point, about which the body starts oscillating, is called
metacentre.
In other words, the metacentre may also be defined as
the intersection of the line passing through the original cen-
tre of buoyancy and centre of gravity of the body, and the
vertical line through the new centre of buoyancy as shown in
Fig. 36.1.
36.6. METACENTRIC HEIGHT
The distance between the centre of gravity (G) of a floating body, and the metacentre (M)
i.e., distance GM as shown in Fig. 36.1 is called metacentric height.
Fig. 36.1. Metacentre.
Contents
Chapter 36 : Equilibrium of Floating Bodies 745
As a matter of fact, metacentric height of a floating body is a direct measure of its stability.
Or in other words, more the metacentric height of a floating body, more it will be stable. In the
modern design offices, the metacentric height of a boat or ship is accurately calculated to check
its stability. Some values of metacentric height are given below :
Merchant ships = up to 10 m
Sailing ships = up to 15 m
Battle ships = up to 20 m
River craft = up to 35 m
The metacentric height of a floating body may be found out by either of the following two
methods :
1. Analytical method for metacentric height, and
2. Experimental method for metacentric height.
But we shall discuss only the analytical method for metacentric height.
36.7. ANALYTICAL METHOD FOR METACENTRIC HEIGHT
Consider a vessel or ship floating freely in water. Let the ship be given a clockwise rotation
through a very small angle (in radians) about O. As a result of this rotation, let the ship occupy a
new position shown in dotted line as shown in Fig. 36.2. We see that the immersed section has now
changed from acde to acd
1
e
1
.
Fig. 36.2. Metacentric height
The original centre of buoyancy B has now changed to a new position B
1
. It may be noted that
the triangular wedge aom has come out of water, whereas the triangular wedge stet has gone under
water. Since the volume of water displaced remains the same, therefore the two triangular wedges
must have equal areas.
A little consideration will show, that as the triangular wedge aom has come out of water (thus
decreasing the force of buoyancy on the left) therefore it tends to rotate the vessel in an anticlockwise
direction. Similarly, as the triangular wedge ocn has gone under water (thus increasing the force of
buoyancy on the right) therefore it again tends to rotate the vessel in an anticlockwise direction. The
combined effect of both these forces will be to form a couple, which will tend to restore or rotate the
vessel in an anticlockwise direction about O. Since the angle , through which the vessel is rotated is
very small, therefore the vessel may be assumed to rotate about M (i.e., metacentre).
Contents
746 A Textbook of Engineering Mechanics
Let l = Length of the ship,
b = Breadth of the ship,
= Very small angle (in radians) through which the ship is
rotated about O, and
V = Volume of water displaced by the ship.
Since the angle is very small, therefore
am = cn =
2
b
and volume of wedge of water aom =
1 1
2 2 2 2 2
b b b
am l l

=


=
2
8
b l
...(i)
Weight of this wedge of water
=
2
8
wb l
...(Q w = Sp. wt. of water)
Similarly, weight of wedge con of water
=
2
8
wb l
We know that arm of the couple
=
2
3
b
Moment of the restoring couple
=
2 3
2
8 3 12
wb l wb l
b

=
...(ii)
and moment of the disturbing force = wV BB
1
...(iii)
Equating these two moments, i.e.(ii) and (iii),
3
12
wb l
= w V BB
1
...(iv)
Substituting the value of
3
12
lb
= I (i.e., moment of inertia of the plane of the ship) and
BB
1
= BM in equation (iii),
wI = w V (BM )

BM =
Moment of inertia of the plane
Volume of water displaced
I
V
=
Now metacentric height, GM = BM BG
Note: +ve sign is to be used if G is lower than B, and ve sign is to be used if G is higher
than B.
Contents
Chapter 36 : Equilibrium of Floating Bodies 747
Example 36.4. A block of wood of specific gravity 08 and size 12 m 04 m 03 m floats
in water. Determine its metacentric height, for tilt about its longitudinal axis.
Solution. Given: Sp. gr. of wood = 08; Length of wooden block (l) = 12 m; Breadth of the
block (b) = 04 m and height or depth of the block (d) = 03 m.
We know that depth of immersion of the block
= 08 03 = 024 m
and distance of centre of buoyancy, from the bottom of the block,
OB =
024
012 m
2
=
Distance of c.g. from the bottom of the block,
OG =
03
015 m
2
=
BG = OG OB = 015 12 m
= 003 m ...(i)
We also know that moment of inertia of rectangular section
about the central axis and parallel to the long side,
I* =
3 3
4
12 (04)
00064 m
12 12
lb
= =
and volume of water displaced, V = 12 04 024 = 01152 m
3
BM =
00064
0056 m
01152
I
V
= =
and metacentric height, GM = BM BG = 0056 003 = 0026 m = 26 mm Ans.
Example 36.5. A buoy has the cylindrical upper portion of 2 metres diameter and 12 metre
deep. The lower portion, which is curved, displaces a volume of 400 litres of water and its centre of
buoyancy is situated 13 metre below the top of the cylinder. The centre of gravity of the whole buoy
is 08 m below the top of the cylinder and the total displacement of water is 26 m
3
.
Find the metacentric height of the buoy.
Solution. Given: Dia. of buoy = 2 m; Depth of buoy = 12 m; Volume of curved portion =
400 litres = 04 m
3
; Centre of buoyancy of the curved portion below the top of the cylinder (OB
1
) =
13 m; Centre of gravity of the whole buoy below the top of the cylinder (OG) = 08 m and total
volume of water displaced = 26 m
3
.
Fig. 36.3.
* If moment of inertia of a section parallel to the short side is taken, then the metacentric height will be
more than this. Since metacentric height plays an important role in finding out the stability of a floating
body (which will be discussed in succeeding pages), it is, therefore, general practice to find out the
smaller metacentric height of the two.
For doing so, the moment of inertia of a rectangular section is always taken about the central axis and
parallel to the long side. Such a moment of inertia is obtained by taking the cube of the breadth.
Contents
748 A Textbook of Engineering Mechanics
Let h = Distance between the water surface and top of the buoy,
B
1
= Centre of buoyancy of the cylindrical buoy
Fig. 36.4.
We know that volume of water displaced by the cylindrical portion
= 26 04 = 22 m
3
22 =
2
(2) (12 ) (12 )
4
h h

=
or (12 h) =
22
07 =

h = 12 07 = 05 m
Distance of the centre of buoyancy of the cylindrical buoy from the top of the buoy,
OB
2
=
(12 05)
05 085 m
2
+ =
Now let B = Centre of buoyancy for the whole buoy,

OB =
(04 13) (22 085)
092 m
04 22
+
=
+
Now BG = OB OG = 092 08 = 012 m
We also know that moment of inertia of the cylindrical portion (top portion)
about its centre of gravity,
I =
4 4
(2) 07854 m
64

=
BM =
07854
0302 m
26
I
V
= =
and metacentric height, GM = BM BG = 0302 012 m
= 0182 m = 182 mm Ans.
Fig. 36.5.
O
M
G
B
B
2
B
1
Contents
Chapter 36 : Equilibrium of Floating Bodies 749
36.8. TYPES OF EQUILIBRIUM OF A FLOATING BODY
We have already discussed in articles 510 and 511 the conditions and types of equilibrium.
The same conditions of equilibrium are also applicable for the floating bodies. Thus like the general
types of equilibrium, a floating body may also be in any one of the following types of equilibrium :
1. Stable equilibrium, 2. Unstable equilibrium and 3. Neutral equilibrium
In this chapter we shall discuss the above mentioned types of equilibrium with respect to the
metacentre of the floating body.
36.9. STABLE EQUILIBRIUM
A body is said to be in a stable equilibrium, if it returns back to its original position, when
given a small angular displacement. This happens when the metacentre (M) is higher than the centre
of gravity (G) of the floating body.
36.10. UNSTABLE EQUILIBRIUM
A body is said to be in an unstable equilibrium, if it does not return back to its original position
and heels farther away, when given a small angular displacement. This happens when the metacentre
(M) is lower than the centre of gravity (G) of the floating body.
36.11. NEUTRAL EQUILIBRIUM
A body is said to be in neutral equilibrium, if it occupies a new position and remains at rest in
this new position, when given a small angular displacement. This happens when the metacentre (M)
coincides with the centre of gravity (G) of the floating body.
Example 36.6. A solid cylinder of 3 metres diameter has a height of 3 metres. It is made up
of a material whose specific gravity is 08 and is floating in water with its axis vertical.
Find its metacentric height and state whether its equilibrium is stable or unstable.
Solution. Given: Diameter of cylinder = 3 m; Height of cylinder = 3 m
and specific gravity = 08
We know that depth of immersion of the cylinder
= 08 3 = 24 m
and distance of centre of buoyancy, from the bottom of the cylinder,
OB =
24
12 m
2
=
Distance of c.g. from the bottom of the cylinder,
OG =
3
15 m
2
=
BG = OG OB = 15 12 m
= 03 m
Moment of inertia of the circular section,
I =
4 4
(3) 127 m
64

=
and volume of water displaced,
V =
2 3
(3) 24 54 m
4

BM =
127
0235 m
54
I
V

= =

and metacentric height, GM = BM BG = 0235 03 = 0065 m.

Fig. 36.6.
Contents
750 A Textbook of Engineering Mechanics
* Minus sign means that the metacentre (M) is below the centre of gravity (G). Therefore
cylinder is in an unstable equilibrium. Ans.
Example 36.7. A solid cylinder 500 mm long, 100 mm diameter has its base 10 mm thick
of specific gravity 7. The remaining part of the cylinder is of specific gravity 05. Determine, if it
can float vertically in water.
Solution. Given: Length of cylinder (l) = 500 mm; Diameter of the cylinder (d) = 100 mm
Base thickness = 10 mm; sp.gr. of base = 7 and sp.gr. of remaining portion = 05.
We know that distance between combined centre of gravity (G) and the bottom of cylinder (O),
OG =
490 10
05 490 10 7 10
2 2
(05 490) (7 10)
A A
A A

+ +



+
mm
...(where A is the area of cylinder)
=
62 825
1994 mm
315
=
and combined specific gravity, =
(05 490) (7 10)
063
490 10
+
=
+
Depth of immersion of the cylinder
= 063 500 = 315 mm
and distance of centre of buoyancy from the bottom of the cylinder
OB =
315
2
= 1575 mm
BG = OG OB = 1994 1575 = 419 mm
We also know that moment of inertia of the circular section about its
centre of gravity,
I =
4 4 4
( ) (100) 1 562 500 mm
64 64
d

= =
and volume of water displaced,
V =
2 3
(100) 315 787 500 m
4

BM =
1 562 500
2 mm
787 500
I
V

= =

and metacentric height, GM = BM BG = 2 419 = 399 mm.

* Minus sign means that the metacentre (M) is below the centre of gravity (G). Therefore
the cylinder is in an unstable equilibrium. Ans.
* We know that OM = OB + BM = 12 + 0235 = 1435 m. As the metacentre M (1435 m) is below the centre
of gravity G (15 m). Therefore the cylinder is in an unstable equilibrium.
Fig. 36.7.
* We know that OM = OB + BM = 1575 + 2 = 1595 mm,
As the metacentre M (1595 mm) is below the centre of gravity G (1994 mm) therefore the cylinder is in an
unstable equilibrium.
Contents
Chapter 36 : Equilibrium of Floating Bodies 751
EXERCISE 36.1
1. A wooden block of volume 3 cubic metres floats in water. The specific gravity of the block is 0.6.
What load should be placed on it so that it may be completely immersed in water.
[Ans. 11.76 kN]
2. A block of wood floats in water with 6 cm projecting above the surface of water. If the same
block is made to float in glycerine of specific gravity 1.4, it projects 18 cm above the surface of
glycerine.
Find the specific gravity of the wood. [Ans. 0.7]
3. A cylindrical buoy of 3 metres diameter, 4 metres long is weighing 4 tonnes. Show that it
cannot float vertically in water.
4. A cylindrical buoy of 2 metres diameter is 3 metres long. Determine the state of its equilibrium,
if the buoy weighs 2 tonnes. [Ans. Unstable equilibrium]
36.12. MAXIMUM LENGTH OF A BODY FLOATING VERTICALLY IN WATER
We see that a cube of wood (having specific gravity less than unity can float in water, in any
position. If we maintain any two sides (say breadth and thickness), of the cube, constant and go on
gradually increasing the third side (say length) and try to float the block vertically in water, we see
that the block can float vertically in water up to some length. If we increase the length of the block,
beyond this length, we find that it cannot float vertically in water; through it can float longitudinally.
This maximum permissible length of the block, floating vertically in water, may be found out
by keeping the body in stable equilibrium. Or in other words, this can also be found out by avoiding
the unstable equilibrium of the floating body. For doing so, the metacentre (M) should be above
centre of gravity (G) of the floating body (a condition of stable equilibrium) or the metacentre (M)
may coincide with the centre of gravity (G) of the floating body (a condition of neutral equilibrium
i.e., by avoiding the unstable equilibrium).
Example 36.8. A wooden cylinder of a circular section and uniform density with specific
gravity 06, is required to float in an oil of specific gravity 09. If the cylinder has a diameter
(d) and length (l), show that (l) cannot exceed (0.75 d) for the cylinder to float with its longi-
tudinal axis vertical.
Solution. Given: Sp. gr. of cylinder = 06 and sp. gr. of oil = 0.9.
Let l = Length of cylinder, and
d = Dia of cylinder.
We know that depth of immersion of the cylinder
=
1 2
0.6
0.9 3
l
l =
and distance of centre of buoyancy, from bottom face of the cylinder,
OB =
1 2
2 3 3
l l
=
Distance of c.g. from the bottom face of the cylinder,
OG =
2
l
BG = OG OB =

2 3 6
l l l
=
...(i)
Fig. 36.8.
Contents
752 A Textbook of Engineering Mechanics
We also know that moment of inertia of the circular section about its centre of gravity
I =
4
( )
64
d

and volume of water displaced, V =

2
2
2
4 3 6
l d l
d

=
...(ii)
BM =
4
2
2
( )
3
64
32
6
d
I d
V l d l

= =

...(iii)
For stable equilibrium, the metacentre (M) should be above the centre of gravity (G) or may
coincide with G.
i.e. BG BM
6
l

2
3
32
d
l
l
2

2
18
32
d

2
9
16
d
or l
3
4
d
...(Taking square root)
075 d
It means that the cylinder cannot float with its longitudinal axis vertical, when the length
exceeds 0.75 times of its diameter. Ans.
Example 36.9. A solid cylinder 1 m long 0.2 m diameter has its base 25 m thick of an alloy
with specific gravity 8. The remaining portion is of specific gravity 0.5.Can it float vertically in water?
If not, what is the maximum permissible length for stable equilibrium?
Solution. Given: Length of the cylinder (l) = 1 m = 100 cm; Diameter of the cylinder
(d) = 0.2 m = 20 cm; Thickness of base = 25 mm = 2.5 cm; sp. gr. of base = 8 and sp. gr. of remaining
portion = 0.5.
Floating of the cylinder
We know that cross-sectional area of the cylinder,
A =
2 2
(20) 100 cm
4

=
and distance between the combined centre of gravity (G) and bottom of the cylinder (O)
OG =
97.5 2.5
0.5 97.5 2.5 8 2.5
2 2
(0.5 97.5) (8 2.5)
A A
A A

+ +



+
=
2498.4 25
48.75 20
A A
A A
+
+
= 36.7 cm ...(where A is the area of cylinder)
Contents
Chapter 36 : Equilibrium of Floating Bodies 753
and combined specific gravity of the cylinder
=
(97.5 0.5) (2.5 8)
0.688
97.5 2.5
+
=
+
Depth of immersion of the cylinder
= 100 0.688 = 68.8 cm
and distance of centre of buoyancy from the bottom of the buoy,
OB =
68.8
2
= 34.4 cm
BG = OG OB = 36.7 34.4 = 2.3 cm
We know that moment of inertia of the circular section,
I =
4 4 4
( ) (20) 2500 cm
64 64
d

= =
and volume of water displaced,
V =
2 3
(20) 68.8 6880 cm
4

BM =
2500
0.36 cm
6880
I
V

= =

and metacentric height, GM = BM BG = 0.36 2.3 = 1.94 cm.

* Minus sign means that the metacentre (M) is below centre of gravity (G). Therefore the
cylinder is in unstable equilibrium. Ans.
Maximum permissible length of the cylinder
Let l = Length of cylinder excluding metal portion in cm.
Now distance between the combined centre of gravity (G) and the bottom of the cylinder (O),
OG =
(0.5 ) 2.5 [(8 2.5) 1.25]
2
(0.5 ) (8 2.5)
l
A l A
A l A

+ +



+
=
2
0.5 (2.5 0.5 ) 25 5 100
0.5 20 2 80
l l l l
l l
+ + + +
=
+ +
and combined specific gravity of cylinder
=
(0.5 ) (2.5 8) 0.5 20
2.5 2.5
l l
l l
+ +
=
+ +
Depth of immersion of the cylinder
= Total length Combined specific gravity
=
0.5 20
( 2.5) 0.5 20 cm
2.5
l
l l
l
+
+ = +
+
Fig. 36.9.
* We know that OM = OB + BM = 34.4 + 0.36 = 34.76 cm
As the metacentre, M (34.76 cm) is below the centre of gravity G (36.84 cm), therefore the cylinder is in
unstable equilibrium.
Contents
754 A Textbook of Engineering Mechanics
We know that distance of centre of buoyancy from the bottom of the buoy,
OB =
1
(0.5 20) 0.25 10 cm
2
l l + = +
and volume of water displaced,
V =
2
(20) (0.5 20) 100 (0.5 20)
4
l l

+ = +

BM =
2500 25 50
100 (0.5 20) 0.5 20 40
I
V l l l

= = =
+ + +
Now OM = OB + BM = (0.25l + 10) +
50
40 l +
For stable equilibrium, the metacentre (M) should be above centre of gravity (G) or may
coincide with G.
i.e., OM OG
50
(0.25 10)
40
l
l
+ +
+

2
5 100
2 80
l l
l
+ +
+
( 40) (0.25 10) 50
40
l l
l
+ + +
+

2
5 100
2 80
l l
l
+ +
+
2
2(0.25 10 10 400 50)
2( 40)
l l l
l
+ + + +
+

2
5 100
2 80
l l
l
+ +
+
...(Multiplying and dividing the L.H.S. of the equation by 2)
0.5l
2
+ 40l + 800 + 100 l
2
+ 5l + 100
or l
2
70l 1600 0
...[Multiplying both sides by (2l + 80)]
Solving this quadratic equation for l,
l
2
70 (70) 4 1600
cm
2
+ + +
88.15 cm
Maximum permissible length of the cylinder including the metal portion
= 88.15 + 2.5 = 90.65 cm Ans.
36.13. CONICAL BUOYS FLOATING IN A LIQUID
A conical buoy, as the name indicates, is a buoy which is shaped
like a cone or a solid body that tapers uniformly from a circular base to a
point. Now consider a conical buoy floating in same liquid as shown in
Fig. 36.10.
Let D = Diameter of the cone,
d = Diameter of the cone at the liquid
level,
2 = Apex angle of the cone,
L = Length of the cone,
l = Length of the cone immersed in
liquid.
Fig. 36.10. Conical buoy
Contents
Chapter 36 : Equilibrium of Floating Bodies 755
From the figure, we find that distance of centre of buoyancy from the apex O,
OB =
3
0.75
4
l
l =
and distance of centre of gravity from the apex O,
OG =
3
0.75
4
L
L =
Volume of liquid displaced,
V =
3 2
1
tan
3
l
and moment of inertia of the circular section about the liquid level,
I =
4 4
(2 tan )
64 64
d l

=
=
4 4
( tan )
4
l

Now the value of BM and metacentric height is found out as usual.

We know that BM =
4 4
2
3 2
( tan )
4
0.75 tan
1
tan
3
l
I
l
V
l

= =

.
Example 36.10. A wooden cone of specific gravity 0.8 is required to float vertically in
water. Determine the least apex angle, which shall enable the cone to float in stable equilibrium.
Solution. Given: Sp. gr. of cone = 0.8.
Let L = Length of the cone,
l = Length of the cone immersed
in water, and
2 = Apex angle of the cone.
We know that weight of the cone
= Volume of cone specific weight
of cone
=
3 2
1
tan (0.8 98)
3
L
and weight of water displaced = Volume of water displaced specific weight of water
=
3 2
1
tan (10 98)
3
l
Since the cone is floating in water, therefore the weight of the cone is equal to the weight
of the water displaced. Therefore
3 2
1
tan (08 98)
3
L
=
3 2
1
tan (10 98)
3
l
l = L (0.8)
1/3
Distance of the centre of buoyancy from the apex,
OB = 0.75 l = 0.75 L (0.8)
1/3
Fig. 36.11.
Contents
756 A Textbook of Engineering Mechanics
and distance of c.g. from the apex,
OG = 0.75 L
For stable equilibrium, the metacentric (M) should be above G or may coincide with c.g.
i.e., BG BM
OG OB BM
0.75 L 0.75 L (0.8)
1/3
0.75 l tan
2

L [1 (0.8)
1/3
] L (0.8)
1/3
tan
2

tan
2

1/ 3
1/ 3
[1 (0.8) ]
(0.8)
0.08
tan 0.2828
or 15.8
Least apex angle, 2 = 31.6 Ans.
and moment of inertia of the circular section about the liquid level
I =
4 4
(2 tan )
64 64
d l

= +
=
4 4
tan
4
l

We know that BM =
4 4
2
3 2
tan
4
0.75 tan
1
tan
3
l
I
l
V
l

= = +

Example 36.11. A conical buoy 1 metre long, and of base diameter 1.2 metre, floats in
water with its apex downwards. Determine the minimum weight of the buoy, for stable equilibrium.
Take weight of water as 98 kN/m
3
.
Solution. Given: Length of the conical buoy (L) = 1 m and diameter of base of the conical
buoy (D) = 1.2 m.
Let l = Length of the cone immersed in water,
Volume of water displaced
V =
2 3
1
(0.6 ) m
3
l l
= 0.377 l
3
m
3
and moment of inertia of circular section,
I =
4 4
(1.2 ) 0.1018
64
l l

=
BM =
4
3
0.1018
0.27 m
0.377
I l
l
V l
= =
We know that distance of centre of buoyancy from the apex,
OB = 0.75 l
and distance of c.g. from the apex,
OG = 0.75 1 = 0.75 m
Fig. 36.12.
Contents
Chapter 36 : Equilibrium of Floating Bodies 757
For stable equilibrium, the metacentre (M) should be above G or may coincide with G.
i.e., BG BM
OG OB BM
0.75 0.75 l 0.27 l
1.02 l 0.75
l 0.735 m
Now volume of water displaced,
= 0.377 (0.735)
3
= 0.15 m
3
This should be equal to the weight of the buoy, therefore weight of the buoy,
W = 0.15 98 = 147 kN Ans.
EXERCISE 36.2
1. A cylindrical block of wood of specific gravity 0.8 has a diameter of 24 cm. What is the
maximum permissible length of the block, in order that it may float vertically in water?
[Ans. 21.2 cm]
2. A cylinder has diameter of 45 cm and of specific gravity 0.9. Find the maximum permis-
sible length of the cylinder, so that it can float with its axis vertical. [Ans. 53 cm]
3. A wooden cylinder of circular section and of specific gravity 0.6 is required to float in an
oil of specific gravity 0.8. If the diameter of the cylinder is d, and its length l, show that l
cannot exceed 0.817 d, for the cylinder to float with its longitudinal axis vertical.
4. A uniform wooden circular cylinder of 40 cm diameter and of specific gravity 0.6 is
required to float in specific gravity 0.8. Find the maximum length of the cylinder, in order
that it may float vertically in water. [Ans. 32.7 cm]
5. A solid cylinder is made up of two materials. Its base for 5 cm length is of some material
of specific gravity 4 and the remaining portion of material of specific gravity 0.4. Find the
maximum length of the cylinder, so that it may float in water with its axis vertical.
[Ans. 86 cm]
6. A wooden cone of mass 700 kg/m
3
is required to float in water, with its axis vertical.
Determine the least apex angle, which shall enable the cone to float in stable equilibrium.
[Ans. 30 48]
QUESTIONS
1. State the Law of Archimedes and explain its application in buoyancy.
2. Define the terms
(a) centre of buoyancy,
(b) metacentre, and
(c) metacentric height.
3. Derive an equation for the metacentric height of a floating body.
4. Explain the types of equilibrium.
5. How will you find the least apex angle of a conical buoy so that it may float in water?
Contents
758 A Textbook of Engineering Mechanics
OBJECTIVE TYPE QUESTIONS
1. When a body is wholly or partially immersed in a liquid, it is lifted up by a force equal
to the weight of the liquid displaced by the body. This principle is called principle of
floatation.
(a) yes (b) no
2. The force of buoyancy is...............the weight of the liquid displaced by the body.
(a) less than (b) equal to (c) more than
3. A body will float in a liquid if the force of buoyancy is.............. the weight of liquid
displaced.
(a) less than (b) equal to (c) more than
4. The centre of gravity of the volume of a liquid displaced by a floating body is called
(a) centre of pressure (b) centre of buoyancy
(c) metacentre (d) none of the above
5. When a body, floating in a liquid, is given a small angular displacement, it starts oscillat-
ing about a point. This point is known as
(a) centre of pressure (b) centre of buoyancy
(c) metacentre (d) centre of gravity
6. The metacentric height of a floating body is the distance between the
(a) centre of gravity of the floating body and the centre of buoyancy.
(b) centre of gravity of the floating body and the metacentre.
(c) centre of buoyancy and metacentre
(d) original centre of buoyancy and new centre of buoyancy.
7. The metacentric heights of two bodies B and A are 1 m and 1.25 m respectively. Select the
correct statement for these bodies.
(a) both the bodies have equal stability
(b) both the bodies are unstable.
(c) body A is more stable than the body B.
(d) body B is more stabel than the body A.
ANSWERS
1. (b) 2. (b) 3. (c) 4. (b) 5. (c) 6. (b)
7. (d).
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