Mass Moment of Inertia of Triangle about its tip

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around calculating the mass moment of inertia of a triangular shape about its tip, referred to as point T. Participants explore different methods for solving the problem, including integration and the application of standard formulas.

Discussion Character

  • Homework-related
  • Mathematical reasoning
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant describes their approach using triple integration over the volume, expressing uncertainty about the correctness of their method and results.
  • Another participant suggests using standard formulas for mass moments of inertia and the parallel axis theorem, indicating that integration may not be necessary if standard methods suffice.
  • A participant confirms the vertex T is indeed the tip of the triangle and clarifies that integration is required for this problem.
  • One participant praises another's work, stating their answer is correct while noting the need to consider holes in the triangle later.
  • Another participant shares their different method for calculating the moment of inertia, resulting in a slightly different answer, and seeks clarification on the discrepancies.
  • A participant points out that the original problem statement was unclear and discusses the correct interpretation of the axis for the moment of inertia calculation.
  • One participant acknowledges mistakes in their calculations and expresses gratitude for the assistance received from others in the thread.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing methods and results for calculating the mass moment of inertia, indicating that there is no consensus on the best approach or the accuracy of the answers provided.

Contextual Notes

Some participants note potential errors in calculations, such as missing density in equations and confusion over the axis of integration, but these issues remain unresolved within the discussion.

luznyr
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Homework Statement



Find the mass moment of inertia about the tip T (into the page). All dimensions are in mm, and the density is 7820 kg/m^3. The thickness of the triangle is 10mm

Homework Equations


The Attempt at a Solution



I tried to do a triple integration over dV (as density is constant) and made r^2=x^2+y^2, then multiplied my final answer by the density. I used limits of 0 to 0.01 for dz, 0 to 0.1 for dx and -0.4x to 0.4x for dy. I'm not really sure if this was the correct method, does anyone have any other ideas? Thanks in advance. [my answer was 1.647x10^(-3) kgm^2]

Homework Statement


Homework Equations


The Attempt at a Solution

 

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I do not see the letter T. Is this the vertex on the line of symmetry with the black dot?

There are standard formulae for mass moments of inertia (MMI) of triangles and circles about their centroids. You can apply the parallel axis theorem to transform the MMI into the new axis, unless it is coursework on calculus, in which case you may need to go through all the motions of integration.

Google mass moments of intertia and see if it gets you anywhere.
 
Last edited:
Yes, the letter T is the vertex of the triangle. It's not for a calculus course but the problem states that we need to use integration.
 
Excellent work, luznyr. Your answer is correct, ignoring the holes. Your method is correct.
 
alright thanks for that. the removal of the holes was a later part of the question, and the parallel axis theorem can be used for that.
 
Hi luznyr,

Nice work :) I'm just a bit confused here, because I did it by another method and got a slightly different answer..

Consider a thin vertical strip with area dA = x / 100 * 80 * dx
therefore volume dV = x / 100 * 80 * dx * t

and IT = integral ( r^2 dm) over volume
= integral (rho * r^2 * dV) over volume
= integral (x / 100 * 80 * t * x^2 * dx), x = 0 to 100
= 0.001572 kgm^2

I would appreciate a clarification ;)
 
alias99: Although the problem statement in post 1 is unclear, luznyr is asking for the polar mass moment of inertia about a z axis passing through point T. The z axis is normal to the plane of the page. Your derivation is correct for the rectangular mass moment of inertia about a y-axis passing through point T (except you inadvertently omitted rho from one of your equations, and secondly, your answer is slightly inaccurate and should instead be 0.001564 kg*m^2.)
 
can u show exactly how u did it? I am curious haha.. triple integration about dV..
 
nvn, you're right.. I made 3 mistakes :redface:

1. should be Z-axis through T
2. I missed rho in an equation..haha..
3. I used 7860 instead of the correct density, 7820

I did it by luznyr's method and got his answer..Thank you very much for your help nvn, you saved me :smile:
 

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