The formula T=0.44B/GM refers to which of the following?

The formula T = 0.44B/GM is used to calculate the natural rolling period of a floating vessel. The variables in the formula are defined as follows: T is the time it takes for the vessel to complete one roll, B is the beam (width) of the vessel, and GM represents the metacentric height, a measure of the vessel's stability.

The natural rolling period is a crucial aspect of a ship’s stability since it provides insight into how quickly or slowly a vessel returns to an upright position after being heeled over by waves or wind. A shorter rolling period may indicate a vessel with a higher tendency to roll and potentially less stability, while a longer period may suggest a more stable vessel.

Understanding this relationship is essential for ensuring safety and operational effectiveness at sea, influencing factors like comfort for passengers and crew, as well as the risk of capsizing in adverse conditions.