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This project is adapted from one used at the U.S. Coast Guard Academy.
A buoy is basically a floating can that must be visible from some distance. Buoys are often used to
hold other structures and, therefore, act as “floating docks”. The goal of this project is twofold. First
you will examine some pre-designed buoys to find out how far they protrude above the water level
and determine whether of not they will support a 1000 lb. structure without “tipping over”. Next, you
will design your own buoy and make a poster or model of your work.
Specifications:
1. A buoy is hollow, with circular cross sections. Think of it as a solid of revolution formed by
rotating curves about the y-axis (or some other vertical line).
2. The construction material is ½ ” thick sheet metal, which weighs 490 lb. per cubic foot.
3. You should estimate an additional 10% in weight to account for bolts, welds, etc.
4. The buoy must be able to carry a super-structure with equipment, such as light and batteries,
weighing 1000 lbs.
5. The entire device must float with a freeboard of 1.5 to 3 feet. (“Freeboard” is the distance that
the buoy protrudes above the water level.)
Assumptions:
1. You will need to determine the volume and surface area of a solid of revolution.
2. You will need to apply Archimedes Principle: A floating object will displace the amount of water
whose weight is equal to the weight of the object.
3. The buoy will be floating in salt water, which weighs 65.55 lbs./ft3
Your assignment:
Phase 1:
You have been commissioned by the U.S. Coast Guard to examine the pre-designed buoys on
the back of this sheet and answer some questions. (Answering the questions for #1 and 2 is
REQUIRED. Answering the questions for #3 is an optional BONUS.)
Present your analysis and work neatly on separate paper. Typing is preferable, but neat printing
is acceptable as well.
Phase 2: Design your own original buoy. Your design should include…
a) the equation(s) of the curves describing your buoy’s shape.
b) your calculation of the buoy’s total weight and water displacement
c) your calculation of the buoy’s freeboard. (This MUST be 1.5 – 3 feet.)
d) a 3-D model OR accurate drawing of your design.
e) Present your design on a large poster. Make your presentation visually appealing!!!!!
Other specifications:
a) The equation(s) used to generate your buoy may NOT consist of lines exclusively. No
vertical lines are permitted, but you may use horizontal or slanted lies as long as other
non-linear equations are used as well.
b) You may not re-use the designs on the following pages and simply change the
dimensions. (In other words, no cans, cones, trumpet bells or balls allowed.)
c) If your buoy has too much freeboard, you may calculate an amount of sand or cement
to weigh down the buoy so its freeboard is 1.5’ to 3’.
And now for your own original design!!! . You may not re-use the designs above and
simply change the dimensions. (In other words, no cylindrical cans, cones, golf tees or balls
allowed.)
My example for you…The Cone (to be done in class with teacher guidance)