Ballast Weight Calculator:
Enter the values of horsepower of the engine, HP and total weight, TW(kg) to determine the value of Ballast weight, BW(kg).
Ballast Weight Formula:
The physics of ballast weight is fundamentally tied to the principles of stability, buoyancy, and centre of gravity in fluid dynamics and mechanics. In ships, ballast weight is used to ensure that the vessel maintains its upright position and does not capsize.
The ballast, often in the form of water or solid weights, is placed low in the hull to lower the centre of gravity, enhancing the ship’s stability.
By increasing the ballast weight, the downward gravitational force acting on the vessel increases, which counteracts the buoyant forces acting upward.
This equilibrium ensures that the ship remains stable in various sea conditions, resisting tilting or rolling motions caused by waves or wind.
Ballast weight, BW(kg) in kilograms is calculated by the product of 110 and difference of horsepower of the engine, HP and total weight, TW(kg) in kilograms.
Ballast weight, BW(kg) = 110 * HP – TW(kg)
BW(kg) = ballast weight in kilograms, kg.
HP = horsepower of the engine.
TW(kg) = total weight in kilograms, kg.
Ballast Weight Calculation:
- A ship has an engine power output of 200 HP and a total weight of 15,000 kg. Calculate the ballast weight required for stability.
Given: HP = 200HP, TW(kg) = 15000kg.
Ballast weight, BW(kg) = 110 * HP – TW(kg)
BW(kg) = 110 * 200 – 15000
BW(kg) = 7000kg.
- A vessel requires a ballast weight of 6,000 kg, and the total weight of the vessel is 18,000 kg. Calculate the horsepower of the engine.
Given: BW(kg) = 6000kg, TW(kg) = 18000kg.
Ballast weight, BW(kg) = 110 * HP – TW(kg)
HP = BW(kg) + TW(kg) / 110
HP = 6000 + 18000 / 110
HP = 218.18HP.