Moment of Inertia Equations: What's the Difference and How Do I Use Them?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the moment of inertia (MOI) equations for various geometric shapes, specifically rectangles, circles, and triangles. Participants explore the differences between two sets of MOI equations, focusing on their application depending on the axis of calculation and the significance of the equations with and without a bar notation.

Discussion Character

  • Homework-related
  • Technical explanation
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • One participant notes the presence of two sets of MOI equations for rectangles, questioning the differences beyond the denominators and variable order.
  • Another participant suggests that the choice of equation depends on the axis about which the inertia is calculated, advising to refer to the diagrams provided.
  • A participant expresses confusion regarding the equations with and without the bar notation, seeking clarification on when to use each set.
  • It is explained that the equations with the bar denote inertia about axes through the centroid of the figure, while those without the bar denote inertia about other axes.
  • A participant describes using the parallel axis theorem to determine the MOI, indicating a specific approach to applying the equations based on the centroidal axes.
  • Another participant provides a detailed calculation example for the rectangle, illustrating the application of the centroidal equation and the parallel axis theorem to derive the MOI.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree on the distinction between the equations with and without the bar notation, but there remains some confusion regarding their application and the use of the parallel axis theorem. The discussion does not reach a consensus on the best approach to remember which equations to use.

Contextual Notes

Participants reference diagrams and specific axes, but there may be limitations in understanding due to the absence of visual aids in the discussion. The application of the parallel axis theorem is mentioned but not fully resolved in terms of its implications for different shapes.

aaronfue
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Homework Statement



I was given a formula sheet that shows the moment of inertia equations for three shapes: rectangle, circle, and triangle.

Homework Equations



There seems to be two sets of MOI equations.

Here are the rectangular equations:

Rectanglular:
Ix=[itex]\frac{bh^3}{3}[/itex], Iy=[itex]\frac{hb^3}{3}[/itex]

[itex]\bar{I}[/itex]x=[itex]\frac{bh^3}{12}[/itex], [itex]\bar{I}[/itex]y=[itex]\frac{hb^3}{12}[/itex]

What is the difference between the two, besides the denominators and order of variables? How can I remember which ones to use and when to use them?
 
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The equation is selected depending about which axis the inertia is calculated.
Check your sheet with the diagrams of the figures.
 
SteamKing said:
The equation is selected depending about which axis the inertia is calculated.
Check your sheet with the diagrams of the figures.

I've attached the diagram that I'm using. I'm going to be finding the MOI of both axes so I know I have to use both equations, but there are the equations with the "bar" and ones without? That's what is confusing.
 

Attachments

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The equations with the bar denote the inertia about axes through the centroid of the figure. The equations without the bar denote the inertia about some other axes, as shown on your diagram.
In your figure, the centroidal axes are labeled x0 and y0.
 
SteamKing said:
The equations with the bar denote the inertia about axes through the centroid of the figure. The equations without the bar denote the inertia about some other axes, as shown on your diagram.
In your figure, the centroidal axes are labeled x0 and y0.


Using the parallel axis theorem, I would create a " x' " axis through the centroid for all of the figures, which would be 0.5 in from the original x axis. And then I would use the x-bar equation? Then for the y-axis I would use the equations without the bar? I just want to make sure that I understood your response.
 
Take the rectangle for instance.
Using the centroidal axes x0-y0, Ix with the bar is (bh^3)/12
Applying the parallel axis theorem to find Ix, then Ix = Ix-bar + Ad^2
Ix = (bh^3)/12 + bh * (h/2)^2 = (bh^3)/12 + (bh^3)/4
Ix = (bh^3)*(1+3)/12 = 4(bh^3)/12 = (bh^3)/3
 

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