Mass Moment of Inertia issues with half circle

Click For Summary

Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around calculating the mass moment of inertia for a half-cylinder, focusing on the correct application of formulas and the parallel axis theorem. Participants are addressing a homework problem that involves specific volume and dimensions of the cylinder.

Discussion Character

  • Homework-related
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant presents an equation for the moment of inertia, but another challenges its correctness and the distance used for the parallel axis theorem.
  • There is a discussion about the correct centroid location for the half-cylinder, with one participant suggesting using (4r/3π) for the centroid calculation.
  • Another participant cites a reference stating that the moment of inertia for a half-cylinder about its axis is the same as that of a full circle, specifically I_{x_0} = 1/2 mr^2.
  • One participant expresses frustration over potential mistakes in their calculations and acknowledges the need to reassess their approach.
  • There are mentions of issues with online homework systems and the importance of significant figures in calculations.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the correct approach to calculating the moment of inertia, with multiple competing views and unresolved issues regarding the application of the parallel axis theorem and centroid location.

Contextual Notes

There are limitations regarding the assumptions made about the centroid's location and the definitions used for the moment of inertia. Participants express uncertainty about the calculations and the accuracy of the online homework system.

Who May Find This Useful

Students working on mechanics or engineering problems related to mass moment of inertia, particularly those involving geometric shapes like cylinders.

duffman1278
Messages
11
Reaction score
0

Homework Statement


specific volume of steel = 489 lb/ft^3
http://ultraxs.com/image-5D1E_4AFD177E.jpg

Homework Equations


I tried using Ixo=1/4mr2+1/12ml2+md2



The Attempt at a Solution


I tried using d=70mm because of the parallel axis therm, but that was wrong.

my...
r=110mm
l=40mm
d=70mm
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Your equation for moment of inerta of a half cylinder is incorrect as well as your distance used for the parallel axis theorem. Recall that it is from the axis of rotation to the objects centroid.

Review your equation and find the half-cylinders centroid.
 
Hmm I rechecked the equation and it seems to be the correct one to use, unless I'm missing somethings here or am looking at it wrong? Because the line Xo is under the center of the half circle.

As for the distance that makes sense so I used (4r/3pi) for the centroid and added that to the 70mm.
 
Every reference I see lists the moment of inertia of a half-cylinder about its axis the same as that of a full circle, noting that it is about its centroid:
[tex] I_{x_0} = \frac{1}{2}mr^2[/tex]

Try that, using the parallel axis theorem appropriately.
 
oye vay! Of course wrong axis. fml lol I'll try that then.
 
Okay so I went back and tried it again.

For Ix'x'=[tex]\frac{mr^2}{2}[/tex]+md2

m=(7830kg/m3)([tex]\frac{volume of cylinder}{2}[/tex])=5.95kg

r=.110m

d=.07m+[tex]\(frac{4*.11}{3\pi}[/tex])=.116m

Ix'x'=.117kg*m2

This ended up being wrong.
 
Any help?
 
That's what I get to. If this is an online homework assignement check your significant figures.
 
It's online. I'll ask my professor about it then. This online thing has issues sometimes.
 
  • #10
They always do. The luxury of open-book, open-note, open-friend, open-PhysicsForums.com is not without slight penalty.
 

Similar threads

Replies
9
Views
8K
  • · Replies 10 ·
Replies
10
Views
2K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
4K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
4K
Replies
5
Views
4K
  • · Replies 12 ·
Replies
12
Views
2K
  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
5K
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
2K
Replies
25
Views
2K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K