video record
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Description
A demonstration of mathematical modelling techniques to calculate whether or not the 'Thistle A' jacket (built to support a North Sea Oil drilling platform) can be floated to its site.
Metadata describing this Open University video programme
Module code and title: TM281, Modelling by mathematics
Item code: TM281; 07
First transmission date: 12-02-1977
Published: 1977
Rights Statement:
Restrictions on use:
Duration: 00:24:30
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Producer: Philip Ashby
Contributors: Keith Attenborough; Bob Tunnicliffe
Publisher: BBC Open University
Keyword(s): Archimedes; Integration; North Sea oil; Summation; Thistle; Volumes
Footage description: Bob Tunnicliffe, at the Teeside construction yard for a North Sea oil platform jacket, introduces the programme. Shots of Tunnicliffe standing on the jacket. Over shots of the jacket, Tunnicliffe explain how it was constructed and gives some of its dimensions. Over more shots of the jacket in dry dock, Tunnicliffe explains how the jacket will be moved to its site in the North Sea. Tunnicliffe explains, briefly, the principles involved in calculating whether or not a jacket of this size will float and float at the correct level. Keith Attenborough briefly repeats the principles expressed by Tunnicliffe above and then goes on to demonstrate how one can calculate the volume of the jacket cylinders beneath the plane of water. Attenborough uses several model cylinders of various shapes and diagrams to help illustrate points made. He also writes some of the mathematical expressions on a board. Bob Tunnicliffe poses the question, 'Can the model be modified to take into account the assumption that the jacket will not float symmetrically?' Attenborough, with the aid of animated diagrams, modifies his mathematical model to take this assumption into account. Over shots of the jacket floating in its basin at the Teeside construction yard and film shots of the jacket being towed to sea, Bob Tunnicliffe sums up.
Master spool number: 6HT/72355
Production number: 00525_5291
Videofinder number: 773
Available to public: no