How Do You Calculate Moment of Inertia for CD and FE in a Multi-Rod System?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around calculating the moment of inertia (MOI) for a system of five identical rigid rods connected together, specifically focusing on the rods CD and FE in relation to an axis of rotation passing through AB. The scope includes theoretical considerations and mathematical reasoning related to the moment of inertia in a multi-rod system.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation, Mathematical reasoning, Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant describes the system of rods and mentions successfully calculating the MOI for rods BC and DE using the parallel axis theorem, seeking guidance specifically for rods CD and FE.
  • Another participant suggests starting from the integral definition of moment of inertia, indicating the need to establish a relationship between density and radius for the rods.
  • A repeated post reiterates the initial question about finding the MOI for rods CD and FE, noting that these rods are parallel to the axis of rotation, which may simplify their MOI calculation.
  • One participant agrees that treating the rods as point masses at their respective distances from the axis AB could be a valid approach for calculating their MOI.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express different approaches to calculating the moment of inertia, with some suggesting integral methods while others propose simpler methods based on the geometry of the system. No consensus is reached on the best method for calculating the MOI of rods CD and FE.

Contextual Notes

The discussion does not resolve the assumptions regarding the density and distribution of mass in the rods, nor does it clarify the specific configuration of the rods in relation to the axis of rotation.

PhyAmateur
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If we have five identical rigid rods, each of length l and mass m, are connected together to form the system shown in the figure. The system may rotate about an axis passing through AB.

The question is to find the moment of inertia of the system with respect to axis AB.

I managed to find the MOI of BC and DE using parallel axis theorem. My question is more about CD and FE. How to find the MOI wrt CD and FE?
 

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I'm not sure if there's a way to do this other than starting from the integral definition of a moment of inertia. ##I=\int_a^b r^2dm## So you need to find a relation between the density and radius for the rods.
 
PhyAmateur said:
If we have five identical rigid rods, each of length l and mass m, are connected together to form the system shown in the figure. The system may rotate about an axis passing through AB.

The question is to find the moment of inertia of the system with respect to axis AB.

I managed to find the MOI of BC and DE using parallel axis theorem. My question is more about CD and FE. How to find the MOI wrt CD and FE?

CD and EF are parallel to the axis of rotation. Doesn't that make their MoI quite straightforward to calculate?
 
Indeed. Treat the rods as point masses at their respective distances from the axis AB.
 

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