Finding Center of mass and Moment of inertia Experimentally.

In summary, there are various physical experimental methods that can be used to find the center of mass/gravity, moment of inertia matrix, and principle MI axis, and there is also existing literature and experts who can provide guidance on conducting these experiments.
  • #1
msntito
5
0
Hi,
I am doing a science experiment. For that, I have made a small structure (sort of, almost pyramid like) using metal strips. I have calculated mathematically: its center of mass/gravity, moments of inertia matrix and principle MI axis ( usual formulae).

My job first is to find these same parameters experimentally and then compare them with above results. What physical experimental methods are known to find C.M/C.G, MI and Principle MI axes? Did anyone try such stuff before? may be in lab, somewhere?

please help!
 
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  • #2
There are several physical experimental methods that can be used to find the center of mass/gravity, moment of inertia matrix, and principle MI axis. Some of these methods include: using a balance to determine the center of mass/gravity; using a pendulum or a torsion pendulum to measure the moment of inertia; and using a gyroscope to measure the principle MI axis. Additionally, there are many experiments available in scientific journals that discuss the measurement of these parameters experimentally. For example, the journal "Experimental Mechanics" has many articles related to measuring the moment of inertia experimentally. Finally, it may also be helpful to consult with experts in the field, such as mechanical engineers or physicists, who may have experience with similar experiments.
 

1. What is the purpose of finding the center of mass and moment of inertia experimentally?

The purpose of this experiment is to determine the location of the center of mass and the moment of inertia of an object. This information is important in understanding the stability and motion of an object, and is often used in engineering and physics applications.

2. How is the center of mass and moment of inertia calculated experimentally?

The center of mass is determined by balancing the object on a pivot point and measuring the distance from the pivot to the center of mass. The moment of inertia is calculated by measuring the angular acceleration of the object when it is rotated about a fixed axis.

3. What types of objects can be used for this experiment?

This experiment can be performed on any object, as long as it has a defined shape and mass distribution. Common objects used include uniform rods, disks, and spheres.

4. What factors can affect the accuracy of the experimental results?

The accuracy of the results can be affected by factors such as the precision of the measurement tools used, the stability of the pivot point, and external forces acting on the object during the experiment.

5. How can the results of this experiment be applied in real-world situations?

The knowledge of the center of mass and moment of inertia can be applied in various real-world situations, such as designing stable structures and vehicles, predicting the motion of objects, and understanding the behavior of rotating systems.

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