Help calculating rotational inertia

In summary: When combined with their respective tire weights, the total rotational inertia for the 14" wheel and tire is 2,559.4178 in^2 lbs and for the 15" wheel and tire is 2,010.0921 in^2 lbs. It is important to keep in mind that these calculations are based on the assumption that the wheels and tires are perfect disks.
  • #1
abawp
3
0
I need to compare a wheel and tire package on my car and I need help calculating for rotational inertia. I am comparing the weights and size of two different wheels and tires, and so far, this is what I have gathered:

14" wheel & tire (tire is a 195-60-R146):
Overal Diameter - 23.2126"
Wheel weight - 17 lbs
tire weight - 21 lbs

15" wheel & tire (tire is a 195-45-R15):
Overal Diameter - 21.9094"
Wheel weight - 17.5 lbs
tire weight - 16 lbs

Now, where do I begin?
 
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  • #2
Start by looking at some rotational inertia equations for disks/rings. What are they?
 
  • #3
Don't think this is correct, but this is what I have come up with.

formula for rotational inertia for a disk:

I = 1/2 M * R^2, where M = mass, and R = radius?

14" wheel:

I = 1/2 * 17lbs * 7"^2
I = 416.5 in^2 lbs (not sure what the units are)

195-60-R14 tire:

I = 1/2 * 21 * 11.6063^2
I = 1,414.4172

14" wheel w/ tire:

I = 1/2 * 38 * 11.6063^2
I = 2,559.4178

Now the 15" wheel:

I = 1/2 * 17.5 * 7.5^2
I = 492.1875

195-45-R15 tire:
I = 1/2 * 16 * 10.9647^2
I = 960.0436

15" wheel w/ tire:
I = 1/2 * 33.5 * 10.9547^2
I = 2010.0921

Did I do this correct?
 
  • #4
abawp said:
Don't think this is correct, but this is what I have come up with.

formula for rotational inertia for a disk:

I = 1/2 M * R^2, where M = mass, and R = radius?

That's right.

abawp said:
I = 416.5 in^2 lbs (not sure what the units are)

Your units are also correct. The SI units for moment of inertia are kg.m2, but as you are using imperial units (pounds, inches), your units are fine.

~H
 

1. What is rotational inertia and why is it important?

Rotational inertia, also known as moment of inertia, is the measure of an object's resistance to rotational motion. It is important because it determines how much torque or force is needed to change the rotational speed of an object.

2. How is rotational inertia calculated?

Rotational inertia is calculated by multiplying the mass of the object by the square of its distance from the axis of rotation.

3. What units are used to measure rotational inertia?

The units for rotational inertia are kilogram-meters squared (kg·m²) in the SI system and slug-feet squared (slug·ft²) in the English system.

4. How does the shape of an object affect its rotational inertia?

The shape of an object plays a significant role in determining its rotational inertia. Objects with a larger moment of inertia have a more spread out mass distribution, while objects with a smaller moment of inertia have a more concentrated mass distribution. Therefore, the shape of an object can greatly impact its rotational inertia.

5. Can rotational inertia be changed?

Yes, rotational inertia can be changed by altering the mass or shape of an object. By increasing or decreasing the mass or changing the distribution of mass, the rotational inertia can be changed accordingly.

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