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

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around solving for the vertical centroidal axis (y) in a composite area problem involving a rectangular piece with a circular hole. Participants are attempting to identify errors in calculations related to area and centroid determination.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested
  • Mathematical reasoning

Main Points Raised

  • One participant presents their calculations for the areas (A1 and A2) and attempts to find the centroid (y) but arrives at a different answer than expected.
  • Another participant suggests that calculating the area and centroid of the entire rectangular piece and then subtracting the area and centroid of the circular hole would be a better approach.
  • There is a mention that the centroid of a circle is simply its center, which is noted as being straightforward.
  • A later reply questions the centroid position of the circle, suggesting it is at 75mm, which is confirmed by another participant.
  • There is a reference to the need for knowledge of the centroid of a semicircle, which is not included in the original formula list provided by the first participant.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the method for calculating the centroid, with some advocating for a different approach involving the entire rectangular area and others sticking to the original method. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the best approach to take.

Contextual Notes

Participants highlight the importance of knowing centroids for simple geometric shapes, indicating that some foundational knowledge may be assumed but not explicitly stated in the discussion.

smr101
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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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