Center of Mass

[mase5151]

I am working on a rocket and need to find the center of mass of a hollow nose cone. Any help would be appreciated.

[HallsofIvy]

If the "nose cone" is a cone with base radius R and height h, with mass M, then the center of mass is on the axis at distance π&radic(h2+R2)hR/M.

[new324]

Here's an alternate way, if its any easier for you. Suspend the hollow nose cone from a chosen point (by attaching a string to any point of the cone) and there will be a vertical line (90 degress relative to the Earth). Remember where this vertical line is. Then choose a different suspension point. The center of mass is where these two vertical lines intercect. Look at the pic if it helps. And make sure to do this with the same "side" of the cone.

[NateTG]

Are you doing a math problem, or a lab?

[mase5151]

thanks for the help. im working on a big rocket project and needed to find the center of mass for each part so we can figure out where we need to locate the fins.