Finding moment of inertia of cone

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around finding the moment of inertia of a cone oriented with its vertex downwards. The problem involves integrating in cylindrical coordinates to determine the limits for the radius as a function of height.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the limits of integration for the radius in relation to the height of the cone, questioning how the relationship between radius and height is established. There are inquiries about the role of angles and trigonometric functions in this context.

Discussion Status

Some participants have provided insights into the constraints of the integration limits based on the order of integration and the geometry of the cone. There is ongoing exploration of the reasoning behind the specific limits used in the integration process.

Contextual Notes

There is mention of potential confusion regarding the notation of radius and height, as well as the implications of the cone's geometry on the integration limits. The problem is framed within the context of homework constraints, emphasizing the need for clarity in the setup of the integral.

Vitani11
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Homework Statement


Why is it that when you integrate to find the moment of inertia of a cone standing on its vertex (like a spinning top) with height h mass M and radius R do you integrate the R limits as 0 to (R/h)z in the triple integral (cylindrical coordinates) below?

Homework Equations


I = moment of inertia
D = density (M/πR2h)
ρ = R distance from rotation axis (limits from 0 to (R\h)z)
φ = 2π the angle swept (limits 0 to 2π)
z = h the height of the cone (limits 0 to h)

The Attempt at a Solution


I = ∫ρ2dm = D∫∫∫ρ3dρdφdz
 
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I assume you mean the r limits, not R limits.
It depends on the order of integration. If the integration wrt r is the last step then the range is 0 to R. If it is an earlier step then the maximum value of r is constrained by the current value of z in the outer integral.
 
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haruspex said:
If it is an earlier step then the maximum value of r is constrained by the current value of z in the outer integral.

Yeah this is the case but I don't understand where it came from. Why doesn't it involve sines? How do you see it is (R/h)z from the picture? For the problem is was given as capital R for radius
 
Vitani11 said:
Yeah this is the case but I don't understand where it came from. Why doesn't it involve sines? How do you see it is (R/h)z from the picture? For the problem is was given as capital R for radius
R is the maximum radius, i.e. the radius at height h. For the integral, you need a variable for the radius at height z. r seems a reasonable choice.
If the angle of the cone (slope to vertical) is θ then tan(θ) = R/h = r/z.
 
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Okay thanks
 

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