Final answer:
To design a ship using aluminum, which is denser than water, it's essential to create a structure that displaces enough water to ensure its overall density is less than water's density. The ship's hull must be shaped to maximize displacement and distribute the aluminum's weight over a wider area to maintain buoyancy.
Step-by-step explanation:
To design a ship using aluminum, which is denser than water, one must consider the principles of buoyancy and displacement, as explained by Archimedes' Principle. Although aluminum has a density of 2.7 times that of water, shaping the material into a hull form that displaces enough water can make it float. By ensuring the overall density of the ship (the mass of the ship divided by the volume of water it displaces) is less than that of water, the ship will float. This is similar to molding a lump of clay into the shape of a boat, which then displaces more water and experiences a greater buoyant force compared to the lump form. The ultimate shape of the boat matters; a wide, hollow form can displace more water and distribute the weight of the aluminum over a larger area, contributing to the vessel's ability to stay afloat. Adding structural components to the design, such as a hull with watertight compartments, further ensures buoyancy.
Furthermore, the industrial scale of shipbuilding with aluminum involves precise calculations to balance the weight of the ship with its buoyant force. For example, large cargo ships use a design that maximizes displacement and minimizes the ship's own weight. In essence, successfully designing a floating structure out of a material denser than water involves considering not just the material's density but also the shape and volume of the structure.