SUPA Calculus Buoy Project

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 1 is due on ________________________

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’.

Phase 2 rough draft is due on ___________________

Phase 2 final poster/work is due on ________________________

 1. Sample design: “The Can”
y

This buoy is generated by x = 2, y = 0, and y = 6.

a) Determine the weight of “The Can” (nrst. lb.)

b) Determine the water displacement.
c) Find the length of the freeboard.
x

2. Sample design: “TheTrumpet Bell

This buoy is generated by x = 0, y = 0, y = 2, and y = lnx.

Determine the weight of “The Trumpet Bell” (nrst. lb.)

a)
Determine the water displacement.
b)
Find the length of the freeboard.
c)
Does this bouy design meet all the US Coast Guard requirements? Explain
d)
why or why not.
3. Sample design: “The Ball” (This one is an optional BONUS.)

This buoy is a sphere with radius of 6 ft.

a) Determine the water displacement

b) Determine the freeboard. (nearest 10th of a ft.) Does this “jive” with your own
personal experience with floating spheres?
c) What would happen if this buoy was put out to sea with a 1000-lb.
superstructure on top?
d) Perhaps we rectify solve both problems (b and c), by pouring sand or cement
into the buoy. To the nearest pound, what is the minimum amount of
sand/cement you would have to pour in to meet the design requirements?
(HINT: Determine the amount of water that would have to be displaced if the
freeboard was 3’. What is the difference between this amount and your answer
from a? Use this difference to determine the amount of sand you would need.

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)

This buoy is generated by 6x – y = 12 in Q4 and

revolved about the y-axis.

d) Determine the weight of “The Cone” (nrst. lb.)

e) Determine the water displacement.
f) Determine the freeboard