Moment of Inertia for Ellipsoid

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on calculating the moment of inertia for an ellipsoid defined by the equation x²/a² + y²/b² + z²/c² = 1. The volume integral ∫∫∫E dV was correctly evaluated as 4/3πabc using the transformation x=au, y=bv, z=cw. However, the initial assumption that the moment of inertia about the z-axis would be zero was incorrect. The correct approach involves using the moment arm r² = x² + y² instead of the previously used x²y, which led to the misunderstanding.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of triple integrals and volume calculations
  • Familiarity with the concept of moment of inertia
  • Knowledge of coordinate transformations in multivariable calculus
  • Basic understanding of Jacobians in integration
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the derivation of moment of inertia for various geometric shapes
  • Learn about Jacobians and their applications in coordinate transformations
  • Explore advanced integration techniques in multivariable calculus
  • Investigate the physical significance of moment arms in rotational dynamics
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Students in physics and engineering, particularly those studying mechanics and multivariable calculus, will benefit from this discussion on the moment of inertia for ellipsoids.

ledphones
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Homework Statement



a)Evaluate ∫∫∫E dV, where E is the solid enclosed by the ellipsoid x^2/a^2+y^2/b^2+z^2/c^2 =1. Use the transformation x=au, y=bv, z=cw.

b)If the solid in the above has density k find the moment of inertia about the z-axis.

Homework Equations


∅=phi


The Attempt at a Solution


I got a correct 4/3∏abc

i thought b) would be 0 based on the following.

Jacobian is abc and the solid enclosed would be u^2+v^2+w^2≤1

x^2*y=(a^2*u^2)(bv)

V=∫∫∫(a^2bu^2v)(abc)dudvdw
=∫0→2∏ ∫0→∏ ∫0→1 (a^3b^2c)(ρ^2sin^2∅cos^2θ)(ρsin∅sinθ)ρ^2sin∅dρd∅dθ
=a^3b^2c∫∫∫(ρ^5sin^4∅cos^2θsinθ)dρd∅dθ
=a^3b^2c∫0→2∏ cos^2θsinθdθ∫0→∏ sin^4∅d∅ ∫0→1 ρ^5dρ
=0 since the 1st integral is 0
 
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ledphones said:

Homework Statement



a)Evaluate ∫∫∫E dV, where E is the solid enclosed by the ellipsoid x^2/a^2+y^2/b^2+z^2/c^2 =1. Use the transformation x=au, y=bv, z=cw.

b)If the solid in the above has density k find the moment of inertia about the z-axis.

Homework Equations


∅=phi


The Attempt at a Solution


I got a correct 4/3∏abc

i thought b) would be 0 based on the following.

Jacobian is abc and the solid enclosed would be u^2+v^2+w^2≤1

x^2*y=(a^2*u^2)(bv)

The integrand for a second moment is always positive. Your problem is in the last step above. The moment arm is the distance squared from the z axis: r2=x2+y2, not x2y.
 

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