Stability of Floating Objects at a Two-Fluid Interface

We explore the stability of floating objects at a two fluid interface

through mathematical modeling and experimentation. Our models are based

on standard ideas of center of gravity, center of buoyancy, and

Archimedes’ Principle extended to the notion of a two fluid scenario. We

investigate floating shapes with two-dimensional constant cross sections

and identify a potential energy landscape that helps identify stable and unstable

floating orientations. We compare our analyses and computations to experiments

on floating objects designed and created through 3D printing.