Metacenter (Noun)
Meaning
(shipbuilding) the point of intersection between two vertical lines, one line through the center of buoyancy of the hull of a ship in equilibrium and the other line through the center of buoyancy of the hull when the ship is inclined to one side; the distance of this intersection above the center of gravity is an indication of the stability of the ship.
Classification
Nouns denoting cognitive processes and contents.
Examples
- Naval architects carefully calculated the metacenter of the ship design to ensure its stability at high speeds and in rough seas.
- By analyzing the ship's metacenter, engineers were able to determine the necessary adjustments to maintain her balance and prevent capsizing.
- The metacenter of a ship in equilibrium is a crucial point that indicates how the vessel will react to external forces such as wind and waves.
- Moving the metacenter higher above the center of gravity significantly improved the ship's overall stability, reducing the risk of accidents.
- A low metacenter relative to the center of gravity often indicates poor stability, and this can lead to serious problems when navigating through stormy weather.