Determine tensor of inertia of a rod

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on calculating the inertia tensor of a rod using the formulas for the components \(I_{xx} = \int y^2 + z^2 \, dm\) and \(I_{xy} = \int xy \, dm\). The variables \(x\), \(y\), \(z\), and \(dm\) represent the coordinates of mass elements and their respective mass. For a rod, it is more efficient to use a length element \(ds\) and a mass per unit length density \(\rho\), transforming the triple integrals into single integrals by expressing coordinates as functions of \(s\).

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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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