Center of Gravity - Center of Buoyancy

Stability - Center of gravity and center of buoyancy

• Centre of Gravity is the point in a body where the gravitational force may be taken to act
• Centre of Buoyancy is the center of the gravity of the volume of water which a hull displaces

When the hull is upright the center of gravity and center of buoyancy is on the same vertical line.

• the hull is stable

For most hulls the center of buoyancy is below the center of gravity and the hull is said to be metastable.

When the hull tilts the center of gravity remains in the same position related to the hull (the hull is not changed and/or the cargo is not moved). The center of buoyancy moves to fit the new center of gravity of the volume of water replaced by the hull. At first the gravity force and the buoyancy force creates a

• righting torque

that tries to move the hull back to upright position. If the hull is tilted to much the center of buoyancy moves to a position where the buoyancy and gravitation force starts to create a moment that will

• capsize

the hull.

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