Metacentre (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
- A lower metacentre relative to the center of gravity can be beneficial in preventing capsize by ensuring a gentle response to increasing angle of heel.
- Ship stability depends on a favorable combination of low centre of gravity, moderate freeboard and sufficient distance between centre of buoyancy and metacentre.
- An examination of a hull design begins by constructing lines plan that details beam and displacement changes that include depth below and height above water lines where there may occur conditions suitable to compromise and discover better value concerning transverse position centre for these things notably, what is the metacentre relative to the centre of gravity.
- Determining the metacentre by a direct calculation method, using the derivatives of the volume and moment integrals, can be more accurate than estimating based on draft displacement relationships and the established minimum required righting arm.
- The calculated metacentre is an essential component of the margin of longitudinal stability that contributes to the overall assessment of the ship.