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Floating Cylinders

CSEF · 2010 Applied Mechanics & Structures

Fiona C. Blackburn · Anderson (Arthur) Community Learning Center, Alameda, Alameda County

Overview

Objectives/Goals The purpose of this experiment was to determine how the aspect ratio of a floating wooden cylinder affected its tilt angle. Methods/Materials To conduct the experiment painted cylinders with different aspect ratios were floated in bleach. Over time a line appeared on the cylinders marking how they floated and then trigonometry was used to calculate their tilt angles. Conclusions/Discussion Various unsuccessful approaches were tried to measure the tilt angle before the method used here was devised. With this information gathered it was concluded that smaller aspect ratios of wooden cylinders will float with their circular cross-sections more parallel to the water, however the prediction that cylinders with the same aspect ratio will float the same regardless of their diameter was not proven accurate.

Summary statement

My experiment explored how the aspect ratio of a floating cylinder affected its tilt angle.

Help received

My mom helped me to collect and buy the necessary materials for this project. My dad supervised the use of power tools and worked with me to brainstorm alternate ways to obtain the tilt angle after the initial experiment failed.

Competition history

  • CSEF 2010 Applied Mechanics & Structures · Entry S0203

Resources

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