Determine Mass moment of inertia about any axis given Ixx...

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the calculation of mass moment of inertia about any axis given the moments of inertia Ixx, Iyy, and Izz in a local coordinate system. The context involves human motion analysis and the use of transformation matrices to transfer body properties between coordinate systems.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation, Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • One participant seeks a method to calculate the mass moment of inertia about any axis using known values of Ixx, Iyy, and Izz.
  • Another participant states that the moment of inertia is a symmetric rank two tensor, which is defined by the principal directions and their corresponding moments.
  • A follow-up question asks whether a rotational transformation matrix can be used to obtain new moments of inertia, indicating a potential misunderstanding of the tensor nature of the moment of inertia.
  • A participant clarifies that the moment of inertia is indeed a rank 2 tensor and provides the transformation equation for converting between coordinate systems using a rotation matrix.
  • One participant acknowledges a misunderstanding and expresses gratitude for the clarification.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree on the tensor nature of the moment of inertia and the use of transformation matrices, but there is some confusion regarding the application of these concepts, particularly in distinguishing between tensor and vector transformations.

Contextual Notes

The discussion does not resolve the initial participant's question about calculating moments of inertia about arbitrary axes, and there may be assumptions regarding familiarity with tensor mathematics that are not explicitly stated.

Mohsen Diraneyya
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Hello,

I am analyzing human motion. for each body segment, I have measured values for Ixx, Iyy, and Izz in local coordinate system. I want to transfer all body properties from one coordinate system to another using a transformation matrix.

My question is that
, is there a way to calculate mass moment or inertia about any known axis, given the mass moment of inertia about the three primary axes? Ixx, Iyy ans Izz

Thanks.
 
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Yes, the moment of inertia is a symmetric rank two tensor. Given the principal directions and their corresponding moments uniquely defines this tensor.
 
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Orodruin said:
Yes, the moment of inertia is a symmetric rank two tensor. Given the principal directions and their corresponding moments uniquely defines this tensor.
Does that mean I can simply use rotational transformation matrix as any other vector to get new moments of inertia ?
 
Mohsen Diraneyya said:
Does that mean I can simply use rotational transformation matrix as any other vector to get new moments of inertia ?
No, it is a rank 2 tensor, not a vector. You marked this thread "A" so I assumed you were familiar with tensors. Written in matrix form, the components of a rank 2 tensor transform according to
$$
I' = A I A^T,
$$
where ##I## contains the components of the moment of inertia tensor in old system, ##I'## its components in the new system, and ##A## is the rotation matrix connecting the systems.
 
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My bad. Thanks A lot:ok:
 

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