Mass moment of inertia of a composite shape

Click For Summary

Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around calculating the mass moment of inertia (MMoI) of a composite shape, specifically involving a rectangle and a quarter circle. Participants are exploring the application of the parallel axis theorem and the necessary steps to find the MMoI about different axes.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss calculating the MMoI of the rectangle and the quarter circle, with some expressing uncertainty about applying the parallel axis theorem correctly. There are attempts to clarify how to find the MMoI about the centroid and the x-axis, as well as considerations of symmetry in the problem.

Discussion Status

Some participants have provided insights into the process of using the parallel axis theorem and the importance of determining the mass center. There is an ongoing exploration of different methods to approach the problem, including suggestions to find the MMoI of individual components separately.

Contextual Notes

Participants note the need to consider the thickness and density of the material after determining the combined centroid of the shape. There is also mention of specific problem references that may aid in understanding the concepts involved.

marcadams267
Messages
19
Reaction score
1
Homework Statement
What is the mass moment of inertia (kg-m^2) of the following steel plate about the x-axis
Relevant Equations
Mass moment of inertia of a quarter circular plate about its base is (1/4)mr^2
Mass moment of inertia of a rectangle along its base about the x-axis is(1/3)mh^2
thickness of the steel plate is 5mm
density of steel is 7850 kg/m^3
figure.png

My thought process was to get the mass moment of inertia of the rectangle and then subtract the mass moment of inertia of the quartercircle from it.
The MMoI of the rectangle is:
(1/3)(0.005*7850*.6*.3)(.3^2)= 0.212 meters
The MMoI of the quartercircle is:
(1/4)(0.005*7850*¼π 0.3^2)(.3^2) + ?
My problem is that I'm not sure how to apply the parallel axis theorem to get the Mass moment of inertia of the quarter circle about the x-axis.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
marcadams267 said:
The MMoI of the rectangle is:
(1/3)(0.005*7850*.6*.3)(.3^2)= 0.212 meters

My problem is that I'm not sure how to apply the parallel axis theorem to get the Mass moment of inertia of the quarter circle about the x-axis.
Pay attention to units.

To use the parallel axis theorem you need to know where the mass centre is.
 
  • Like
Likes   Reactions: marcadams267
I understand now, since I only know the mass moment of inertia about the base of the quartercircle, I first have to use this to find its mass moment of inertia about its centroid. Then I use this mass moment about the centroid to find the mass moment of inertia about the x-axis.
I have to apply the parallel axis theorem twice.
 
marcadams267 said:
I understand now, since I only know the mass moment of inertia about the base of the quartercircle, I first have to use this to find its mass moment of inertia about its centroid. Then I use this mass moment about the centroid to find the mass moment of inertia about the x-axis.
I have to apply the parallel axis theorem twice.
Yes.
I looked for a way to avoid this in the present case by using some symmetry arguments, but failed.
 
Lnewqban said:
Take a look at problem #2 of this site:
https://owlcation.com/stem/How-to-Solve-Centroids-of-Compound-Shapes

I would leave the inclusion of the thickness and density of the material for after finding the combined centroid of the irregular flat shape.
I would not recommend to find the centroid of the entire lamina. For moments of inertia of compound shapes it is almost always simpler to find the MoI of each simple piece separately and sum. So here I would find the centroid of a semicircle, hence find the MoI of a semicircle about a tangent, etc.
 

Similar threads

Replies
25
Views
2K
  • · Replies 11 ·
Replies
11
Views
1K
Replies
2
Views
2K
Replies
11
Views
3K
  • · Replies 28 ·
Replies
28
Views
2K
  • · Replies 40 ·
2
Replies
40
Views
6K
  • · Replies 12 ·
Replies
12
Views
2K
  • · Replies 13 ·
Replies
13
Views
3K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
1K
  • · Replies 21 ·
Replies
21
Views
3K