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STATICS - CASE STUDY

    Introduction


Geometry Diagram
 

In order to determine a submarine's buoyancy characteristics, designers must accurately determine the centroid, center of mass, and center of gravity for various parts of the sub.

What is known:

  • The radius of the nose cone is given by
    r(x) = B - CxD.
  • The length of the nose cone is 100 ft.
  • The base of the nose cone has a radius 20 ft.
  • The shape exponent D is 4, but as a first approximation, the designers use D = 1 in order to simplify the mathematics.
  • The density of the nose cone varies linearly from 1 slug/ft3 at the base to 2 slug/ft3 at the tip.
     
    Question


Submarine Path Graphic

 

As a first approximation, assume the nose code is a simple cone shape (D = 1 in the above equation). Where is the centroid, center of mass, and center of gravity?

   
  Approach

 
  • Use symmetry to determine the y and z locations of the centroid, center of mass, and center of gravity.
  • Solve for the x location by integrating the appropriate quantities from the base to the tip of the nose cone.
     
   
 
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