Relationship of Moments of Inertia

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the calculation of polar moment of inertia (PMOI) in the context of using Unigraphics NX5.0 software. Participants explore how to derive or find the PMOI using available data such as mass, volume, radius of gyration, and moments of inertia about different axes. The conversation includes theoretical relationships between moments of inertia.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation, Conceptual clarification, Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses difficulty in finding the polar moment of inertia in Unigraphics NX5.0 and questions whether a direct relationship exists between the values they have and the PMOI.
  • Another participant notes that most CAD programs do not provide the polar moment of inertia directly but mention that the inertial tensor can be used to calculate it.
  • A participant provides a definition of the polar moment of inertia and references its mathematical expression.
  • Further, a participant suggests a relationship between the polar moment of inertia and the conventional moments of inertia, stating that J = I_x + I_y.
  • A later reply confirms the relationship and clarifies how to calculate the PMOI using the axial moment of inertia and moments about other axes.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree on the relationships between the moments of inertia, but there is no consensus on the availability of the polar moment of inertia in different CAD software, as experiences vary.

Contextual Notes

Limitations include the reliance on specific software capabilities and the potential for misunderstanding the definitions and relationships of the moments of inertia.

Who May Find This Useful

Users of CAD software, particularly those working with Unigraphics NX5.0 or similar programs, and individuals interested in the theoretical aspects of moments of inertia in engineering applications.

minger
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Hey guys, I need some help. I have an old fortran program that needs axial moment of inertia as well as polar moment of inertia.

I have the part in Unigraphics NX5.0, where I can get the mass, volume, radius of gyration, and moment of inertias about each axis. However, I cannot find where to get polar moment of inertia.

So, I guess I either need someone who knows how to get J in NX, or some sort of relationship between the values I have and polar moment of inertia. I don't really think there is a direct relationship, but I'm struggling.

Thanks a lot guys,
 
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Every CAD program I have used will not give you the polar moment of inertia except for maybe solidworks, but they should all give you the inertial tensor which can be used to find the PMOI. There is a duality between conventional MOI and your PMOI. The PMOI is simply defined as:

J = \intr2dA

Of course wiki, has lots of info on it: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Polar_moment_of_inertia

For relating the two to each other, look at radius of gyration: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Radius_of_gyration
 
You can take that relationship one step further and say that

J = I_x + I_y

Attached is a quick example
 

Attachments

Last edited:
Oh fantastic. So, if I need the Mass and Polar Moment of Inertia about an axis, the normal MMOI is I_x (assuming x in the axial direction) and J = I_y + I_z.

Great, appreciate the help guys.
 

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