Stability

Question 1

What is Archimedes’ Principle?

Answer 1

A body floating or submerged in a fluid is buoyed up by a force equal to the weight of the water it displaces.

Question 2

What are the three conditions of buoyancy?

Answer 2

Neutrally buoyant (FB = Fg), positively buoyant (FB > Fg), and negatively buoyant (FB < Fg).

Question 3

What is displacement in naval terms?

Answer 3

Displacement is the total weight of the ship, equal to the total submerged volume.

Question 4

What is the free surface effect?

Answer 4

It is the tendency of liquid in a partially filled compartment to remain level, reducing ship stability by shrinking the righting arm.

Question 5

What effect does additional topside weight have on a ship’s stability?

Answer 5

Additional topside weight raises the center of gravity, reducing the metacentric height and stability.

Question 6

What can cause a loss of reserve buoyancy?

Answer 6

Factors such as poor maintenance, failure to close fittings, improper ballasting, or enemy action.