Pocketbook of Useful Formulæ and Memoranda
for Civil and Mechanical Engineers

552 Molesworth’s pocket-book Stability of Floating Bodies» x the vertical line that passes through tho centre of gravity C of the floating body when in equilibrium. y the vertical line that passes through tho centre of gravity c of the displaced fluid. When the vessel is in equilibrium x and y coin- cide; but when the body is careened over tho point of intersection of the two lines, x and y gives M, the position of the “ metacentre.” If M be above C, the equilibrium is stable; if it coincide with C, it is indifferent; if below C, it is unstable. I — Moment of inertia of plane of flotation about an axis passing through its centre of gravity. A = Height of centre of gravity of body above centre of gravity of displaced water. V = Submerged volume. H = Height of metacentre above centre of gra- vity of displaced water. H = — , and II — h = measure of stability.