Deck General · Free Surface Effect
Free surface effect is GREATEST when a tank is:
- ACompletely full
- BApproximately 95% full
- CApproximately 50% full✓ Correct
- DCompletely empty
Explanation
FSC depends on the moment of inertia of the free surface area. A half-full tank has the maximum free surface area (the full plan area of the tank), producing the greatest FSC. A full or empty tank has no free surface and therefore no FSC.
Authority: Stability & Trim (USCG deck topic)
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