Moment of inertia of a hoop on an arm

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Homework Help Overview

The problem involves finding the moment of inertia of a hoop attached to the end of an arm, with the axis of rotation at the end of the arm and perpendicular to the plane of the hoop. The discussion includes considerations of mass and dimensions of both the hoop and the arm.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Conceptual clarification

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the application of the parallel axis theorem and question the axis of rotation's position. There is consideration of the effects of neglecting the thickness of the hoop and arm on the moment of inertia calculations. Some participants suggest revisiting the calculations based on the setup described.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with participants providing insights and clarifications on the moment of inertia calculations. There is acknowledgment of potential issues with the model's predictions and the need for further exploration of the system's parameters.

Contextual Notes

Participants note that the problem is modeled after a typical homework scenario, and there is a mention of a torque applied near the pivot point affecting the model's behavior. The discussion also includes the consideration of a pair of paddles rotating on the same axis, which may influence the total moment of inertia.

Integral
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Homework Statement


Find the moment of Inertial of a hoop at the end of a arm. The axis is at the end of the arm and normal to the plane of the hoop.

Let:
M= mass of the hoop
r= radius of the hoop
m=mass of the arm
d=lengh of the arm

Homework Equations



[tex]I_{hoop} = Mr^2[/tex]
[tex]I_{arm} = \frac {md^2} 3[/tex]

[tex]I_{total} = I_{hoop} + I_{arm}[/tex]



The Attempt at a Solution


Using the parallel axis theorem the hoop:

[tex]I_{hoop} = Mr^2 +Md^2[/tex]

so for the system:
[tex]I_{total} = I_{hoop} + I_{arm}[/tex]

Question, is this correct?
Here's the deal, I have created a model of this system, but it is not responding as I think it should, the moment of Inertia is something I need to verify.

No this is not homework for a class, but it is typical of a homework problem so this is where is belongs.
 
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Does the axis of rotation pass through the centre of the hoop or is it at the opposite end of the arm?

If the axis of rotation passes through the centre of the hoop, then your calculation is correct. One possibility for the misbehavior of the model is that both your momenta of inertia (rod and hoop) assume that their thickness is negligible. If the thicknesses of your hoop/rod is not negligible then you should use the following momenta of inertia;

[tex]I_{hoop} = \frac{1}{2}M(r_0^2+r_1^2)[/tex]

Where r0 and r1 are the inner and outer radii respectively. And,

[tex]I_{cylinder} = \frac{1}{4}MR^2 + \frac{1}{3}Md^2[/tex]

But I'm sure that you have considered this already.
 
Last edited:
Thanks Hoot,
Actually the axis of rotation is through the opposite end. Imagine a flyswatter, edge on. (Won't get many flys this way)

I have neglected the thickness, unfortunately that serves to increase the moment of inertia, which makes my problem worse.
There is a torque applied near the pivot point, the model predicts angular velocity well below what my gut says.

I think for the final Ih I missed the radius of the hoop in the application of the parallel axis theorem. It should read:

[tex]Mr^2 + M ( r+d)^2[/tex]

The physical system has a pair of these paddels rotating on the same axis, I am assuming that I just double I.
Thanks for any input.
 
Integral said:
Thanks Hoot,
Actually the axis of rotation is through the opposite end. Imagine a flyswatter, edge on. (Won't get many flys this way)
Ahh, I have a picture now :smile:
Integral said:
I have neglected the thickness, unfortunately that serves to increase the moment of inertia, which makes my problem worse.
There is a torque applied near the pivot point, the model predicts angular velocity well below what my gut says.

I think for the final Ih I missed the radius of the hoop in the application of the parallel axis theorem. It should read:

[tex]Mr^2 + M ( r+d)^2[/tex]
Yes that looks correct to me. unfortunately, it looks as if this new addition will only serve to further compound your 'problem'.
Integral said:
The physical system has a pair of these paddels rotating on the same axis, I am assuming that I just double I.
Thanks for any input.
Again, yes, this is totally valid. I'm just sorry that I can't help you further, is this something that your building or is it purely a thought experiement?
 
this is an attempt to model a real system. I'll keep you up with what I learn.
 
Integral said:
this is an attempt to model a real system. I'll keep you up with what I learn.
Thanks Integral, if I think of anything I'll let you know.
 

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