Question about the inertia matrix of a bar

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the moment of inertia of a bar, specifically addressing the inertia matrix and its components in relation to different axes. Participants explore the implications of the axis orientation and the assumptions made in the problem, including the characterization of the bar as "uniform slender." The conversation includes elements of homework-related inquiry and technical reasoning.

Discussion Character

  • Homework-related
  • Technical explanation
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants assert that the moment of inertia for a bar around any axis perpendicular to it is ##m\ell^2/12##.
  • Others question the application of this formula to the x'-x' axis, which is parallel to the bar, suggesting that the moment of inertia should be zero for that orientation.
  • A participant notes that the problem idealizes the rod as infinitely thin, which may influence the moment of inertia calculations.
  • There is a query about whether the term "uniform slender" in the problem statement indicates that the rod is infinitely thin.
  • Another participant raises a question regarding the sign of the angle in the mark scheme, suggesting that a counter-clockwise rotation should correspond to a positive angle, while another explains the need for a negative angle to account for the offset.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the moment of inertia for the parallel axis, with some asserting it is zero while others reference the inertia about a different axis. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the implications of the bar's characterization and the angle's sign in the context of the problem.

Contextual Notes

Participants highlight the dependence on the assumptions made about the rod's geometry and the definitions used in the problem. The discussion reflects uncertainty regarding the interpretation of the problem statement and the implications for the moment of inertia.

influx
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Homework Statement


756c9e.png


Homework Equations


ml2/12

The Attempt at a Solution


5bf3a7.png
So according to my databook:

3267d3.png


The axis x'-x' in the question corresponds to axis ZZ in the databook image above. That means in terms of radius, the moment of inertia about axis x'-x' is mr2/2. So in light of this, why is the constant outside the matrix ml2/12? Why not mr2/2?
 
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The moment of inertia for a bar around any axis perpendicular to it is ##m\ell^2/12##.
 
Orodruin said:
The moment of inertia for a bar around any axis perpendicular to it is ##m\ell^2/12##.
I understand that but the x'-x' axis in the question is parallel to the bar and not perpendicular?

Thanks
 
influx said:
I understand that but the x'-x' axis in the question is parallel to the bar and not perpendicular?

Thanks
Exactly, and the moment of inertia relative to that axis is zero, as shown in the solution.
 
Orodruin said:
Exactly, and the moment of inertia relative to that axis is zero, as shown in the solution.

If the moment of inertia relative to the parallel axis is zero, then why is the moment of inertia about axis ZZ (in my data book) not 0? This axis is parallel to the cylinder?
 
influx said:
If the moment of inertia relative to the parallel axis is zero, then why is the moment of inertia about axis ZZ (in my data book) not 0? This axis is parallel to the cylinder?
Because the problem you are solving is idealising the rod as infinitely thin - i.e., having negligible diameter.
 
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Orodruin said:
Because the problem you are solving is idealising the rod as infinitely thin - i.e., having negligible diameter.

Ah that makes sense! This question is from an exam paper set by my university's engineering department a few years ago, is there any way to determine that this rod is infinitely thin from the wording of the question? Does the ''uniform slender'' part suggest this?

Also, I was wondering why (according to the mark scheme) the angle is -β? I mean the diagram shows a counter clock wise rotation so shouldn't the angle be β?
 
I
influx said:
Ah that makes sense! This question is from an exam paper set by my university's engineering department a few years ago, is there any way to determine that this rod is infinitely thin from the wording of the question? Does the ''uniform slender'' part suggest this?

Also, I was wondering why (according to the mark scheme) the angle is -β? I mean the diagram shows a counter clock wise rotation so shouldn't the angle be β?

I was wondering whether anyone could help me out with this?
 
influx said:
Ah that makes sense! This question is from an exam paper set by my university's engineering department a few years ago, is there any way to determine that this rod is infinitely thin from the wording of the question? Does the ''uniform slender'' part suggest this?

Also, I was wondering why (according to the mark scheme) the angle is -β? I mean the diagram shows a counter clock wise rotation so shouldn't the angle be β?
So you need a negative angle to counter that offset. The y-axis is pointing into the screen so a positive rotation would typically be clockwise.
 

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