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Rocking the Boat

CSEF · 2019 Applied Mechanics & Structures

Nicholas J. Frutos · Panama Elementary School, Bakersfield, Kern County

Overview

Objectives The objective of this science project is to determine what effect a pair of bilge keels provides for the stability of a boat in water. Methods Two 2-liter soda bottles, rubber cement, glass marbles (50-60), one wooden dowel (1 foot long), bathtub, stopwatch, double-sided adhesive tape. After constructing the boat, I attached two 5-centimeter bilge keels under the boat and placed the boat within a bathtub of water. After three trials, I cut one centimeter off of the 5-centimeter bilge keels and recorded the total time of the oscillations and number of oscillations the boat encountered. Results The longer the bilge keel length, the less total time of the oscillations and the less number of oscillations encountered by the boat. Conclusions Repeated trials demonstrate that longer bilge keels provide better stability for a boat in water.

Summary statement

My science project demonstrates that longer bilge keels provide better stability for a boat in water.

Help received

I constructed the boat and performed the experimental trials myself.

Competition history

  • CSEF 2019 Applied Mechanics & Structures · Entry J0309

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