Determine tensor of inertia of a rod

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To determine the inertia tensor of a rod, it's essential to understand the variables in the formulas: I_{xx} and I_{xy}. Here, x, y, and z represent the coordinates of mass elements, and dm is the mass of these elements, which can be expressed as dm = ρ dxdydz, where ρ is the density. For a rod, it's more practical to use a length element ds and a mass per unit length density, allowing for simpler single integrals. The process differs for cylinders or other shapes due to their varying geometry, which affects the coordinate expressions and integration limits. Understanding these concepts is crucial for accurately calculating the inertia tensor.
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Homework Statement
The pictures show two rods of homogeneous mass ##m## and length ##l##. Determine their inertia tensors.
Relevant Equations
Matrix of inertia
I have to find the inertia tensor of these rods and I don't have the concept that clear...
I mean, I know the formulas like:
##I_{xx}=\int y^2 + z^2 dm##
##I_{xy}=\int xy dm##

But I don't know what ##x, y, z, dm## stand for. In other words, I don't know what I should replace in the formula with.

Can you do one example for me? Just one, like "in the first picture, if you want to calculate ##I_x##, where you have ##y## you have to replace with b because that's..., and where you have ##z## you have to replace with 0 because..."

And what would it be the difference if these pictures didn't show rods but cylinders or another shape?

Thanks
 

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The general principle is that dm is a mass element at some (x,y,z), so if the density there is ##\rho## then ##dm=\rho dxdydz##. Substituting that gives you a triple integral for each tensor component,
Given that this is just a rod, it will probably be more convenient to introduce ds as a length element and use a mass per unit length density. Expressing the coordinates as functions of s should give you single integrals.
 
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