Class 4 (4th Engineer) SC&S 📅 Feb 2023

Exam Question

(a) What is the purpose of conducting in planning experiment on a new vessel? (6)

(b) A mass of 6t is moved transversely through a certain distance on a ship of 4300t displacement when the deflection of an 11m pendulum is found to be 120 mm. The transverse meta-centre is 7.25m above the keel and KG 5.46 m. Find the distance through which 6t was moved. (10)

Reference Answer

### (a) Purpose of Conducting an Inclining Experiment on a New Vessel
The primary purpose of conducting an inclining experiment on a new or modified vessel is to determine its lightship characteristics, specifically the vertical centre of gravity (KG). This data is fundamental to all subsequent stability calculations for the vessel's entire operational life. A comprehensive answer includes the following key objectives:
1. **Determination of Metacentric Height (GM) and KG**: The immediate result of the experiment is the metacentric height (GM) for the 'as-inclined' condition. Using this, the lightship vertical centre of gravity (KG) is calculated. This is the single most critical, unknown variable that can only be determined by a practical experiment.
2. **Establishment of Lightship Data**: The experiment accurately determines the vessel's lightship displacement and its longitudinal and vertical centers of gravity (LCG and KG). This establishes the baseline condition from which all future loading conditions are calculated.

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