Calculating moment of inertia about z axis

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around calculating the moment of inertia about the z-axis for a beam's cross-section. Participants explore the equations used for different axes and seek clarification on the correct application of these formulas, particularly regarding the presence of a denominator of 3 in the z-axis calculation.

Discussion Character

  • Homework-related
  • Technical explanation
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses confusion about calculating the moment of inertia about the z-axis and compares it to their previous calculation for the y-axis, which they verified as correct.
  • The same participant provides an equation for Iz that includes a denominator of 3, indicating it is their first encounter with such a formulation.
  • Another participant suggests reviewing the parallel-axis theorem to understand the factor of 1/3 in the z-axis moment of inertia calculation.
  • A participant references the standard equation for the second moment of inertia when the axis lies along the edge of a rectangle, stating that it can be derived using the parallel-axis theorem.
  • Links to external resources are provided for further reading on the topic.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the correct approach to calculating the moment of inertia about the z-axis, and multiple viewpoints regarding the application of formulas and the use of the parallel-axis theorem remain present.

Contextual Notes

Some participants note that the equations provided apply under specific conditions, and there may be limitations in the assumptions made regarding the geometry of the cross-section.

cherry
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Homework Statement
The couple M is applied to a beam of the cross section shown in a plane forming an angle with the vertical. Determine the stress at (a) point A, (b) point B, (c) point D.
Relevant Equations
I_rectangle = (1/12)bh^3
Screenshot 2025-02-11 at 12.51.50 AM.png

Hi, I'm a little confused on calculating the moment of inertia about the z-axis.
For calculating the moment of inertia about the y-axis, I did the following (verified to be correct):
Iy = 1/12 * 80 * 90^3 + 1/12 * 80 * 30^3

I did the same for the z-axis but it turned out to be wrong.
The correct equation for Iz is 1/3 * 90 * 60^3 + 1/3 * 60 * 20^3 + 1/3 * 30 * 100^3

This is my first time seeing a second moment of inertia equation like that with a denominator of 3.
If someone could post an explanation regarding the equation for Iz, I'd greatly appreciate it.

Thanks!
 

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cherry said:
Homework Statement: The couple M is applied to a beam of the cross section shown in a plane forming an angle with the vertical. Determine the stress at (a) point A, (b) point B, (c) point D.
Relevant Equations: I_rectangle = (1/12)bh^3

View attachment 357146
Hi, I'm a little confused on calculating the moment of inertia about the z-axis.
For calculating the moment of inertia about the y-axis, I did the following (verified to be correct):
Iy = 1/12 * 80 * 90^3 + 1/12 * 80 * 30^3

I did the same for the z-axis but it turned out to be wrong.
The correct equation for Iz is 1/3 * 90 * 60^3 + 1/3 * 60 * 20^3 + 1/3 * 30 * 100^3

This is my first time seeing a second moment of inertia equation like that with a denominator of 3.
If someone could post an explanation regarding the equation for Iz, I'd greatly appreciate it.

Thanks!
Please go ahead and show your work for ##I_z##. Also see LaTeX Guide to format the equations.
 
cherry said:
Relevant Equations: I_rectangle = (1/12)bh^3
The above equation gives the (area or second) moment of inertia of a rectangle (measuring ##b \times h##) about an axis when:

a) the axis passes through the rectangle's centroid and lies in the plane of the rectangle;

b) the sides of length ##b## are parallel to the axis (so the sides of length ##h## are perpendicular to the axis).

If the above conditions do not apply, you need a different formula.
 
cherry said:
If someone could post an explanation regarding the equation for Iz, I'd greatly appreciate it.
I suggest reviewing the parallel-axis theorem to understand the factor of 1/3.
 
We've not heard back from the OP. However, note that the 'official' answer given in Post #2 as:
cherry said:
The correct equation for Iz is 1/3 * 90 * 60^3 + 1/3 * 60 * 20^3 + 1/3 * 30 * 100^3
can be written down immediately.

We consider the shape broken into several pieces such that the z-axis lies along an edge of each piece:

1739538277043.png

The standard equation for the second moment of inertia when the axis lies along the edge of a rectangle is ##I = \frac 13 bh^3## where ##b## is the length of the side along the axis. (The formula, if not supplied, can be derived using the parallel axis theorem.)

To get the 'official' answer (above) the two yellow rectangles are treated as a single one measuring 60 mm x 20 mm.
 
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