(FLUID MECHANICS; CE 2305)

CHAPTER:3 FORCES ON IMMERSED BODIES

A) HYDROSTATIC FORCES ON SURFACES (PLANE & CURVED)

 Horizontal immersed plane surfaces

 Vertically immersed plane surfaces
 Inclined immersed plane surfaces
 Curved immersed surfaces
Total Pressure Force
It is defined as the force exerted by static fluid on a surface (either plane or curved)
when the fluid cames in contact with the surface. This force is always at right angle or normal
to the surface.
Centre of Pressure
It is defined as the point of application of total pressure on the surface and is always
expressed in terms of depth from the liquid surface. The total pressure exerted by a static liquid
on the immersed surface (plane or curved) is discussed below:

1) Horizontal Immersed Plane Surface

Total Pressure (P)

Consider a plane horizontal surface immersed into a liquid is shown in the following
Figure given below:

Figure: Horizontally immersed surface

Let
A = area of the immersed surface
̅
X = depth of horizontal surface from the liquid surface
 = specific weight of the liquid
Total pressure (P) on the immersed surface is:
P = weight of the liquid above the immersed surface
= specific weight of the liquid x volume of liquid (= area of surface of liquid x
depth of liquid)
P = γAX ̅
Where
P = KN or N
 = KN/m3 or N/m3
A = m2 and ̅
X = m
Example Problem
A rectangular tank 3 m x 4 m contains 1.2 m deep oil of specific gravity 0.8. Find: i)
intensity of the pressure at the base of the tank, and ii) total pressure on the base of the tank.
Find:
i) Pressure intensity at tank base
ii) Total pressure on tank base

i) Pressure intensity = o h = o 𝐗
̅
o = So  w
= 0.8 x 9.81
o = 7.85 kN/m3
p = 7.85 x 1.2 = 9.42 kN/m2 Ans

ii) P = o A X
̅ = 7.85 x 12 x 1.2 A = 3 x 4 = 12 m2
P = 113 kN

2) Vertically Immersed Plane Surface

a) Total Pressure (P)

Consider a plane vertical surface of arbitrary surface immersed in a liquid as shown in
the following figure:

Figure: Vertically immersed surface

Let
A = total area of the immersed surface
CG = centre of gravity of the immersed surface
CP = centre of pressure of the immersed surface
̅
X = depth of CG of the area from liquid surface
h̅ = depth of CP from the liquid surface
P = total pressure on the immersed surface
00 = free surface of liquid
 = specific weight of the liquid
Now consider a thin horizontal strip of the surface of thickness dx and width b.
Let
X = depth of strip from liquid surface
p = intensity of pressure on the strip which is considered uniform as the strip is very
small in thickness
We know that
p = X
And
Area of strip = a = b dx
So
Pressure on the strip = p a =  X b dx
Total pressure on the immersed surface = P = ∫  X. b dx=  ∫ X . b dx
Also ∫ X. b d x = moment of the surface area about the liquid surface
= A̅X
So,
P = AX ̅
This equation holds good for all surfaces whether plane or curved.
Or
The total pressure on a surface is equal to the area multiplied by the intensity of pressure at
centre of gravity of the immersed surface.

i) Centre of Pressure ( 𝐡̅)

The intensity of pressure on an immersed surface is not uniform, but increases with
depth. As the pressure is greater over the lower portion of the figure, therefore
resultant pressure on any immersed surface will act at some point below the centre
of gravity of the immersed surface and towards the lower edge of the figure. The
point through which this resultant pressure acts is known as centre of pressure and
is always expressed in terms of depth from the liquid surface.
Centre of pressure is calculated by using “Principle of Moments” which states
that moment of the resultant force about an axis (i.e. M2) is equal to the sum of
moments of the components about the same axis (i.e. M1).
Consider previous figure.
Let
CP = centre of pressure of the immersed surface (resultant pressure, P will act through
the point CP)
CG = centre of gravity of the immersed surface
̅h = depth of centre of pressure below free liquid surface
IO = moment of inertia of the surface about OO (free surface of liquid)
Consider the horizontal strip of thickness dx
Total pressure on strip = .X. b dx
Moment of this pressure about free surface 00 = ( .X .b .dx) X =  X2 b dx
Total moment of all such pressures for whole area = M1 = ∫  𝑋 2 . b dx=  ∫ 𝑋 2 . b dx
But ∫ 𝑋 2 . b dx= 𝐼𝑜 = Moment of inertia of the surface about the free surface 00 (or second
moment of area)
So,
M1 =  Io (1)

Also,
Moment of the pressure of whole surface about free surface of liquid = M2
M2 = Ph̅ (2)
Equating Eqs. (1) (2) we get
Ph̅ =  Io
AX ̅h̅ =  Io ∵ P = AX ̅
Io
h̅ = ̅
(3)
AX
Also,
Io = IG + Ah2 (Theorem of parallel axis)

IG = moment of inertia of the surface about horizontal axis through its centre of
gravity
h = distance between the liquid free surface and centre of gravity of the surface
̅
(= X in this case)
So,
Io = IG + AX̅2
Put
Io = IG + AX̅2 in eq. (3) and get
IG + A ̅X2 IG ̅2
AX IG
h̅ = = + = ̅
AX ̅ AX̅ AX̅ ̅+X
AX
Hence, centre of pressure
IG
h̅ = ̅ + ̅ X
AX
Also, centre of pressure is always below the centre of gravity of the area by a distance equal to
IG/AX ̅.
Example Problem 1
A rectangular plate 3 m long and 1 m wide is immersed vertically in water in such a way that
its 3 m side is parallel to the surface and is 1 m below the water surface. Find:
i) Total pressure on depth the plate (P)
ii) Position of centre of pressure (h̅)
Solution
Given: Length of plane surface = l = 3 m
Depth of plane surface = w = 1 m
Depth of plate from water surface = 1m = d
Find:
i) P
ii) h̅
As P = AX ̅
̅ = 𝑑 + 𝑤 or X
X ̅ = 1 + 1 = 1.5 𝑚 Figure: Example Problem 1
2 2

So,
P = 9.81 x (3 x 1) x 1.5

i) P = 44.15 kN IG = bd3/12 = 3 x 13/12 = 0.25 m4

ii) h̅ = ?
as h̅ = ̅ +X
IG/AX ̅
So, h̅ = 0.25/ (3 x 1.5) + 1.5

h̅ = 1.56 m Ans
Example Problem 2:
Following figure shows a circular plate of diameter 1.2 m placed vertically in water in such a
way that the centre of the plate is 2.5 m below the free surface of the water. Determine:
i) Total water pressure force on the plate (P)
ii) Position of centre of pressure (h̅)

Solution:
Given:
Diameter of plate = d = 1.2 m
Depth of center of gravity of plate below water surface =
̅
X = 2.5 m

Find:
i) P
ii) h̅

Figure: Example Problem 2

As P = w A ̅
X w = 9.81 kN/m3
So P = 9.81 x 1.13 x 2.5 A = d2/4 =  (1.2)2/4 = 1.13 m2 ̅= 2.5 m
X
i) P = 27.75 kN
 ii) h̅ = As h̅ = IG/AX
̅ +X ̅
̅
X = 2.5 m
A = 1.13 m2
IG = d4/64 =  (1.2)4/64 = 0.1018
h̅ = 2.536 m

Example Problem 3
An isosceles triangular plate of base 3 m and altitude 3 m is immersed vertically in an
oil of specific gravity 0.80. The base of the plate coincides with the free surface of oil:
Determine: i) Total pressure on the plate (P)
ii) Centre of pressure (h̅)
Solution
Given:
Base of plate = b=3m
Height of plate = h = 3 m
Oil specific gravity =S = 0.80
Find:
i) P
ii) h̅
Figure: Example Problem 3

i) P = o A X
̅ o = S w = 0.80 x 9.81 = 7.85 kN/m3
So A = bh/2 = 3 x 3/2 = 4.5 m2
P = 7.85 x 4.5 x 1 ̅= h/3 = 3/3 = 1 m
X
ii) h̅ = ̅ +̅
IG/AX X IG = bh /36 = 3 x 33/36 = 2.25 m2
3

So
h̅ = 2.25/ (4.5 x 1) + 1 = 1.5 m
Example Problem 4
A trapezoidal palte 2 m wide at the bottom and 1 m deep with side slopes 1:1 is immersed
vertically in water. The top edge 4 m wide of plate coincides with the free surface of water.
Determine:
i) Total pressure (P) on the plate
ii) Centre of pressure position

Solution
Given:
Top width = bt = 4m
Bottom width = b = 2m
Depth or height of plate = h= 1m
Side slope = 1:1 i.e.  = 45 o

Find:
i) P = ?
ii) h̅ = ?
 i) The trapezium may be considered to be made of
a) a rectangle: b x h (= width x height)
b) a triangle: b x h (= base x height)
So, P = P1 + P2
P1 = pressure on rectangle; P2 = pressure on triangles
Pressure force for rectangle (P1)
As P1 = aX̅ For Rectangle
P1 = 9.81 x 2 x 0.5 A = bh = 2 x 1 = 2m2
P1 = 9.81 kN ̅= h/2 = ½ = 0.5 m
X
P1 acts at a depth, h̅1 IG = b h3/12 = 2 x 13/12 = 0.17

IG
h̅ = ̅ 
+X h̅1 = 0.17/ (2 x 0.5) + 0.5 = 0.67 m
̅
AX
Pressure force for triangles (P2)
As P2 = AX ̅ A = 2(b1h/2) = 2(1 x 1)/2 = 1 m2 X ̅= h/3 = 1/3 m
3 3
So, IG = 2b1 h /36 = (2 x 1) x 1 /36 = 0.06
P2 = 9.81 x 1 x 1/3
P2 = 3.27 kN
P2 acts at a depth of h̅
IG
h̅2 = ̅
̅
+X
AX
0.06 1
h̅2= 1 + 3 = 0.51 𝑚
1×
3

h̅2 = 0.51 m
Total pressure on plate (P) = pressure for the rectangle (P1) = pressure for triangles
(P2)
Or
P = P1 + P2
P = 9.81 + 3.27 = 13.08 kN
i) P = 13.08 kN
ii) Location of Centre of Pressure; h̅0
As moments of total pressure about water free surface = moment of pressure on
rectangle + moment of pressure on triangles
Or Ph̅ = P1h̅1 + P2h̅2

So 13.08 x h̅= 9.81 x 0.67 + 3.27 x 0.51

13.08 x h̅ = 8.24
̅h = 8.24/13.08 = 0.63 m h̅= 0.63 m
 3) Total Pressure Force on Inclined Immersed Surface
Consider the following Figure which shown an inclined immersed surface in a liquid:

Figure: Showing inclined immersed surface

A = area of the surface
Yc = distance of CP from point O.
Y = distance of CG from O
̅
X = vertical depth of cetnre of gravity (CG) of immersed surface from free liquid
surface
 = angle at which immersed surface is inclined with liquid surface
 = specific weight of the liquid
h = vertical depth of strip below liquid surface

a) Total Pressure (P)

Consider a strip of thickness dx, width b at a distance X from as shown in the above equation:
Intensity of pressure on the strip = p = h=  X Sin 
Area of the strip = b dx
Pressure (force) on the strip = P = pa =  X Sin  * b dx
Now total pressure on the surface = P=   X Sin  b dx =  Sin   X.b dx
 X.b dx = moment of surface area about OO
So,
 X b dx = A.Y As, ̅X/𝑌 = Sin or Y = ̅ X/Sin
 X b dx = ̅
AX/Sin
Now Equation (1) becomes:
P =  Sin . AX
̅/Sin
P =  AX̅ the same equation as for horizontal or vertically immersed plane
surface in a liquid.
b) Location of Centre of Pressure (𝐡̅)
Centre of pressure is calculated by using “Principle of Moments” which states that moment
of the resultant force about an axis (i.e. M2) is equal to the sum of moments of the
components about the same axis (i.e. M1).

Refer to previous Figure

Let
CP = centre of pressure of the inclined surface
h̅ = depth of CP below liquid surface
IG = moment of inertia of the immersed surface above OO
As determined previous:
Pressure on the strip = pa =  X Sin  b dx
Moment of pressure about O = ( X Sin  b dx) X
=  X2 Sin  b dx
Sum of moments of all such pressure along O
M1 =   X2 Sin  b dx =  Sin   X2 b dx
Where
 X2 b dx = Io = moment of inertia of surface about point O
So, M1 =  Sin  Io (2)
Also
Moment of the pressure of whole surface about OO line= M2
M2 = PYc = P h̅/Sin  (3) As, h̅Yc = Sin 
Yc = h̅/Sin 
P = total pressure on the surface.
Equating Eq. (2) and (3) we get

Ph̅/ Sin  =  Sin  Io As, P =  A X ̅

A̅ Xh̅/Sin  =  Sin  Io
̅h = (Sin  Sin  Io) / A ̅
X= (Sin2 . Io)/AX̅
h̅ = (Sin2 . Io)/AX̅ (4)
Where
Io = IG + AY2 (Theorem of parallel axes)
Where
Y = distance between O and CG of the surface
Y = X/Sin 
̅
Putting Io = IG + A(X̅/Sin ) 2 in Eq. 4 we get
h̅ = (Sin2 /AX̅ )[IG + AY2] =( Sin2 /AX ̅) [IG + A(X̅/Sin )2] =( IG Sin2 /A) + ̅
X
So,
Centre of pressure
h̅ = (IG Sin2 /AX̅) + ̅
X (5)
For
 = 90o; or Sin 90 o = 1 So, h̅ = (IG /AX
̅) + ̅
X
Example Problem 1
A 1m wide and 1.5 m depth rectangular plane surface lies in water in such a way that
is plane makes an angle of 30 o with the free water surface. Determine the total pressure and
position of centre of pressure when the upper edge is 0.75 m below the free water surface:

Solution
Given
Width of surface = 1m = b
Depth of surface = 1.5 m = d
Inclination =  = 30o
Distance of upper edge from free water surface = 0.75

Find
i) Total pressure, P
ii) Position of centre of pressure h̅
P = w A 𝐗
̅
w = 9.81 kN/m3
A = 1.5 x 1 = 1.5 m2
̅
X = AE + EB = 0.75 + (1.5/2 x 0.5) As, EB/BC = Sin30 o or EB = BC Sin30 o
̅
X = 1.125 m
P = 9.81 x 15 x 1.125
P = 16.55 kN
𝐡̅ = (IG Sin2 30/1.5 x 1.125) + 1.125 As, IG = bd3/12 = 1x1.53/12 = 0.281 m4
h̅ = 1.166 m
Example Problem 2
A triangular plate of 1m base and 1.5 m altitude (height) is immersed in water. The plane of
the plate is incline at 30o with free water surface and the base is at a depth of 2 m from water
surface. Find the total pressure on the plate and the position of centre of pressure:

Solution
i) Total pressure on the plate, P:
As P = w A ̅X
P = 9.81 x 0.75 x 2.25 As, A = bh/2 = 1x1.5/2 = 0.75 m2
P = 16.55 kN ̅
X =2 + M2 = 2 + (M1 Sin 30 o)
= 2 + (h/3 x Sin 30 o)
= 2 + (1.5/3 x 0.5) = 2.25 m
ii) Depth of Centre of Pressure, h̅
As h̅ = IG Sin2 /AX̅+X ̅ IG = bd3/36 = 1 x 1.53/36 = 0.09375 m
So
h̅ = 0.09375 Sin2 30/0.75 X 0.25 + 2.25 = 2.26 m
h̅ = 2.26 m

4) Total Pressure On Curved Immersed Surface

The total pressure on a curved surface, when immersed in a liquid, cannot be determine
readily by the methods discussed earlier for plane surfaces. In the case of curved surfaces, total
pressure is determined by calculating the horizontal and vertical components of the total
pressure (resultant pressure) which are then combined together to give the total pressure on the
curved surface.
- The reason of different approaches for plane and curved surfaces is that in case of a
plane surface, total pressures on the strips have the same direction. But for a curved
surface, the direction of the total pressure on the strips are not in the same direction but
it varies from point to point.
Consider a curved surface AB immersed in a liquid as shown in the Figure given below:
 Let
BC = the vertical projection of the curved
AC = the horizontal projection of the curved surface
PH = total horizontal pressure on vertical projection (BC) of the curved
surface, which acts through the centre of pressure of the surface
PV = total vertical pressure
= total weight of liquid supported by the curved surface upto free surface
Liquid free surface of liquid or total weight of liquid in the portion ABC. This force 9PV)
acts through the centre of gravity of the volume ABC.
Now the total pressure or resultant pressure on the surface AB is given by:

P = √PH2 + PV2
The direction of total pressure P or inclination of P with the horizontal is given by:

tan  = PV/PH or  = tan-1 (PV/PH)

 = the angle, which P makes with horizontal

Example Problem
Following Figure shows a gate LM having a quadrant shape of radius of 3 m, immersed
in the water. If the width of gate is unity (1 m) then determine the total pressure force on the
gate LM and the angle at which the total pressure will act, when t/u top edge of the gate is 1 m
below the free water surface:
Solution
Given
Radius of the gate = 4 = 3 m
Width of the gate = 1 m = b
Distance hO = OM = 3 m = d
Horizontal component of total pressure force (P H)
PH on a curved surface (gate) LM = total force on projected area of curved surface
(gate) on a vertical plane
So
Total pressure on OM
PH = w AX̅
PH = (9.81) (3) (2.5)= 73.57 kN
A = projected area of curved gate on vertical plane = OM x b
2
= 3x1 = 3m
̅
X = 1 + 3/2 = 1 + d/2
̅
X = 2.5 m
IG = b d3/12 = 1 x 3/12 = 2.25 m4
Putting of application of PH is given by:
h̅ = IG/AX̅+X ̅
h̅ = IG/AX̅+̅ X = 2.25/3 x 2.5 + 2.5 = 2.8 m from water surface

Vertical Component of Total Pressure Force (P V)

PV = weight of the liquid volume extending vertically from the curved surface to the
free surface of liquid
= weight of portion ULMOS = weight of ULOS + Weight of water in
= w (volume of ULOS + volume of LOM)
= 9.81 [(UL x LO) x 1 + {(LO = r)2/4 } x 1]
= 9.81 [{1 x 3 x  32 /4} x 1]
= 9.81 [3 + 7.068]
= 98.77 ~ 98.8
PV = 98.8 kN
Now total pressure acting on the curve gate LM

𝑃 = √𝑃𝐻2 + 𝑃𝑉2 = √(73.57)2 + (98.8)2 = √15173.98

P = 123.18 kN
Angle at which total pressure
P will act =  = angle which P makes with weight
tan  = PV/PH   = tan-1 (PV/PH)
= tan-1 98.8/73.57
= tan-1 1.34
 = 53.33o
 B) BUOYANCY AND FLOTATION
Whenever a body is placed over a liquid, either it sinks down or float on the liquid. The
analysis of flotation phenomenon reveals that the body placed over a liquid is acted upon by
the following two forces:
1. Gravitational force
2. Upthrust of the liquid
These forces act opposite to each other. If gravitational force is greater than liquid upthrust,
body will sink down. But if the gravitational force is less than upthrust of the liquid, the
body will float.

BYOYANCY
Whenever a body is immersed wholly or partially in a fluid it is subjected to an upward
force when tends to lift (or buoy) it up. This tendency for an immersed body to be lifted up
in the fluid due to an upward force opposite to action of gravity is known as buoyancy. The
force tending to lift up the body is known as buoyant force or force of buoyancy or upthrust.
It is always equal to the weight of the fluid displaced by the body. It is well known that if
the force of buoyancy is greater than the weight of the body, body will be pushed up till the
weight of the fluid displaced is equal to the weight of the body and the body will float. But,
if the force of buoyancy is less than the weight of the body, it will sink down.
The magnitude of the buoyant force can be determined by Archimedes’ principle which
states that “whenever a body is immersed in a fluid either wholly or partially, it is buoyed
or lifted up by a force, which is equal to the weight of fluid displaced by the body”.

Centre of Buoyancy (CB)

For a stable submerged body (i.e. submarine) centre of buoyancy (CB) is always
above the centre of gravity (CG).
The point of application of the force of buoyancy on the body is known as the centre of
buoyancy. It is always the centre of gravity of the volume of fluid displaced or it is the
centre of area of the immersed section.

Example Problem
A wooden block of width 1.25 m, depth 0.75 m and length 3 m is floating in water.
Specific weight of the wood is 6.4 kN/m3.

Find:
i) Volume of water displaced
ii) Position of centre of buoyancy

SOLUTION
Given
Width of wodden black = 1.25 m
Depth of wooden black = 0.75 m
Length of woodeb black = 3m
 Specific weight of wood wood = 6.4 N/m3 FIND
i) Volume of water displaced
ii) Position of centre of buoyancy

Problem Figure

i) Volume of Water Displaced

As for equilibrium:
Weight of water displaced = weight of wooden block
So, weight of water displaced = wood x (Vol of wooden block)
= 6.4 x 1.25 x 0.75 x 3
= 18 kN
Now
i) Vol of water displaced = weight of water displaced/water
ii) As Vol of water displaced = 18/9.81 = 1.835 m3

Position of Centre of Buoyancy

As Volume of wooden block in water = volume of water displaced
So 1.25 x h x 3 = 1.835
Or h = 1.835/1.25 x 3 = 0.489 m
(h = 0.489 m = depth of wooden block in water)
i) Centre of buoyancy = 0.489/2 = 0.244 m from the base

METACENTRE
Whenever a body floating in a liquid is given a small angular displacement, it starts oscillating
(rolling) about some point. This point about which body starts oscillating is called as
metacentre. Metacentre may also be defined as the inter-section of the lining passing through
the original centre of buoyancy (B) and centre of gravity (G) of the body and the vertical line
through the new centre of buoyancy (B1) as shown in the following Figure given a next page.
M is the metacentre. The position of metacentre, M remains practically constant for the small
angle of tilt .
 Figure: Metacentre M.

Meta Centric Height

The distance between the centre of gravity of a floating body and the metacentre i.e. ,
distance GM as shown in the above Figure is called meta centric height. The metacentric height
of floating body is a direct measure of its stability. More the metacentric height of a floating
body, more it is stable. In the design offices, metacentric height of a body or ship is calculated
accurately to check its stability. Some values of metacentric height are given below:
Merchant ships = upto 1.0 m
Seiling ships = upto 1.5 m
Battle ships = upto 2 m
River craft = upto 3.5 m
The height of meta center may be determined by the following methods:
1. Analytical method
2. Experimental method

Conditions of Equilibrium of Floating Bodies

A body is said to be in equilibrium, when it remains in a steady state, while floating in
a liquid. Following are the three conditions of equilibrium of a floating body:
1. Stable equilibrium
2. Unstable equilibrium
3. Neutral equilibrium

1. Stable Equilibrium
A body is said to be in a stable equilibrium, when body is given a small angular
displacement (i.e. slight tilt) by some external force and it returns back to its original
position due to internal forces (weight & upthurst). This patterns when metacentre (M)
is higher than the centre of gravity (G) of the floating body.
2. Unstable Equilibrium
 A body is said to be in an unstable equilibrium, it does not return back to its original
position and heals further away, when given a small angular displacement. This
happens when the metacentre (M) is lower the centre of gravity (G) of the floating body.

3. Neutral Equilibrium
A body is said to be in a neutral equilibrium, if it occupies a new position and remains
at rest in this new position, when given a small angular displacement. This happens
when the metacentre (M) coincides with the centre of gravity (G) of the floating body.

CONDITIONS OF EQUILIBRIUM OF FLOATING AND SUBMERGED BODIES

A floating or submerged body is said to be stable if it comes back to its original position after
giving a slight disturbance. The condition of stability of these bodies depends on the position
of its metacenter, centre of buoyancy and centre of gravity. The relationship between these
points and the stability of body is described below:

CONDITIONS OF STABILITY OF FLOATING BODY

Stable Equilibrium: M above G. if the metacenter is above the centre of gravity then the
floating body is in stable equilibrium. From fig shown above when a body is given a slight tilt
in clockward direction, the centre of buoyancy B will shift to new position B 1. The weight W
of body acting downward through the centre of gravity G and the force of buoyancy F B act
vertically upward through centre of buoyancy B1. The vertical line through the B1 will cut the
normal passing through the centre of gravity at metacenter M. Here the metacenter M is above
the centre of gravity G. The couple formed by buoyant force FB and the weight W of body
tends the body rotate anti-clockwise and then the force couple bring back body to its original
position.

Unstable equilibrium: M below G when the body is given a slight tilt in a clockwise
direction. If the metacenter M is below the centre of gravity G, then the couple formed by
buoyancy FB and weight W of body tends the body to tilt clockwise direction and thus the body
will overturn.
Neutral equilibrium: M coincide G. If the metacenter is at the centre of gravity, then torque
formed by FB and w is zero. In this condition, body said to be in neutral equilibrium.

Conditions of stability of submerged body

For a submerged body the weight of body is equal to the buoyant force, W = FB and body has
no tendency to move upward or downward. For example, a balloon submerged in the air.

Stable equilibrium: B above G. If the centre of buoyancy B is above the centre of gravity,
the slight clockwise tilt produce a couple of force FB and W in opposite direction. The body
will return to its original position.
Unstable equilibrium: B below G. if the body is given a slight tilt, the couple of forces W and
FB also in the same direction.

Neutral equilibrium: B coincide G. There is no torque couple formed by W and FB.