Metacentric Height Apparatus
Product Code : EL-FML-11044
Quick answer: The metacentric height apparatus is used to find the metacentric height and metacentre position of a floating ship model at different angles of heel. A stainless steel pontoon floats in a tank with a front window; movable weights tilt it and a pendulum on a graduated arc reads the angle. Lab Exports manufactures it in Delhi for engineering colleges, polytechnics and TVET institutes.
Specifications
| Component | Specification |
|---|---|
| Pontoon | Stainless steel, approx. 300 x 150 mm, with horizontal guide bar |
| Water tank | Approx. 600 x 400 x 400 mm |
| Front window | Glass / Perspex, for observation |
| Tilt measurement | Pendulum with weight and pointer on a graduated arc |
| Tilting mechanism | Cross bar with two movable hangers on the model |
| Weight displacement | Read directly on a scale |
| Model weight | Varied with removable steel strips |
How the metacentric height experiment is done
A floating body is stable if, when it heels, the buoyancy shifts far enough to create a righting moment. The metacentre M is where the line of action of buoyancy in the tilted position cuts the centre line, and the metacentric height GM is its distance above the centre of gravity G. A positive GM means the body rights itself; the larger GM is, the stiffer it feels.
In the experiment a known weight w is moved a distance x across the pontoon, which heels through a small angle theta. For a total floating weight W, GM = w x / (W tan theta). Repeating with different strip loads changes the height of G and shows how loading affects stability.
- Weigh the pontoon with its strips and float it in the tank.
- Set the hangers at the centre and note the zero reading of the pendulum.
- Move a hanger weight a measured distance to one side and read the angle of heel on the arc.
- Repeat for several positions on both sides.
- Change the number of steel strips and repeat, then calculate GM for each load.
Key features
- Stainless steel pontoon ship model with horizontal guide bar
- Tank of approx. 600 x 400 x 400 mm with glass / Perspex front window
- Pendulum and pointer on a graduated arc for the angle of heel
- Cross bar with two movable hangers for controlled tilting
- Removable steel strips to change the model weight and centre of gravity
Supplied with the apparatus
- Set of weights
- Removable steel strips
Documentation and supply
Installation instructions and a manual are supplied with the apparatus. Most Lab Exports products carry a one-year manufacturer warranty.
Lab Exports manufactures the metacentric height apparatus at its works in Laxmi Nagar, Delhi, and supplies it to engineering colleges, polytechnics and TVET institutes in India and 60+ countries, handling the export documents for each shipment. More about the company is on the About Lab Exports page.
Related Fluid Mechanics Lab products
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- Pitot Static Tube Set-up (EL-FML-11045)
- Friction in Pipe Lines Apparatus (EL-FML-11042)
- Free Force Vortex Apparatus (EL-FML-11046)
- Study of Pipe Fitting (EL-FML-11041)
- Orifice Mouthpieces Apparatus (EL-FML-11047)
The full range is in the Fluid Mechanics Lab section of the Engineering Lab range.
Frequently asked questions
What does the metacentric height apparatus determine?
It determines the metacentric height and the position of the metacentre of a floating pontoon at varying angles of heel.
How is the angle of heel read?
A pendulum with a weight and a long pointer swings over a graduated arc as the pontoon tilts.
How is the model's weight changed?
Removable steel strips are placed in or taken out of the pontoon.
What is the price of the metacentric height apparatus?
Prices are not published on the website. Add the metacentric height apparatus to the Enquiry Cart with the Add To Cart button on this page, or email [email protected] with the house code EL-FML-11044 and the quantity, to receive a quotation.
Does Lab Exports manufacture the metacentric height apparatus?
Yes. Lab Exports manufactures the metacentric height apparatus at its works at 11/315, Lalita Park, Laxmi Nagar, Delhi 110092, under house code EL-FML-11044.
Request a quote
Email [email protected] with the house code EL-FML-11044 and the quantity, or add the metacentric height apparatus to the Enquiry Cart with the Add To Cart button on this page. Tender buyers can also see the Tenders and OEM page.
