What does the term "metacenter" refer to in stability theory?

The term "metacenter" in stability theory specifically refers to the point where the center of buoyancy of a floating vessel shifts as it tilts or heels. When a ship is upright, the center of buoyancy is directly above the center of gravity. As the ship tilts, the center of buoyancy moves to a new position. The metacenter is defined as the point at which the vertical line through the center of buoyancy intersects the original centerline of the vessel when heeled. This is crucial for assessing the stability of the vessel; if the metacenter is above the center of gravity, the ship will tend to right itself, indicating stability.

Understanding the metacenter is essential for ship stability calculations and ensuring safety at sea, as it plays a vital role in determining how a vessel will respond to external forces and sea conditions.