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=^32
1
tan
3
παl
and moment of inertia of the circular section about the liquid level,
I=^44 (2 tan )
64 64
dl
ππ
×= α = (tan )^44
4
l
π
α
Now the value of BM and metacentric height is found out as usual.
We know that BM=
44
2
32
(tan )
(^4) 0.75 tan
1
tan
3
I l
l
V l
π
α
==α
πα
.
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 α= Apex angle of the cone.
We know that weight of the cone
= Volume of cone × specific weight
of cone
(^132) tan (0.8 9·8)
3
πα××L
and weight of water displaced = Volume of water displaced × specific weight of water
(^132) tan (1·0 9·8)
3
πα××l
Since the cone is floating in water, therefore the weight of the cone is equal to the weight
of the water displaced. Therefore
(^132) tan (0·8 9·8)
3
πα××L =^32
1
tan (1·0 9·8)
3
πα××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.