Question

(a) With respect to Buoyancy of a vessel

What do you understand by reserve buoyancy what happen if the lost buoyancy is greater than the reserve buoyancy?

(b) A triangular bulkhead ty 7 m wide at the top and has a vertical depth of B m. Calculate the load on the bulkhead and the position of centre of pressure if the bulkhead is flooded with sea water on only side:(10)

(i) To the top edge

(ii) With 4 m head to the top edge.

Answer 1

Part (a)

Reserve Buoyancy

Reserve buoyancy is the watertight volume above the waterline of a vessel. It represents the potential buoyancy that can be utilised to keep the ship afloat when additional weight is added or if some buoyancy is lost due to damage (e.g., bilging).

When a mass is added to the ship or buoyancy is lost (e.g., due to flooding of a compartment), the reserve buoyancy is converted into active buoyancy by an increase in draught.

If the lost buoyancy (due to flooding or damage) is greater than the reserve buoyancy, the vessel will no longer have sufficient buoyant force to counteract its weight, causing it to sink.

✓ Verified Model Answer (Text Solution)

Reserve Buoyancy