Inertia matrix of a homogeneous cylinder

Click For Summary

Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the inertia matrix of a homogeneous cylinder, specifically focusing on the derivation of certain terms in the context of a homework problem. Participants are exploring the mathematical integration involved in calculating the inertia matrix.

Discussion Character

  • Homework-related
  • Mathematical reasoning

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses confusion about the origins of the terms (1/4)mR^2 + (1/12)ml^2 and (1/2)mR^2, suggesting they may come from integrals involving coordinates.
  • Another participant prompts for the computation of the integrals and requests to see the work done.
  • There is a request for clarification on the meaning of the variables y' and z', indicating uncertainty about how to proceed with the integration.
  • Some participants clarify that y' and z' are coordinates as shown in a referenced figure.
  • One participant questions how to integrate the terms with respect to mass, noting that the terms are not constants.
  • It is mentioned that the coordinates depend on the specific location within the body of the cylinder.
  • A later reply suggests using the relationship ##dm = \rho \, dx'dy'## for integration and inferring the density ##\rho## from the total mass and volume of the body.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not appear to reach a consensus on the integration process or the derivation of the inertia matrix terms, indicating that multiple viewpoints and levels of understanding exist regarding the mathematical steps involved.

Contextual Notes

There are unresolved questions about the definitions of variables and the integration boundaries, as well as the dependence of the coordinates on the specific location within the cylinder.

influx
Messages
162
Reaction score
1

Homework Statement


[/B]
3d45da.png


Homework Equations


N/A

The Attempt at a Solution


What I am confused about is where they got the (1/4)mR^2 + (1/12)ml^2 and (1/2)mR^2 from? I am guessing that these came from the integral of y'^2 + z'^2 and x'^2 +y'^2 but I don't understand how this happened exactly? Could someone point me in the right direction?

Thanks
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Did you try actually computing the integrals? What did youget? Please show your work.
 
Orodruin said:
Did you try actually computing the integrals? What did youget? Please show your work.

What are y'^2 and z'^2? I don't know what to sub in for these (not sure what they represent?) so can't do the integral until I know them.
 
They are coordinates as shown in the figure.
 
Orodruin said:
They are coordinates as shown in the figure.
I understand that but I mean how would one integrate those terms with respect to m? They aren't constants?
 
They depend on where in the body you are.
 
Orodruin said:
They depend on where in the body you are.
Sorry for the late reply. I am still confused. I just want to know how they (mathematically) got from the left hand side to the right. I don't understand how integrating the left hand side yields the right hand side.
 
Use ##dm = \rho \, dx'dy'## and integrate over ##x'## and ##y'## with the appropriate boundaries. The value of ##\rho## in terms of the total mass ##m## can be inferred by computing the volume ##V## of the body and using ##\rho V = m##.
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
5K
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
4K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 18 ·
Replies
18
Views
4K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
4K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
Replies
8
Views
2K
  • · Replies 18 ·
Replies
18
Views
2K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K