Solving for y in A(total)*y(horz centroidal axis): Where Did I Go Wrong?

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The discussion revolves around a calculation error in determining the centroid of a composite shape involving a rectangle and a circular hole. The user initially calculated the areas and centroids separately but arrived at an incorrect final value of 49.19 mm instead of the correct 48.32 mm. Suggestions include calculating the area and centroid of the entire rectangular piece first and then subtracting the area and centroid of the circular hole. It is emphasized that the centroid of a circle is straightforward, located at its center, and that understanding the centroids of basic shapes is essential for accurate calculations. The conversation highlights the importance of using correct centroid values for precise results in engineering problems.
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Hi, having problems with (a) here, I'll show my attempt:

A1 = (0.025 * 0.05) - ((pi*0.01^2)/ 2)
1.093 x10^-3 m^2

A2 = (0.075 * 0.05) - ((pi*0.01^2)/2)
= 3.593 x10^-3 m^2

A(total)*y(horz centroidal axis) = A1y1 + A2y2

y = 1.093 x10^-3 * 0.0875 + 3.593x10^-3 * 0.0375 /(4.686x10^-3)
= 49.19 mm

Correct answer is 48.32 mm, any idea where I've gone wrong?

Thanks.
kgH1n.jpg
 
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smr101 said:
Hi, having problems with (a) here, I'll show my attempt:

A1 = (0.025 * 0.05) - ((pi*0.01^2)/ 2)
1.093 x10^-3 m^2

A2 = (0.075 * 0.05) - ((pi*0.01^2)/2)
= 3.593 x10^-3 m^2

A(total)*y(horz centroidal axis) = A1y1 + A2y2

y = 1.093 x10^-3 * 0.0875 + 3.593x10^-3 * 0.0375 /(4.686x10^-3)
= 49.19 mm

Correct answer is 48.32 mm, any idea where I've gone wrong?

Thanks.
kgH1n.jpg
You would be better off calculating the area and centroid of the entire rectangular piece and subtracting from that the area and centroid of the circular hole.
The centroid of a circle is easy: it's the center.

The way you did the moments originally, you need to know the centroid of a semicircle, which is not given in your formula list.
 
SteamKing said:
You would be better off calculating the area and centroid of the entire rectangular piece and subtracting from that the area and centroid of the circular hole.
The centroid of a circle is easy: it's the center.

The way you did the moments originally, you need to know the centroid of a semicircle, which is not given in your formula list.

Right, so the centroid, y, of the circle is just 75mm?
 
smr101 said:
Right, so the centroid, y, of the circle is just 75mm?
Yes. The dashed lines on the figure are just there to locate the center of the circle relative to other parts of the cross section.

The centroids of simple figures like circles and rectangles should be learned, not least because they are pretty obvious.
 
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