What's wrong with my solution? -- Area moment of inertia

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the application of the parallel axis theorem to calculate the moment of inertia for a composite shape. The user initially misapplied the theorem by incorrectly subtracting moments of inertia instead of adding them. It was clarified that while the parallel axis theorem is necessary for the green and red areas, it is not required for the blue area. Additionally, using a spreadsheet for calculations is recommended for accuracy.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of the parallel axis theorem
  • Knowledge of moment of inertia and second moment of area
  • Familiarity with composite shapes in physics
  • Basic spreadsheet skills for calculations
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the parallel axis theorem in detail
  • Learn how to calculate moment of inertia for composite shapes
  • Explore spreadsheet functions for physics calculations
  • Review resources on the second moment of area
USEFUL FOR

Students and professionals in engineering, physics, and mathematics who are working with moment of inertia calculations and composite shapes.

mobsaleh
Messages
3
Reaction score
1
Homework Statement
Area moment of inertia is to be calculated for a composite shape
Relevant Equations
For rectangle: Ix = bh^3/3. For a semi-circle Ix = pi/8*a^4
I used the parallel axis theorem to solve the question but my answer is still wrong. Any ideas where I slipped? I can't seem to figure out the problem?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Sorry I'm new here. I didn't know how to attach earlier in my original question
 

Attachments

  • 20220215_190815.jpg
    20220215_190815.jpg
    42.7 KB · Views: 150
  • 20220215_190827.jpg
    20220215_190827.jpg
    23 KB · Views: 115
  • 2.JPG
    2.JPG
    52.6 KB · Views: 147
  • 1..JPG
    1..JPG
    47.8 KB · Views: 139
It seems to me that you only need to add three moments of inertia; no need to subtract anything. You have expressions for all the colored shapes that make up the object. For the green and red areas you need to use the parallel axis theorem but not for the blue area. Other than that, you need to make sure that all the input numbers are correct. I would use a spreadsheet instead of a calculator for this.
Inertia.png
 
  • Like
Likes Delta2 and Lnewqban
The book claims the answer is that all the magnitudes are the same because "the gravitational force on the penguin is the same". I'm having trouble understanding this. I thought the buoyant force was equal to the weight of the fluid displaced. Weight depends on mass which depends on density. Therefore, due to the differing densities the buoyant force will be different in each case? Is this incorrect?

Similar threads

Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 40 ·
2
Replies
40
Views
6K
  • · Replies 28 ·
Replies
28
Views
2K
  • · Replies 13 ·
Replies
13
Views
3K
  • · Replies 11 ·
Replies
11
Views
1K
Replies
11
Views
3K
Replies
25
Views
2K
  • · Replies 12 ·
Replies
12
Views
2K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
4K
  • · Replies 21 ·
Replies
21
Views
2K