Moment of Inertia, working backwards

Click For Summary

Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around calculating the dimensions b and d in the moment of inertia equation I = bd^3/12 for an engineering problem involving H sections. The context includes the use of ratios and substitutions to meet software requirements for structural analysis.

Discussion Character

  • Homework-related
  • Mathematical reasoning

Main Points Raised

  • One participant states the need to determine b and d given the moment of inertia I and the ratio b/d = 1.166.
  • Another participant suggests substituting b = 1.166d into the moment of inertia equation to solve for d.
  • A later reply indicates that the participant successfully derived a new expression for D in terms of I, but uses different symbols (D vs d) in their calculations.
  • One participant cautions against switching symbols in mathematical expressions, highlighting potential confusion.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the best approach to solve the problem, and there is a mix of agreement on the method suggested and caution regarding notation.

Contextual Notes

There is an unresolved issue regarding the consistency of variable notation, which may affect clarity in the calculations presented.

Niall
Messages
4
Reaction score
0
I've to work out b & d in this equation.

I=bd^3/12

I know that the ratio between b & d in this case is 1.166 and I am given the value of I.

It is an engineering problem as the software will only allow the use of square/rectangular or round section but we are using H section and we are allowed to substitue a rectangle of the same h/w ratio and moment of inertia.

This kind of thing was never what I was much good at although I believe it may be possible to work out but I don't know how.
Thanks
 
Mathematics news on Phys.org
Niall said:
I know that the ratio between b & d in this case is 1.166 and I am given the value of I.
Do you mean ##\frac{b}{d} = 1.166##? Then ##b = 1.166d##, put that into your equation for the moment of inertia, and solve for ##d##.
 
Yes , I managed to figure it out a few min ago.

Ixx = (D (1.116) * D ^ 3) / 12

D^4 = I * 12 * 1.116

D = 4√ I * 12 * 1.116
 
In your original post you used "d". In your response you used "D". It is a bad idea to switch symbols like that.
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
3K
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
12K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
4K
Replies
25
Views
2K
  • · Replies 12 ·
Replies
12
Views
2K
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
2K
  • · Replies 16 ·
Replies
16
Views
2K
  • · Replies 10 ·
Replies
10
Views
3K