Class 4 (4th Engineer) SC&S 📅 Aug 2024

Exam Question

(a) What is meant by 'statical stability"? What are the factors that influence stability? (6)

(b) A box barge 25 m long and 4 m wide floats in fresh water at a draught of 1.2 m and has an empty mid length compartment 5 m long. The bottom of the barge is lined with teak (rd 0.805) 120 mm thick. After grounding all the teak is torn off and the centre compartment laid open to the sea. Calculate the final draught. (10)

Reference Answer

### (a) Statical Stability and Influencing Factors (6 Marks)
**Definition of Statical Stability:**
Statical stability refers to the inherent ability of a vessel to return to its initial upright position after being heeled to a small angle by an external force (such as wind, waves, or turning). This property is determined by the interaction between the forces of gravity and buoyancy. When a vessel is upright, these two forces are equal, opposite, and act along the same vertical line. When the vessel is heeled, the center of buoyancy shifts, creating a turning moment that either restores the vessel to its upright position (positive stability) or causes it to capsize (negative stability).
The key elements governing statical stability are:

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