3771. A Look at Inclining Experiment Heel Angles: Measurement Tools and Sensitivity

Paper

Abstract

An inclining experiment is used to indirectly measure the vertical center of gravity of a ship by measuring resultant heel angles for a given weight moved athwartships. The methods for measuring these angles are considered tried and true even though the uncertainties of their accuracy and precision are not well understood. This paper explores the impact of errors from traditional inclining methods and compares them with modern methods. The paper looks at a simulated inclining experiment and explores the change in results when errors are introduced into the measurements. It then looks at electronic inclinometers used in an actual inclining and discusses how that data can be analyzed and how that might affect the results of the experiment. Finally the paper discusses the advantages and disadvantages of old and new methods and provides recommendations for improved results from future inclinings.