Abstract

From the experiment that we conduct which is wooden pendulum in order to determine the mass
moment of inertia at the center of gravity, IG and at the suspension points, IO1 and IO2 by
oscillation. There are differences between values of IO and IG from the experiment data and
theoretical value. These differences have been further discussed to find the potential factor of the
causes. We find that the wooden pendulum are oscillates in non-difference motion especially
when it is suspended at IO2.

From the experiment we found that the value of IG and IO from both suspension points is
totally different even they sharing the same value of mass of the wooden pendulum. We also find
that the period also different from both points of setting. After data was taken, the period of
oscillation are obtained from the two different suspension points. After getting the values of
period which is T, then the value of IG and IO can be measured.

During the experiment, there will be many error that can be occur especially human error
which the data have not been taken perfectly and also due to disturbing from the surrounding.
The time for the 10 oscillation are taken manually by stopwatch. At the end of the experiment,
the values of IG and IO are able to be calculated by sing theory.

1
1.0 Table Of Content

Abstract ......................................................................................................................................................... 1
1.0 Table Of Content ..................................................................................................................................... 2
2.0 List Of Table............................................................................................................................................. 3
3.0 List Of Figure ........................................................................................................................................... 4
4.0 Introduction ............................................................................................................................................ 5
5.0 Theoretical Background .......................................................................................................................... 6
5.1 Determination of the mass moment of inertia ................................................................................... 6
5.2 Setting period of oscillation with additional mass .............................................................................. 8
6.0 Objective ............................................................................................................................................... 15
7.0 List of apparatus.................................................................................................................................... 16
8.0 Procedure .............................................................................................................................................. 18
9.0 Result .................................................................................................................................................... 19
10.0 Discussion............................................................................................................................................ 30
11.0 Conclusion ........................................................................................................................................... 33
12.0 Reference ............................................................................................................................................ 37

2
2.0 List Of Table

Table 1 : Data for diamond pin ................................................................................................................... 19

Table 2 : Data for cylinder pin ..................................................................................................................... 19
Table 3 : Percentage error .......................................................................................................................... 29

3
3.0 List Of Figure

Figure 1 : Period of pendulum ...................................................................................................................... 6

Figure 2 : Position of the x of the additional mass........................................................................................ 8
Figure 3 : Free body diagram & kinetic diagram ........................................................................................... 9
Figure 4 : Complete set up .......................................................................................................................... 16
Figure 5 : Wooden pendulum ..................................................................................................................... 17
Figure 6 : Diamond shape pin ..................................................................................................................... 17
Figure 7 : Cylinder shape pin ....................................................................................................................... 17
Figure 8 : Wooden pendulum ..................................................................................................................... 20
Figure 9 : length from point A to B ............................................................................................................. 23

4
4.0 Introduction

The experiment physical pendulum, the wooden pendulum serves as an example of

inhomogeneous pendulum with a complicated geometry. As an example, the frequencies of free
vibration of a wooden pendulum are computed. So, there is a need to have physical models like
wooden pendulum to carry out in this experiment. During this experiment, wooden pendulum
used to show how the mass moment of inertia of an unknown body could be determined by the
way of oscillation of that body. At the end of the experiment we will find and discuss the
relationship between mass moment of inertia and the way of oscillation of different body shape
of that wooden pendulum.

A simple pendulum consists of a point-mass hanging on a length of a string assumed to

be weightless. A small weight hanging by a string from a retort stand illustrates this condition. If
the mass is displaced slightly from its equilibrium position, the mass will perform simple
harmonic oscillation. An extended solid object that is free to swing on an axis is called a physical
pendulum, whose period is now dependent on the mass moment of inertia about the rotational
axis and it distance from the centre of mass.

A pendulum is a weight suspended from a pivot so that it can swing freely. When a
pendulum is displaced from its resting equilibrium position, it is subject to a restoring force due
to gravity that will accelerate it back toward the equilibrium position. When released, the
restoring force combined with the pendulum's mass causes it to oscillate about the equilibrium
position, swinging back and forth. The time for one complete cycle, a left swing and a right
swing, is called the period. A pendulum swings with a specific period which depends mainly on
its length. From its discovery around 1602 by Galileo Galilei, the regular motion of pendulums
was used for timekeeping, and was the world's most accurate timekeeping technology until the
1930’s. Pendulums are used to regulate pendulum clocks, and are used in scientific instruments
such as accelerometers and seismometers. Historically they were used as gravimeters to measure
the acceleration of gravity in geophysical surveys, and even as a standard of length. The word
'pendulum' is new Latin, from the Latin pendulum, meaning hanging.

5
5.0 Theoretical Background

5.1 Determination of the mass moment of inertia

The pendulum is used to show how the MMI of an unknown body can be determined by way of
oscillation. For this purpose, the pendulum is allowed to oscillate about two different suspension
points 01 and 02 (for 02 , a 6mm pin is placed through the slot) and the periods of oscillation 𝑇1
and 𝑇2 are measured:

Figure 1 : Period of pendulum

𝑇1 = 1.432 𝑠 , 𝑇2 = 1.427 𝑠

𝑇1 2
𝐿1 = ( ) 𝑔 = 0.506 𝑚
2𝜋

𝑇2 2
𝐿2 = ( ) 𝑔 = 0.502 𝑚
2𝜋

6
The following applies to a physical pendulum with distance x between the two suspension points:

𝐽0 2
𝐽𝑠 +𝑚𝑟𝑠𝑜
Suspension point 𝑂1 : 𝐿1 = =
𝑚𝑟𝑠𝑜 𝑚𝑟𝑠𝑜

𝐽0 𝐽𝑠 +𝑚(𝑥−𝑟𝑠𝑜 )2
Suspension point 𝑂2 : 𝐿2 = 𝑚(𝑥−𝑟 )
= 𝑚(𝑥−𝑟𝑠𝑜 )
𝑠𝑜

𝑥(𝐿2 − 𝑥)
𝑟𝑠𝑜 = = 0.354 𝑚
𝐿1 + 𝐿2 − 2𝑥

For the MMI about the centre of gravity S and the suspension point 𝑂1,

𝐽𝑠 = 𝑚𝑟𝑠𝑜 (𝐿1 − 𝑟𝑠𝑜 ) = 0.0912 𝑘𝑔𝑚2

2
𝐽𝑜1 = 𝐽𝑠 + 𝑚𝑟𝑠𝑜 = 0.166 𝑘𝑔𝑚2

7
5.2 Setting period of oscillation with additional mass

This experiment is designed to provide the wooden pendulum with a period of oscillation of T=
1.5s by attaching an additional mass. The position x of the additional mass 𝑚𝑧 is to be calculated.

Figure 2 : Position of the x of the additional mass

The period of oscillation for the entire pendulum is:

𝐽𝐺
𝑇 = 2𝜋√ = 1.500𝑠
𝑚𝐺 𝑔𝑟𝑠𝐺

The total MMI, the total mass and the joint center of gravity distance are made up as follows:

𝐽𝐺 = 𝐽0 + 𝑚𝑧 𝑥 2

𝑚𝐺 = 𝑚 + 𝑚𝑧

𝑚𝑆0 + 𝑚𝑧 𝑥
𝑟𝑆𝐺 =
𝑚 + 𝑚𝑧

8
Free Body Diagram Kinetic Diagram

Figure 3 : Free body diagram & kinetic diagram

To solve this problem, we must apply the moment equation;

+ MA , external = + MA , effective

Assumption
WrA sin 𝜃 = - Ῑӫ – mat rA
*small 𝜃 = sin 𝜃 = 𝜃
From the basic equation in the rotational motion system we
𝑑𝑣
*at = 𝑑𝑡 = rA ẇ = rA ӫ
know that;

General formula

a = rẇ = rӫ Ix = Ῑx + md2

IA = ῙA + mrA2
where angular velocity, ẇ = ӫ

9
So, we can apply this equation into the moment equation.

WrA 𝜃 = - Ῑӫ – mrA (rAӫ)

WrA 𝜃 = - Ῑӫ – mӫrA2

WrA 𝜃 = - (Ῑӫ + mӫrA2) ӫ

WrA 𝜃 + (Ῑ + mrA2) ӫ = 0

Then, from that equation we can see there is a parallel axis theorem formula which is (Ῑ + mrA2).

10
Parallel Axis Theorem

rA rB
IA = IG + mrA2

IB = IG + mrB2

A G B

So, substitute this formula into the equation;

WrA 𝜃 + ῙA ӫ =0

mgrA 𝜃 + ῙA ӫ =0

𝑚𝑔𝑟
ӫ +( )A 𝜃 =0 (A)
𝐼

The assumption show that small 𝜃 = sin 𝜃 = 𝜃. This formula generally come from the basic of
static equilibrium.

When resolve the 𝜃, it will get

𝜃 = sin 𝜃 and 𝜃 = cos 𝜃

𝜃=?

𝑑𝜃
= ω = 𝑑𝑡

ω dt = d 𝜃

ʃ ω dt = ʃ d 𝜃

ωt =𝜃

11
 Hence, 𝜃 = sin ωt

Then derive; 𝜃 = sin ωt ----------------①

= ω cos ωt --------------②

Ӫ = - ω2 sin ωt -------------③

Ӫ
− ω2
= sin ωt -------------④

Subs. ④ into ①:

Ӫ
𝜃=
– ω2

Ӫ = - ω2 𝜃 --------------------- B

Compare A and B ;

𝑚𝑔𝑟
ӫ+( )A 𝜃 =0
𝐼

𝑚𝑔𝑟
- ω2 𝜃 + ( 𝐼
)A 𝜃 =0

𝑚𝑔𝑟 𝑚𝑔𝑟
Hence, wn = ( √ 𝐼
)A = (√ 𝐼
)B

2𝜋 𝑚𝑔𝑟
wA = 𝑇
=(√ 𝐼
)A

12
 𝑚𝑔𝑟 𝐼
Hence, Tex = 2π / ( √𝐼
)A = 2𝜋 (√𝑚𝑔𝑟 )A

Center4j of Gravity for The Component

ŷ
𝛴Ŷ A
Ŷ=
𝛴𝐴

At Pivot A

1
I1 = 12 mL2 + md12

1
I2 = 12 mL2 + md22

d1 1
I3 = 12 mr2 + md32

d2 IA = I1 – I2 – I3

13
At Pivot B

1
I1 = mL2 + md12
12

1
I2 = 12 mL2 + md22

1
I3 = 12 mr2 + md32
d1

d2 IA = I1 – I2 – I3

d3

At Pivot C

G 1
I1 = mL2 + md12
12

1
I2 = 12 mL2 + md22

1
I3 = mr2 + md32
12

d1 IA = I1 – I2 – I3
d3
d
2

14
6.0 Objective

1. To determine the relation between the period (T) of oscillation of a simple pendulum with
verify 3 types of different specimens.

2. To determine the center of gravity of a connecting rod, as well as the radius of gyration about
the center of gravity by using compound pendulum.

3. Determine the mass moment of inertia, (𝐼𝑔 & 𝐼0 ) by oscillation and manual calculation

15
7.0 List of apparatus

Usually for the universal vibration system, the apparatus used are :

 Wooden pendulum
 Vee support
 Protractor
 Ruler
 Stopwatch
 Frame
 Diamond shape metal pin
 Round shape metal pin

Figure 4 : Complete set up

16
Figure 5 : Wooden pendulum

Figure 6 : Diamond shape pin

Figure 7 : Cylinder shape pin

17
8.0 Procedure

1. Dimension of the wooden pendulum were taken using a ruler, this measurement used for
calculation purposed.
2. The wooden pendulum is hanged by a diamond shape metal pin at first suspension point
at the vee support.
3. The pendulum is allowed to oscillate from point 1 at an angle of 10֯, from left side to right
side.
4. The time taken for the pendulum to complete 10 oscillations is recorded by using
stopwatch.
5. Step 4 is repeated 2 times to obtain 3 readings in order to get the average time taken for
10 complete oscillations.
6. Next, the pendulum is then allowed to oscillate from point 2 at an angle of 10֯, from right
side to left side.
7. The time taken for the pendulum to complete 10 oscillations is recorded by using
stopwatch.
8. Step 7 is repeated 2 times to obtain 3 readings in order to get the average time taken for
10 complete oscillations.
9. Next, the wooden pendulum is hanged using a round shape metal pin at second
suspension point at the vee support.
10. Step 3-8 is repeated.
11. Finally, the Mass Moment of Inertia (MMI), IG and IO are determined by using the
equations of Mathematical and Physical Pendulum formula.

18
9.0 Result

Diamond shape metal pin

Table 1 : Data for diamond pin

Time (s)
Point Angle (º) Oscillation Attempt
1st 2nd 3rd average
1 14.44 14.28 14.03 14.25
10 10
2 14.34 14.44 14.40 14.39

Cylinder shape metal pin

Table 2 : Data for cylinder pin

Time (s)
Point Angle (º) Oscillation Attempt
1st 2nd 3rd average
1 14.31 14.28 14.25 14.28
10 10
2 14.19 14.25 14.32 14.25

19
Sample calculation

Given pendulum :

Component 1

Component 2

Component 3

Figure 8 : Wooden pendulum

Mass moment of inertia

i) Centre of gravity of pendulum, G

∑ȳ𝐴
ȳ = ∑𝐴

= (0.4)(0.8 x 0.08) + (0.278)(0.45 x 0.01) + (0.76)(π(0.0125)2)

(0.8 x 0.08) + (0.45 x 0.01) + (π(0.0125)2)
= 0.39m (from bottom)
ii) From centre of gravity, G

a) Wooden block (I1)

I1 = 1/12ml2 + md2
= 1/12(0.65)(0.8)2 + (0.65)(0.4-0.39)2
= 0.03473 kg.m3

b) Pivot A (I2)
I2 = 1/2mr2 + md2
= 1/2(4.99x10-3)(0.0125)2 + (4.99x10-3)(0.76-0.39)2
= 6.835 x 10-4 kg.m3

20
 c) Pivot B (I3)
I3 = 1/12ml2 + md2

= 1/12(45.76x10-3)(0.45)2 + (45.76x10-3)(0.39-0.276)2

= 1.346 x 10-3 kg.m3

d) Mass moment of inertia from centre G

IG = I1 – I2 – I3
= 0.03473 - 6.835 x 10-4 - 1.346 x 10-3
= 0.0327 kg.m3

iii) From Pivot A (Diamond end)

a) Wooden block (I1)

I1 = 1/12ml2 + md2
= 1/12(0.65)(0.8)2 + (0.65)(0.76-0.4)2
= 0.11891 kg.m3

b) Pivot A (I2)
I2 = 1/2mr2 + md2
= 1/2(4.99x10-3)(0.0125)2 + (4.99x10-3)(0)2
= 3.8984 x 10-7 kg.m3

c) Pivot B (I3)
I3 = 1/12ml2 + md2
= 1/12(45.76x10-3)(0.45)2 + (45.76x10-3)(0.707-0.225)2
= 0.0114 kg.m3

d) Mass moment of inertia from Pivot A

IA = I1 – I2 – I3
= 0.11891 - 3.8984 x 10-7 - 0.0114
= 0.1075 kg.m3

21
 e) Mass moment of inertia of G from Pivot A (Diamond end)
IA = IGA + md2
IGA = IA – md2
= 0.1075 – (0.6)(0.37)2
= 0.02536 kg.m3

iv) From Pivot B (Circle end)

a) Wooden block (I1)

I1 = 1/12ml2 + md2
= 1/12(0.65)(0.8)2 + (0.65)(0.347)2
= 0.1129 kg.m3

b) Pivot A(I2)
I2 = 1/2mr2 + md2
= 1/2(4.99x10-3)(0.0125)2 + (4.99x10-3)(0.707)2
= 2.4946 x 10-3 kg.m3

c) Pivot B (I3)
I3 = 1/12ml2 + md2
= 1/12(45.76x10-3)(0.45)2 + (45.76x10-3)(0)2
= 7.722 x 10-4 kg.m3

d) Mass moment of inertia from Pivot B

IB = I1 – I2 – I3
= 0.1129 - 2.4946 x 10-3 - 7.722 x 10-4
= 0.1096 kg.m3

e) Mass moment of inertia of from Pivot B (Circle end)

IB = IGB + md2
IGB = IB – md2
= 0.1096 – (0.6)(0.337)2
= 0.0415 kg.m3

22
Sample experimental calculation,

RG = 0.37m (from A)

RG = 0.337m (from B)

Figure 9 : length from point A to B

23
Point A (Diamond end)

The average time for angles 10⁰ and the wooden starts hanging from the left hand side.

Tavg(left) = (14.44+14.28+14.03) / 3

= 14.25s

Tavg(right) = (14.34+14.44+14.40) / 3

= 14.39 s

Tavg(diamond end) = (14.25+14.39) / 2

= 14.32s

Therefore,

Tn = (14.32) / 10

= 1.432 s

𝐿
From the formula, 𝑇𝑛 = 2𝜋√𝑔

𝑇 2
Rearranging the equation, 𝐿 = 𝑔 [2𝜋𝑛 ]

L = (9.81)(1.432 / 2π)2

= 0.510

Moment of inertia of Pivot A

IA = L x mrg

= 0.510 x (0.6)(0.37)

= 0.1132 kg.m3

Moment of inertia of point G from Pivot A

24
IA = IGA + mrg2

IGA = IA – mrg2

= 0.1132 – (0.6)(0.37)2

= 0.03106 kg.m3

25
Point B (Circle end)

The average time for angles 10⁰ and the wooden starts hanging from the left hand side.

Tavg(left) = (14.31+14.28+14.25) / 3

= 14.28 s

Tavg(right) = (14.19+14.25+14.32) / 3

= 14.25 s

Tavg(circle end) = (14.28+14.25) / 2

= 14.27 s

Therefore,

Tn = (14.27) / 10

= 1.427 s

𝐿
From the formula, 𝑇𝑛 = 2𝜋√𝑔

𝑇 2
Rearranging the equation, 𝐿 = 𝑔 [2𝜋𝑛 ]

L = (9.81)(1.427 / 2π)2

= 0.5060

Moment of inertia of Pivot B

IB = L x mrg

= 0.5060 x (0.6)(0.337)

= 0.1023 kg.m3

26
Moment of inertia of point G from Pivot B

IB = IGB + mrg2

IGB = IB – mrg2

= 0.1023 – (0.6)(0.337)2 = 0.0342 kg.m3

27
 Percentage of error

For IA,
| 𝑇ℎ𝑒𝑜𝑟𝑒𝑡𝑖𝑐𝑎𝑙 𝑣𝑎𝑙𝑢𝑒 − 𝐸𝑥𝑝𝑒𝑟𝑖𝑚𝑒𝑛𝑡𝑎𝑙 𝑣𝑎𝑙𝑢𝑒 |
𝑃𝑒𝑟𝑐𝑒𝑛𝑡𝑎𝑔𝑒 𝐸𝑟𝑟𝑜𝑟 (%) = × 100%
𝑇ℎ𝑒𝑜𝑟𝑒𝑡𝑖𝑐𝑎𝑙 𝑣𝑎𝑙𝑢𝑒
| 0.1075 − 0.1132 |
𝑃𝑒𝑟𝑐𝑒𝑛𝑡𝑎𝑔𝑒 𝐸𝑟𝑟𝑜𝑟 (%) = × 100%
0.1075
𝑃𝑒𝑟𝑐𝑒𝑛𝑡𝑎𝑔𝑒 𝐸𝑟𝑟𝑜𝑟 (%) = 5.30%

For IGA,

| 𝑇ℎ𝑒𝑜𝑟𝑒𝑡𝑖𝑐𝑎𝑙 𝑣𝑎𝑙𝑢𝑒 − 𝐸𝑥𝑝𝑒𝑟𝑖𝑚𝑒𝑛𝑡𝑎𝑙 𝑣𝑎𝑙𝑢𝑒 |

𝑃𝑒𝑟𝑐𝑒𝑛𝑡𝑎𝑔𝑒 𝐸𝑟𝑟𝑜𝑟 (%) = × 100%
𝑇ℎ𝑒𝑜𝑟𝑒𝑡𝑖𝑐𝑎𝑙 𝑣𝑎𝑙𝑢𝑒
| 0.02536 − 0.03106 |
𝑃𝑒𝑟𝑐𝑒𝑛𝑡𝑎𝑔𝑒 𝐸𝑟𝑟𝑜𝑟 (%) = × 100%
0.02536
𝑃𝑒𝑟𝑐𝑒𝑛𝑡𝑎𝑔𝑒 𝐸𝑟𝑟𝑜𝑟 (%) = 22.47%

For IB,

| 𝑇ℎ𝑒𝑜𝑟𝑒𝑡𝑖𝑐𝑎𝑙 𝑣𝑎𝑙𝑢𝑒 − 𝐸𝑥𝑝𝑒𝑟𝑖𝑚𝑒𝑛𝑡𝑎𝑙 𝑣𝑎𝑙𝑢𝑒 |

𝑃𝑒𝑟𝑐𝑒𝑛𝑡𝑎𝑔𝑒 𝐸𝑟𝑟𝑜𝑟 (%) = × 100%
𝑇ℎ𝑒𝑜𝑟𝑒𝑡𝑖𝑐𝑎𝑙 𝑣𝑎𝑙𝑢𝑒
| 0.1096 − 0.1023 |
𝑃𝑒𝑟𝑐𝑒𝑛𝑡𝑎𝑔𝑒 𝐸𝑟𝑟𝑜𝑟 (%) = × 100%
0.1096
𝑃𝑒𝑟𝑐𝑒𝑛𝑡𝑎𝑔𝑒 𝐸𝑟𝑟𝑜𝑟 (%) = 6.66%

28
 For IGB,

| 𝑇ℎ𝑒𝑜𝑟𝑒𝑡𝑖𝑐𝑎𝑙 𝑣𝑎𝑙𝑢𝑒 − 𝐸𝑥𝑝𝑒𝑟𝑖𝑚𝑒𝑛𝑡𝑎𝑙 𝑣𝑎𝑙𝑢𝑒 |

𝑃𝑒𝑟𝑐𝑒𝑛𝑡𝑎𝑔𝑒 𝐸𝑟𝑟𝑜𝑟 (%) = × 100%
𝐸𝑥𝑝𝑒𝑟𝑖𝑚𝑒𝑛𝑡𝑎𝑙 𝑣𝑎𝑙𝑢𝑒

| 0.0415 − 0.0342 |
𝑃𝑒𝑟𝑐𝑒𝑛𝑡𝑎𝑔𝑒 𝐸𝑟𝑟𝑜𝑟 (%) = × 100%
0.0415

𝑃𝑒𝑟𝑐𝑒𝑛𝑡𝑎𝑔𝑒 𝐸𝑟𝑟𝑜𝑟 (%) = 17.59%

Final result,
Table 3 : Percentage error

Moment of Theoretical Experimental Percentage error

Pivot
inertia value (kg.m3) value (kg.m3) (%)
IA 0.1075 0.1132 5.30
A
IGA 0.02536 0.03106 22.47
IB 0.1096 0.1023 6.66
B
IGB 0.0415 0.0342 17.59

29
10.0 Discussion

Mohammad Firdaus Bin Mohd Asri (2016218422)

30
Mohammad Nazri Hakimi Bin Awang (2016229402)

31
Muhammad Faris Bin Ramzi (2016218504)

32
11.0 Conclusion

Mohammad Firdaus Bin Mohd Asri (2016218422)

33
34
Mohammad Nazri Hakimi Bin Awang (2016229402)

35
Muhammad Faris Bin Ramzi (2016218504)

36
12.0 Reference

1. J.L. Meriam, L.G. Kraige & J.N. Bolton. 2016. Engineering Mechanics Dynamics, 8 th

Edition.

2. Beer, Johnston, Cornwell, et al. 2016. Vector Mechanics For Engineers : Dynamic, 11th

Edition.

3. http://www.brown.edu/Departments/Engineering/Courses/En4/Notes/vibrations_free_undam

und/vibrations_free_undamped.htm

4. Singiresu S. Rao. 2011. Mechanical Vibrations, 5th Edition.

5. http://cumak.cu.edu.tr/Experiment%20of%20Simple%20Vibration.pdf

37