Stability Analysis of the Titanic
The paper calculates and analyzes the locations of the Titanic’s centre of buoyancy, centre of gravity, and metacentric height on April 14, 1912, the night of its iceberg collision. These points were essential for assessing the ship's stability in its intact, undamaged condition.
Key Calculations
Using historical data, the paper calculates the ship’s metacentric height (GM) as 2.625 feet, indicating the initial stability. It also places the metacentre (M) approximately 2.6 feet above the centre of gravity (G), suggesting a stable initial condition.
Longitudinal Center of Floatation (LCF)
This point, about which the vessel inclines in the fore-and-aft direction, was located 10 feet aft of the amidships on the night of the sinking. This offset contributed to the ship’s tendency to trim by the stern.
Implications of Stability Data
The findings suggest that the Titanic was moderately stable but would experience a reduced safety margin in rough conditions or if damaged. This characteristic could make it susceptible to capsizing if the centre of buoyancy or centre of gravity shifted significantly due to flooding.
The paper illustrates that the Titanic’s stability was sufficient under calm, intact conditions but highlights vulnerabilities that became critical after the iceberg impact.
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