Understanding Moment of Inertia for a Beam Bending about the Y-Axis

Click For Summary

Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around calculating the moment of inertia for a beam bending about the y-axis, specifically addressing the confusion surrounding the application of the parallel axis theorem and the methods used to derive the moment of inertia for different segments of the beam. The scope includes homework-related problem-solving and technical reasoning.

Discussion Character

  • Homework-related
  • Technical explanation
  • Mathematical reasoning

Main Points Raised

  • One participant questions the calculation of the moment of inertia for a specific beam configuration, seeking clarification on the origin of a term in the provided formula.
  • Another participant suggests an alternative method for calculating the moment of inertia by using a larger rectangle and subtracting the insets, arguing that this method avoids the need for the parallel axis theorem.
  • A participant recalls the parallel axis theorem and provides the formula for calculating the second area moment of inertia, indicating a need for its application in the context of the problem.
  • Further elaboration on segmenting the moment of inertia calculation into three parts is presented, detailing the areas and applying the parallel axis theorem to find the total moment of inertia.
  • One participant acknowledges a mistake in their original post regarding the moment of inertia calculation, expressing a preference for the alternative method suggested by another participant.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the methods for calculating the moment of inertia, with some favoring the parallel axis theorem and others preferring a subtraction method. There is no consensus on a single approach, and the discussion remains unresolved regarding the best method to use.

Contextual Notes

Participants reference various methods and calculations, indicating potential limitations in understanding the parallel axis theorem and its application. There are also unresolved aspects regarding the accuracy of the calculations presented.

wahaj
Messages
154
Reaction score
2

Homework Statement


I'm supposed to solve for the maximum moment assuming the beam bends about the y-axis (not the z axis as shown in the image. Same image for different questions). I don't understand how to find the moment of inertia in this case. The solution gives the moment of inertia for the 80 x 16 mm part of the bar to be
I =\frac{1}{12}(80)(16^3) + 80(16)(16^3)
What I don't understand is where the 80(16)(163) comes from. Can some one explain?
 

Attachments

  • Capture.PNG
    Capture.PNG
    4.3 KB · Views: 576
Physics news on Phys.org
I don't understand either. Sometimes, the authors of these solutions use obscure methods to find the answers. If in doubt about the I calculation, use a method which you understand better.

You could calculate I for an 80x48 rectangle and then subtract out the I for each of the 24x16 insets:

Iy = (1/12)*80*48^3 - 2*(1/12)*24*16^3 mm^4

This is a simple method because the parallel axis theorem is not required (everything has the same centroidal location w.r.t. the y-axis.
 
It's the stupid parallel axis theorem. I've only used that a few times before so I had completely forgotten about it. Your post reminded me of it. The second area moment of inertia using the parallel axis theorem is
I = I_x+Ar^2
here A is the area of the region. Anyways thanks for the help
 
wahaj said:
It's the stupid parallel axis theorem. I've only used that a few times before so I had completely forgotten about it. Your post reminded me of it. The second area moment of inertia using the parallel axis theorem is
I = I_x+Ar^2
here A is the area of the region. Anyways thanks for the help

The only problem is, it doesn't match the calculation in the OP.

If you wanted to split the Iy calculation into three segments, then you would have the following:

center segment: A = 16 * 32 mm^2 Iy = (1/12)*32*16^3 mm^4; no PAT required

upper, lower segments: A = 16*80 mm^2 Iy = (1/12)*80*16^3 mm^4
PAT = 16*80*24^2 mm^4,

So, the total Iy =

(1/12)*32*16^3 + 2*[(1/12)*80*16^3 + 16*80*16^2] = 720,896 mm^4

Alternately, by subtracting the two 16 x 24 mm cutouts from the 80 x 48 mm rectangle:

Iy = (1/12)*80*48^3 - 2*[(1/12)*24*16^3] = 720,896 mm^4
 
I realize I made a mistake in the OP. It's supposed to be 80(16)(16^2). However I like your second method better than the PAT.
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
5K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
3K
  • · Replies 11 ·
Replies
11
Views
3K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
3K
  • · Replies 15 ·
Replies
15
Views
4K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
3K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
3K
Replies
6
Views
2K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
3K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K