Future Learn Cracking Mechanics Section 6.5 Stable Flotation

Author:
Ged Langosz
Future Learn Cracking Mechanics Section 6.5 Stable Flotation This is a solid cube which is floating on water.
  • The density is given by ρ.
  • Both the Centre of Mass (CoM) and Centre of Buoyancy (CoB) are displayed in the graphic.
  • The black line is the vertical line through the CoM.
  • The green line shows the rotation of the cube from the vertical.
  • The red line is the line through the CoM and CoB.
The cube is floating in equilibrium if the red and black lines coincide. This can be either stable or unstable equilibrium. You can see which one by noting where the CoB moves to when the cube is slightly rotated. You can change the density using the slider. On the course, the density of "ice" was 0.92 and the density of "wood" was 0.75. You can also change the angle of rotation of the cube using the second slider. When you have selected your starting position click the "Release" button to see which way the cube will rotate.

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