Draw an iceberg and see how it will float (joshdata.me)

Article summary

The article presents an interactive simulation where users can draw an iceberg and see how it will float, taking into account its three-dimensional distribution of mass and relative density compared to water. The simulation is inspired by a tweet from a scientist who petitioned for scientists to draw icebergs in their stable orientations. The simulation aims to demonstrate how icebergs float with about 10% of their mass above the water. The article also mentions that the simulation is a simplified representation and does not account for all the complexities of real-world icebergs.

Main themes

• Iceberg simulation
• Buoyancy and density
• Scientific visualization
• Interactive education
• Physics and stability

What commenters say

• The simulation is a simple and effective way to demonstrate the principles of buoyancy and density, making it a great educational tool.
• Some users found that certain shapes, such as flat triangles or hexagons, are more stable than others, while others discovered that shapes with no flat surfaces can also work.
• The simulation's 2D nature may limit its accuracy, and some users wondered if a 3D version would produce different results.
• The concept of stability in the simulation is related to the balance of rotational forces on either side of the iceberg's center of gravity, and some users noted that this is similar to the principle of a pencil unable to stay vertical.
• The simulation could be improved by adding features such as melting or different displacement hull shapes to increase its realism and educational value.
• Some users appreciated the simulation's ability to spark creativity and curiosity, with one user suggesting it could be used as a 'fidget' app to engage users.
• The simulation's author acknowledged that the simulation is a simplified representation and that the boundary-condition like behavior observed by some users is likely due to the simulation itself rather than the physics.