What is the second moment of area and what does it help find?

[thelovemonkey]

hey guys. I am not sure if this has to go here. but could someone explain to me what exactly is the second moment of area. i mean what exactly is it what could it help you find and stuff?

 

[pallidin]

Perhaps this will help:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Second_moment_of_area

http://www.mathscieng.co.uk/Mech_Eng/Second%20Moment%20of%20Area.htm

http://www.public.iastate.edu/~statics/examples/secmoment/secmoma.html

 

[pallidin]

To directly answer your question, Wiki say's that it's an objects ability to resist torsion... if I've got that right.

 

[thelovemonkey]

many thanks.,