Finding the inertia of a tilted cylinder

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    Cylinder Inertia
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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on calculating the moment of inertia for a tilted cylinder about its center of mass. The user aims to derive this by first determining the inertia of a tilted ring, utilizing the equation I = mr². The approach involves applying the parallel axis theorem and addressing the variable radius due to the tilt, represented by the angle θ. Key equations and vectors, such as the position vector of an element dm on the ring and the Pythagorean theorem for calculating the perpendicular distance, are discussed as foundational elements in this calculation.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of moment of inertia and its calculation methods
  • Familiarity with the parallel axis theorem
  • Knowledge of vector mathematics and trigonometry
  • Basic principles of rotational dynamics
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the derivation of moment of inertia for various shapes, including rings and disks
  • Learn about the application of the parallel axis theorem in complex systems
  • Explore vector calculus in the context of rotational motion
  • Investigate the effects of tilt on the moment of inertia in different geometries
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Students and professionals in physics and engineering, particularly those focusing on mechanics and rotational dynamics, will benefit from this discussion.

undereducated
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1. Find the inertia of a tilted cylinder about its center of mass.

2. Pretty much i want to start with the point masses and prove it from there so the equation to use would be I = mr2

3. Heres where I'm at. I figure the first thing I need is to find the inertia of a tilted ring about its center of mass which I can use to find a tilted disk and build the cylinder out of these applying the parallel axis theorem. But for life of me I can't figure out the equation for a tilted ring. Regular ring would be I = integral from 0 to Pi of ((M / 2 Pi R) * R d-theta * R2. The problem with the tilt is that the radius from the axis of rotation would be variable from The radius of the ring to the radius of the ring times sin x if x is the angle of tilt. I need to find some way to relate the variable radius with theta as it traces out the ring. I don't want it all worked out for me just a hint on the right way to approach it.
 
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Draw axes x,y in he plane of the ring and z perpendicular to the plane of the ring. Without loss of generality, your axis of rotation can be represented by a unit vector in the xz plane as

\hat{a}=sin\theta \hat{i}+cos \theta \hat{k}

Note that the axis of rotation is tilted by angle θ with respect to the perpendicular to the ring plane.

The position vector of an element dm on the ring is

\vec{R}=Rcos\phi \hat{i}+Rsin \phi \hat{j}

To calculate the moment of inertia, you need the perpendicular distance r from dm to the axis of rotation. You get this from the Pythagorean theorem (R is the hypotenuse of the right triangle)

r^2=R^2-(\hat{a}\cdot \vec{R})^2

I will stop here and let you proceed on your own.
 

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