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Unread 08-09-2011, 11:52
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Physics and buoyancy question

Okay this is a totally different question not really related robotics but still interesting.

The question is. How much floatation, or should I say buoyancy/lift in the form of pool noodles, (you know those nice things we use for bumpers), would be required to keep a radio controlled model boat afloat if the model weighted 8 pounds?

The models hull is made from fiberglass, so it does not have any floatation capability. All the other running hardware is made up of various materials such as lithium polymer battery packs, electric motor, electronic speed control, aluminum and screws. All the materials in the model have variable densities but everything that is used in the model would sink.

I know that when an object is submerged in water, it’s effective weight is less. With that said is there some sort formula that maybe used?

The easy answer would be 8 pounds of lift, which is nice, but I may not be able to stuff the hull with enough pool noodles to achieve that much lift.

So any thoughts, ideas?
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