What does an increase in the breadth of a tank do to the free surface constant?

An increase in the breadth of a tank leads to an increase in the free surface constant. The free surface constant, often related to the stability of a floating vessel or tank, is influenced by the dimensions of the fluid container, particularly its breadth, depth, and the surface area of the liquid.

When the breadth of the tank increases, the area where the fluid can move freely at the surface also increases. This greater surface area allows fluid to have a more significant impact on the center of gravity and the metacentric height of the vessel. As the free surface area increases, the fluid movement can create larger moments that affect stability, thereby increasing the value of the free surface constant.

Maintaining awareness of the free surface constant is important for stability calculations, as it quantifies how much the stability of the vessel is affected by the movement of liquid within it. Increasing breadth directly contributes to that value, highlighting the importance of design considerations in ensuring optimal stability for vessels and structures containing liquids.