Calculating Moment of Inertia of a Hollow Cylinder + Solid Mass

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on calculating the moment of inertia for a hollow cylinder with an embedded solid cylinder. The moment of inertia for the larger hollow cylinder is given by I_{larger cylinder}=m_2R_2^2, while the smaller solid cylinder's moment of inertia is I=0.5 M_1r_1^2. The total moment of inertia is calculated using the parallel axis theorem, resulting in I_{total}=m_2R_2^2 + 0.5 M_1R_1^2 + M_1x^2. It is clarified that the parallel axis theorem can be applied separately to each component to find the moment of inertia about a different axis.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of moment of inertia concepts
  • Familiarity with the parallel axis theorem
  • Knowledge of hollow and solid cylinder properties
  • Basic algebra for manipulating equations
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  • Study the application of the parallel axis theorem in detail
  • Learn about the moment of inertia for different geometric shapes
  • Explore advanced applications of moment of inertia in dynamics
  • Investigate the effects of mass distribution on rotational motion
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kendro
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Hi. I have problem calculating the moment of inertia of a hollow cylinder if an extra mass in shape of smaller solid cylinder is embedded a distance x from the center of the larger cylinder.
Firstly, I use the moment of inertia of a hollow cylinder, which is [tex]I_{larger cylinder}=m_2R_2^2[/tex]. I also know that the moment of inertia for the small solid cylinder is [tex]I=0.5 M_1r_1^2[/tex]. Using the parallel axis theorem, I can calculate the moment of inertia of the whole thing, which is [tex]I_{total}=m_2R_2^2 + 0.5 M_1R_1^2 + M_1x^2[/tex]. Is that right?
Secondly, how can I calculate the moment of inertia of the whole cylinder about P? Can i use the parallel axis theorem once again to 'move' the axis a distance R? So that the whole inertia will be [tex]I_{total}=m_2R_2^2 + 0.5 M_1R_1^2 + M_1x^2 + (m_2+M_1)R^2[/tex]?
http://www.geocities.com/andre_pradhana/cylinderkendro2.JPG
 
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kendro said:
Firstly, I use the moment of inertia of a hollow cylinder, which is [tex]I_{larger cylinder}=m_2R_2^2[/tex]. I also know that the moment of inertia for the small solid cylinder is [tex]I=0.5 M_1r_1^2[/tex]. Using the parallel axis theorem, I can calculate the moment of inertia of the whole thing, which is [tex]I_{total}=m_2R_2^2 + 0.5 M_1R_1^2 + M_1x^2[/tex]. Is that right?
Right. This is the moment of inertia of the whole thing about the central axis.

Secondly, how can I calculate the moment of inertia of the whole cylinder about P? Can i use the parallel axis theorem once again to 'move' the axis a distance R? So that the whole inertia will be [tex]I_{total}=m_2R_2^2 + 0.5 M_1R_1^2 + M_1x^2 + (m_2+M_1)R^2[/tex]?
Careful! The parallel axis theorem tells you how to find the moment of inertia about any (parallel) axis if you know the moment of inertia about the center of mass. But the central axis is not the center of mass! Instead, use the parallel axis theorem for each piece separately and add them.
 
I know understand it.
Thank you very much...
 

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