Calculating Rotational Inertia of Flat Plate

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on calculating the Rotational Inertia of a flat plate using the integral formula I = ∫ r² ρ dV. Unlike a thin rod, which is one-dimensional, the flat plate requires evaluation in two dimensions. The variable r represents the distance from the axis of rotation, and ρ is a function of r. The correct approach involves using the parallel axis theorem and integrating over the volume of the flat plate to derive the moment of inertia.

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  • Knowledge of the parallel axis theorem.
  • Basic principles of two-dimensional geometry.
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azizlwl
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How to derive the Rotational Inertia for a flat plate.
I do not see any symmetry about the axis of rotation as in a thin rod.http://imageshack.us/a/img845/1134/53433231.jpg
 
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Well, you just calculate it from the definition:

I = \int r^{2} \rho \mathrm{d}V

The difference here is that the integral has to be evaluated in two dimensions. For a thin rod you can eliminate two coordinates (it's a one-dimensional body); this is a two-dimensional body.
 
Thank you.
Can you elaborate more.
Can you tell me what r represents in your equation?
Your equation is antiderivatives not definite integral.
 
Last edited:
Okay, r is the distance of the point you're evaluating to the axis of revolution. So \rho is generally a function of r too.

It is a definite integral (I should have written \int_V instead of \int. You integrate over the volume of the body. That's why you only evaluate in one dimension for a thin rod, but two dimensions for a thin plane.
 
Hey Azizlwl,

Take a rectangular element of length a and height as given at a distance r from the axis. Make the width very small i.e. dr. What is the moment of inertia of this element about the axis? (Use parallel axis theorem). Now integrate. you will get your answer.
 

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