MECH 32-STRENGTH OF MATERIALS

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Chapter 1

Fundamental Concepts 1

Chapter 2

Resultants of Force Systems 10

Chapter 3

Equilibrium 26

Chapter 4

Analysis of Structures 39

Chapter 5

Friction 50

Chapter 6

Centroids and Centers of Gravity 56

Chapter 7

Moments of Inertia; Product of Inertia 72

 X

MECH 32-STATICS OF RIGID

BODIES MODULE

Title:

Chapter 2 – Moment of Inertia, Centroids, and Radius of Gyration

Overview/Introduction
The center of gravity is a point where whole the weight of the body act is
called center of gravity.
As we know that every particle of a body is attracted by the earth towards
its center with a magnitude of the weight of the body. As the distance between
the different particles of a body and the center of the earth is the same, therefore
these forces may be taken to act along parallel lines.
A point may be found out in a body, through which the resultant of all
such parallel forces acts. This point, through which the whole resultant (weight
of the body acts, irrespective of its position, is known as center of gravity (briefly
written as C.G). It may be noted that everybody has one and only one center of
gravity.

Learning Outcome/Objective

At the end of this chapter, students are expected to be able to:

1. Understand the concept of center of gravity;
2. Understand the different methods in obtaining the center of gravity of
different shapes and solids; and
3. Solve problems related to center of gravity of flat plates, simple figures and
solid bodies using different methods.

Learning Content/Topic

Lesson 6-1 – Center of gravity of a two-dimensional body; flat plate

Centroid
The plane figures (like triangle, quadrilateral, circle etc.) have only areas,
but no mass. The center of area of such figures is known as Centroid. The
method of finding out the Centroid of a figure is the same as that of finding out
the center of gravity of a body.

Axis of reference
The center of gravity of a body is always calculated with referrer to some
assumed axis known as axis of reference. The axis of reference, of plane
figures, is generally taken as the lowest line of the figure for calculating y and
the left line of the figure for calculating x.

Lesson 6-2- Methods for center of gravity of simple figures

2
 The center of gravity (or Centroid) may be found out by any one of the
following methods
1. By geometrical considerations
2. By moments method
3. By graphical method

1. Center of Gravity by Geometrical Considerations

The center of gravity of simple figures may be found out from the geometry of the
figure.

For each two-dimensional shape below, the area and the centroid coordinates are given:

Shape Figure 𝑥̅ 𝑦̅ Area

𝑏 ℎ
rectangle 𝑏ℎ
2 2

𝑥̅1 + 𝑥̅2 + 𝑥̅3 ℎ 𝑏ℎ

2 3 2
triangle

Where, x1, x2,

x3 are the
locations of
vertices

𝑙 ℎ 𝑏ℎ
Isosceles-triangle 2 3 2

3
Right- 𝑏 ℎ 𝑏ℎ
triangular area 3 3 2

𝑑 𝑑 𝜋𝑟2
Circle 2 2

4𝑟 4𝑟 𝜋𝑟2
Quarter-circle 3𝜋 4
3𝜋

𝑑 4𝑟 𝜋𝑟2
Semi-circle 3𝜋 2
2

4
 2𝑟𝑠𝑖𝑛𝛼 0 𝛼𝑟2
Circular sector 3𝛼

4𝑟𝑠𝑖𝑛2𝛼 𝑟2
0 (2𝛼 − 𝑠𝑖𝑛2𝛼)
Circular segment 3(2𝛼 − 𝑠𝑖𝑛2𝛼) 2

The points on the circle 𝑥̅2 + 2𝑟 2𝑟 𝜋𝑟

Quarter- L=
circular arc 𝑦̅2 = 𝑟2 and in the first 𝜋 𝜋 2
quadrant

The points on the circle 𝑥̅2 +

Semicircular arc 2𝑟 L = 𝜋𝑟
𝑦̅2 = 𝑟2 and above the x- 0
axis 𝜋

The points on the curve (in 𝜌𝑠𝑖𝑛𝛼

Arc of circle polar coordinates) 𝜌 = 𝑟, 0 L = 2𝛼𝜌
𝛼
from 𝜃 = −𝛼 𝑡𝑜 𝜃 = 𝛼

5
 0 0 𝜋𝑎𝑏
elliptical area

4𝑎 4𝑏 𝜋𝑎𝑏
Quarter-elliptical
area 3𝜋 3𝜋 4

4𝑏 𝜋𝑎𝑏
Semielliptical area 0
3𝜋 2

The area between the

ℎ
Parabolic area curve 𝑦̅ = 𝑥̅
2
2 and the 0 3ℎ 4𝑏ℎ
𝑏
line 𝑦̅ = ℎ 5 3

6
 Semi parabolic
area
3𝑏 3ℎ 2𝑏ℎ
The area between 8 5 3
the curve and
the axis, from to

The area between the

ℎ 3𝑏 3ℎ 𝑏ℎ
curve 𝑦̅ = 2𝑥̅2 and
Parabolic spandrel 𝑏
4 10 3
the axis, from 𝑥̅ = 0 to 𝑥̅ =
𝑏
The area between the
ℎ 𝑛+1
curve 𝑦̅ = 𝑛𝑥̅𝑛 and 𝑛+1 𝑏ℎ
General spandrel 𝑏 𝑏 ℎ
the axis, from 𝑥̅ = 0 to 𝑥̅ = 𝑛+2 4𝑛 + 2 𝑛+1
𝑏

3-D Centroids

For each three-dimensional body below, the volume and the centroid coordinates
(𝑥̅ , 𝑦̅) 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑧 are given:

Shape Figure 𝑥̅ 𝑦̅ 𝑧 Volume

a, b = the sides of the

cuboid's base 𝑎 𝑏 𝑐
Cuboid 𝑎𝑏𝑐
c = the third side of the 2 2
2
cuboid

a, b = the sides of the

Right-
base 𝑎 𝑏 ℎ 𝑎𝑏𝑐
rectangular pyra
h = the distance is from 2
mid 2 4 3
base to the apex

7
 see
b = the base side of the
above ℎ L 𝑏ℎL
prism's triangular base,
General for 3 2 2
h = the height of the
triangular prism general
prism's triangular base
triangul
L = the length of the prism
ar base

b = the base side of the

prism's triangular base, 𝑏 ℎ L 𝑏ℎL
Isosceles
h = the height of the 2 3 2 2
triangular prism
prism's triangular base
L = the length of the prism

b = the base side of the

prism's triangular base,
Right- h = the perpendicular side 𝑏 ℎ L 𝑏ℎL
triangular prism of the prism's triangular 3 3 2 2
base
L = the length of the prism

r = the radius of the

Right cylinder
0 0 ℎ 𝜋𝑟2ℎ
circular cylinder h = the height of the
2
cylinder

r = the radius of the

Right
cone's base ℎ
circular solid 0 0 𝜋𝑟2ℎ
h = the distance is from
cone 4 3
base to the apex

r = the radius of the 4𝜋𝑟3

Solid sphere 0 0 0
sphere 3

Solid hemispher r = the radius of the 3𝑟 2𝜋𝑟3

0 0
e hemisphere 8 3

Solid semi-
ellipsoid of a = the radius of the base 3ℎ 2𝜋𝑎2ℎ
0 0
revolution circle 8 3
around z-axis h = the height of the semi-

8
 ellipsoid from the base
circle's center to the edge

a = the radius of the base

Solid paraboloid circle ℎ 𝜋𝑎2ℎ
of revolution h = the height of the 0 0 2
3
around z-axe paraboloid from the base
circle's center to the edge

a, b, c = the principal 4𝜋𝑎𝑏𝑐

Solid ellipsoid 0 0 0
semi-axes of the ellipsoid 3

a, b = the principal semi-

Solid semi- axes of the base ellipse 3𝑐 2𝜋𝑎𝑏𝑐
ellipsoid around c = the principal z-semi- 0 0 8 3
z-axe axe from the center of
base ellipse

a, b = the principal semi-

axes of the base ellipse 𝑐 𝜋𝑎𝑏𝑐
Solid paraboloid
c = the principal z-semi- 0 0
around z-axe 3 2
axe from the center of
base ellipse

CENTER OF GRAVITY BY MOMENTS

The center of gravity of a body may also be found out by moments as discussed below.
Consider a body of mass M whose center of gravity is required to be found out. Now
divide the body into small strips of masses whose centers of gravity are known as
shown in figure:

X1
X2
X3

𝑥̅
x

9
Let
m1, m2, m3………= mass of strips 1, 2, 3, ….
x1, x2, x3…………= the corresponding perpendicular distance or the center of
gravity of strips from y-axis

According to principle of moment:

�𝑥̅= 𝑚1 𝑥̅1+𝑚2 𝑥̅2 + 𝑚3 𝑥̅3
�𝑥̅= ∑ 𝑚𝑥̅
∑ 𝑚𝑥̅
𝑥̅ = ------------------ 1
𝑀

Similarly,
∑ 𝑚𝑦̅
𝑦̅ = ------------------ 2
𝑀

The plane geometrical figures (such as T-section, 1-section, L-section etc.)

have only areas but no mass the center of gravity of such figures is found out in the
same way as that of solid bodies. Therefore the above two equations will become:
∑ 𝑎𝑥̅
𝑥̅ =
𝐴
Or
𝑎1𝑥̅1 + 𝑎2𝑥̅2 + 𝑎3𝑥̅3 …
𝑥̅=
𝑎1 + 𝑎2 + 𝑎3 …
∑ 𝑎𝑦̅
𝑦̅ =
𝐴
Or

𝑎1𝑦̅1 + 𝑎2𝑦̅2 + 𝑎3𝑦̅3 …

𝑥̅=
𝑎1 + 𝑎2 + 𝑎3 …

Example:

1. Find the center of gravity of a 100 mm x150 mm x 30 mm T-section as shown in the

figure:
100 mm

2 30 mm

150 mm
1

30 mm

10
Solution:
Area (a) mm2 Distance (y) mm ay
1 a1 = 30(150-30) = 3600 (150-30)/2 = 60 3600(60)=216000
2 a2 = 30(100) = 3000 150-15=135 3000(135)=405000
∑ = 6600 ∑ = 621000

Put in the working formula:

∑ 𝑎𝑦̅
𝑦̅= = 621000 = 𝟗𝟒. 𝟎𝟗𝟏 𝒎𝒎
𝐴 6600

The center of gravity is at 94.091 mm from the bottom, also 𝑥̅can be located by
inspection since the section given is symmetrical.

2. Find the center of gravity of a channel section 100mmx50mmx15mm as shown:

100 mm

15 mm

50 mm

Solution 1:

100 mm 2

1 15 mm

50 mm

11
 Area (a) mm2 Distance (x) mm ax
1 a1 =50(15) = 750 50/2 = 25 750(25)=18750
2 a2 = (100-30)(15) = 1050 15/2=7.5 1050(7.5)=7875
3 a1 =50(15) = 750 50/2 = 25 750(25)=18750
∑ = 2550 ∑ = 45375

Put in the working formula:

∑ 𝑎𝑥̅
𝑥̅= = 45375 = 𝟏𝟕. 𝟕𝟗𝟒 𝒎𝒎
𝐴 2550

The center of gravity is at17.794 mm from the right, also 𝑦̅ can be located by inspection
since the section given is symmetrical.

Solution 2:

1 2
100 mm

15 mm

50 mm

Area (a) mm2 Distance (x) mm ax

1 a1 =50(100) = 5000 50/2 = 25 5000(25)=125000
2 a2 = -(50-15)(100-30)= -2450 15+(50-15)/2=32.5 -2450(32.5)=-79625
∑ = 2550 ∑ = 45375

Put in the working formula:

∑ 𝑎𝑥̅
𝑥̅= = 45375 = 𝟏𝟕. 𝟕𝟗𝟒 𝒎𝒎
𝐴 2550

12
Lesson 6-3 – CENTER OF GRAVITY OF UNSYMMETRICAL SECTIONS

Sometimes, the given section, whose center of gravity is required to be found

out, is not symmetrical either about x-axis or y-axis. In such cases, we have to find out
both the values of center of gravity of x and y which means with reference to x axis
and y axis.

Example:
Find the centroid of an unequal angle section 100 mm x 80 mm x 20mm.

100 mm

20 mm

80 mm

Solution:

100 mm 1

2 20 mm

80 mm

Area (a) mm2 Distance (x) mm ax

1 a1 =20(100) = 2000 20/2=10 2000(10)=20000
2 a2 = (80-20)(20)= 1200 20+(80-20)/2=50 1200(50)=60000
∑ = 3200 ∑ = 80000

∑ 𝑎𝑥̅
𝑥̅= = 80000 = 𝟐𝟓 𝒎𝒎 from the right
𝐴 3200

Area (a) mm2 Distance (y) mm ay

1 a1 =20(100) = 2000 100/2=50 2000(50)=100000
2 a2 = (80-20)(20)= 1200 20/2=10 1200(10)=12000
∑ = 3200 ∑ = 112000

∑ 𝑎𝑦̅
𝑦̅ = = 112000 = 𝟑𝟓 𝒎𝒎 from the bottom
𝐴 3200

13
Lesson 6-4 – CENTER OF GRAVITY OF SOLID BODIES

The center of gravity of solid bodies (such as hemisphere, cylinder, right circular
solid cone etc) is found out in the same way as that of the plane figures. The only
difference between the plane and solid bodies is that in the case of solid bodies we
calculate volumes instead of areas

EXAMPLE
A solid body formed by joining the base of a right circular cone of height H to
the equal base of right circular cylinder of height h. Calculate the distance of the center
of gravity of the solid from its plane face when H = 120 mm and h = 30 mm

Solution:

Consider the cylinder with h=30 mm and radius r:

𝑉𝑜𝑙𝑢𝑚𝑒 = 𝜋𝑟2ℎ = 30𝜋𝑟2
c.g of cylinder = y1 = 30/2 = 15 mm

Now consider2 the circular cone of H=120 mm and radius r:

𝜋𝑟 𝐻 120𝜋𝑟2
𝑉𝑜𝑙𝑢𝑚𝑒 = = = 40𝜋𝑟2
3 3
c.g of cone=30+120/4 = 60 mm from the bottom of composite solids

Put the values in the formulas:

∑ 𝑣𝑦̅ 𝑣1𝑦̅1+𝑣2𝑦̅2+𝑣3𝑦̅3…
𝑦̅= =
𝑉 𝑉

30𝜋𝑟2(15)+40𝜋𝑟2(60)
𝑦̅ = = 40.714 mm
30𝜋𝑟2+40𝜋𝑟2

14
Lesson 6-5 – CENTER OF GRAVITY OF SECTIONS WITH CUT OUT HOLES

The center of gravity of such a section is found out by considering the main
section; first as a complete one and then deducting the area of the cut out hole that
is taking the area of the cut out hole as negative. Now substituting the area of the cut
out hole as negative, in the general equation for the center of gravity, so the equation
will become:

𝑎1𝑥̅1 − 𝑎2𝑥̅2 …
𝑥̅ =
𝑎1 − 𝑎2
Or

𝑎1𝑦̅1 − 𝑎2𝑦̅2 …
𝑦̅ =
𝑎1 − 𝑎2

Example:

A semicircle of 90 mm radius is cut out from a trapezoid as shown in figure, find the
position of the center of gravity.
a=200 mm

h=120 mm

r=90 mm

b=300 mm

Solution:
𝑎+𝑏
𝐴𝑟𝑒𝑎 𝑜𝑓 𝑡𝑟𝑎𝑝𝑒𝑧𝑜𝑖𝑑 = ℎ = 200+300 (120) = 30000
2 2

𝑏+2𝑎 ℎ 300+2(200) 120

𝑐. 𝑔 𝑜𝑓 𝑡𝑟𝑎𝑝𝑒𝑧𝑜𝑖𝑑 = ( )= ( ) = 56
𝑏+𝑎 3 300+200 3

𝜋𝑟2 𝜋(90)2
𝐴𝑟𝑒𝑎 𝑜𝑓 𝑠𝑒𝑚𝑖𝑐𝑖𝑟𝑐𝑙𝑒 = = = = 4050𝜋
2 2
4𝑟
𝑐. 𝑔 𝑜𝑓 𝑠𝑒𝑚𝑖𝑐𝑖𝑟𝑐𝑙𝑒 = = 38.197
3𝜋

Put the values in the working formula:

30000(56) − 4050𝜋(3.197)
𝑦̅ = = 𝟔𝟗. 𝟏𝟏𝟏 𝐦𝐦
30000 − 4050𝜋

15
Moment of Inertia; Product of inertia

Overview/Introduction
The moment of inertia is a physical quantity which describes how easily a
body can be rotated about a given axis. It is a rotational analogue of mass, which
describes an object's resistance to translational motion.

Inertia is the property of matter which resists change in its state of motion.
Inertia is a measure of the force that keeps a stationary object stationary, or a moving
object moving at its current speed. The larger the inertia, the greater the force that is
required to bring some change in its velocity in a given amount of time. Suppose a
heavy truck and a light car are both at rest, then intuitively we know that more force
will be required to push the truck to a certain speed in a given amount of time than will
be needed to push the car to that same speed in the same amount of time.

Similarly, moment of inertia is that property where matter resists change in its
state of rotatory motion. The larger the moment of inertia, the greater the amount of
torque that will be required to bring the same change in its angular velocity in a given
amount of time. Here, torque and angular velocity are the angular analogues of force
and velocity, relating to moment of inertia in the exact same way that force and velocity
relate to mass.

Unlike inertia, moment of inertia depends not only on the mass but also the
distribution of mass around the axis about which the moment of inertia is to be
calculated. An object can have different moments of inertia about different axes. That
is, to rotate an object about different axes with an equal angular acceleration, different
torque (or effort) is required. This concept is relevant and highly necessary throughout
mechanics. While life would be simple if nothing rotated, realistically we need to have
a way to deal with both translation and rotation (often at the same time). This is a
necessary piece in analyzing more complex motion

Learning Outcome/Objective

At the end of this chapter, students are expected to be able to:

7. Understand the concept of moment of inertia by perpendicular axis and
parallel axis theorem;
8. Calculate the moment of inertia for uniformly shapes and compound areas;
and
9. Calculate the product of inertia of shapes.

Learning Content/Topic

16
 Lesson 7-1 – General Properties and Ideas
• Moment of inertia is a tensor quantity. It has different values for different axes.
• It depends upon the mass as well as the mass's distribution around its axis.
• A body can have different moments of inertia about different axes.
• It is an inherent property of matter by which it tries to maintain its state of
angular motion unless and until it is compelled by external torques.
• It is an extensive (additive) property: the moment of inertia of a composite
system is the sum of the moments of inertia of its components' subsystems
(all taken about the same axis).

Perpendicular Axis Theorem

The moment of inertia (MI) of a plane area about an axis normal to the plane is
equal to the sum of the moments of inertia about any two mutually perpendicular axes
lying in the plane and passing through the given axis.

That means the Moment of Inertia Iz = Ix+Iy

Lesson 7-2 – Parallel Axis Theorem

The moment of area of an object about any axis parallel to the centroidal axis
is the sum of MI about its centroidal axis and the product of area with the square of
distance of from the reference axis.
Essentially, IXX= IG+Ad2

Where,
A is the cross-sectional area
d is the perpendicular distance between the centroidal axis and the parallel
axis.

Parallel Axis Theorem – Derivation

17
 • Consider the moment of inertia Ix of an area A with respect to an axis AA’. Denote by
y, the distance from an element of area dA to AA’.

𝑰𝒙 = ∫ 𝒚𝟐𝒅𝑨 ⇒ Moment of inertia about the x-axis

𝑰𝒚 = ∫ 𝒙𝟐𝒅𝑨 ⇒ Moment of inertia about the y-axis

• Consider an axis BB’ parallel to AA’ through the centroid C of the area, known as the
centroidal axis. The equation of the moment inertia becomes:

𝐼𝑥̅ = ∫ 𝑦̅2𝑑𝐴 = ∫(𝑦̅′ + 𝑑)2 𝑑𝐴

𝐼𝑥̅ = ∫ 𝑦̅′2𝑑𝐴 + 2 ∫ 𝑦̅′𝑑 𝑑𝐴 +∫ 𝑑2𝑑𝐴

The first integral is the moment of inertia about the centroid.

𝐼𝑥̅ = ∫ 𝑦̅′2𝑑𝐴

The second component is the first moment of area about the centroid

𝑦̅′𝐴 = ∫ 𝑦̅ ′ 𝑑𝐴 ⇒ 𝑦̅′ = 0
⇒ 𝑦̅′𝐴 = 0

Modify the equation obtained with the parallel axis theorem:

𝐼𝑥̅ = ∫ 𝑦̅′2𝑑𝐴 + 2 ∫ 𝑦̅′𝑑 𝑑𝐴 +∫ 𝑑2𝑑𝐴

𝑰𝒙 = 𝑰𝒙 + 𝒅𝟐 𝑨

Lesson 7-3 – Polar Moment of Inertia

18
 The polar moment of Inertia, J, of a cross-section with respect to a polar axis,
that is, an axis at right angles to the plane of the cross-section, is defined as the
moment of inertia of the cross section with respect to the point of intersection of the
axis and the plane. The polar moment of Inertia may be found by taking the sum of
the moments of inertia about two perpendicular axes lying in the plane of the cross-
section and passing through this point.
It is basically the moment of inertia about the z-axis, and is calculated using
the formulas:

𝑱 = 𝑰𝒙 + 𝑰𝒚
𝑱 = ∫ 𝒓𝟐𝒅𝑨

Lesson 7-4 – Radius of gyration

Also termed as gyradius of a body about an axis of rotation is defined as the

radial distance to a point which would have a moment of inertia the same as the
body’s actual distribution of mass, if the total mass of the body were concentrated
there.

In some structural engineering applications, it is common practice to introduce

the radius of gyration of area. The radii of gyration of an area about the x-axis, the y-
axis, and the origin O are defined as:

𝐼
𝑘= √
𝐴
𝐼𝑥̅ 𝐼𝑦̅ 𝐼𝑧

𝑘𝑥̅ = √ 𝐴 𝑘𝑦̅ = √ 𝐴 𝑘𝑧 = √ 𝐴

The dimension of the radius of gyration is [L]. However, the radius of gyration
is not a distance that has a clear-cut physical meaning, nor can it be determined by
direct measurement; its value can be determined only by computation using the
above equations.

Moment of Inertia of Common Shapes

19
 Shapes Moment of Inertia
Rectangle

Circle

Right triangle

Semicircle

20
Isosceles triangle

Triangle

Quarter Circle

Half Parabolic complement

21
 Half parabola

Ellipse
𝟑
𝝅𝒂𝒃
Ix = 𝟒
𝟑
𝝅𝒂 𝒃
Ix = 𝟒𝟒
Ixy = 0

Quarter Ellipse

Circular sector

*for other shapes, it can be solve using the formulas given above by integration.

22
Lesson 7-5 – Method of Composite Areas

Consider a plane region, A, that has been divided into the subregions A1, A2,
A3, …. The moment of inertia of the area of A about an axis can be computed by
summing the moments of inertia of the subregions about the same axis. This
technique, known as the method of composite areas, follows directly from the property
of definite integrals: the integral of a sum equals the sum of the integrals. For example,
Ix , the moment of inertia about the x-axis, becomes
𝐼𝑥̅ = (∫ 𝑦̅2𝑑𝐴)𝐴 = (∫ 𝑦̅2𝑑𝐴)𝐴1 + (∫ 𝑦̅2𝑑𝐴)𝐴 2+ (∫ 𝑦̅2𝑑𝐴)𝐴 +3 ⋯

Which can be written as

𝑰𝒙 = (𝑰𝒙)𝟏 + (𝑰𝒙)𝟐 + (𝑰𝒙)𝟑 + ⋯

Where (Ix )1 is the moment of the inertia of the area of the subregion A1 with respect
to the x-axis. Obviously, the method of composite areas also applies to the
computation of polar moments of areas:

𝑱𝒐 = (𝑱𝒐)𝟏 + (𝑱𝒐)𝟐 + (𝑱𝒐)𝟑 + ⋯

Where (I𝑱𝒐)1 is the moment of the inertia of the area of the subregion A1 with respect
to point O.

Examples:

1. The centroid of the plane region is located at C. If the area of the region is 2000
mm2 and its moment of inertia about the x-axis is Ix = 40 × 106 mm4, determine Iu.

Solution:

Note that we are required to transfer the moment of inertia from the x-axis to
the u-axis, neither of which is a centroidal axis. Therefore, we must first calculate 𝐼𝑥̅ ,
the moment of inertia about the centroidal axis that is parallel to the x-axis.

From the parallel-axis theorem we have 𝑰𝒙 = 𝑰𝒙 + 𝑨𝒅𝟐, which gives

𝑰𝒙 =𝑰𝒙 − 𝑨𝒅𝟏 𝟐 = (40𝑥̅106 ) − (2000)(90)2 = 23.8𝑥̅106 𝑚𝑚4

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 After 𝐼𝑥̅ has been found, the parallel-axis theorem enables us to compute the
moment of inertia about any axis that is parallel to the centroidal axis. For I u we have

𝑰𝒖 = 𝑰𝒙 + 𝑨𝒅𝟐 𝟐 = (23.8𝑥̅106 ) + (2000)(70)2 = 𝟑𝟑. 𝟔𝒙𝟏𝟎𝟔 𝒎𝒎𝟒

A common error is to use the parallel-axis theorem to transfer the moment of

inertia between two axes, neither of which is a centroidal axis. In this problem, for
example, it is tempting to write Iu = Ix + A(d1 + d2) 2, which would result in an
incorrect answer for Iu .

2. For a rectangle with base b and height h, compute the following: (1) the moment
of inertia about the y-axis by integration; (2) the moment of inertia about the
centroidal axis that is parallel to the x-axis; and (3) the polar moment of inertia about
the centroid.

Solution:

Part 1

The area of the differential element shown in the figure is dA = b dy. Because
all parts of the element are a distance y from the x-axis, ℎwe can use:
ℎ
𝑏𝑦̅3 𝒃𝒉𝟑
𝑰𝒙 = ∫ 𝒚𝟐𝒅𝑨 = 𝑏 ∫ 𝑦̅2𝑑𝑦̅ = [ ]=
0 3 0 𝟑
*this result agrees with the information listed for rectangle in the table given above.

If we had chosen to use double integration with dA=dxdy , the analysis would
yield:
ℎ 𝑏 𝒃𝒉𝟑
𝑰𝒙 = ∫ 𝒚𝟐𝒅𝑨 = ∫ ∫ 𝑦̅2𝑑𝑥̅𝑑𝑦̅ =
0 0 𝟑
which is identical to the previous result.

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Part 2

We can calculate 𝐼𝑥̅ from the parallel-axis theorem and the result of Part 1.
Substituting Ix = bh3/3 into the parallel-axis theorem, and recognizing that the
transfer distance d (the distance between the x-axis and the centroidal x-axis) is h/2,
we find that 𝑏ℎ3
𝑰 =𝑰 − 𝑨𝒅𝟐 = ℎ 2 𝒃𝒉𝟑

𝒙 𝒙 − 𝑏ℎ ( ) =
3 2 𝟏𝟐

*This answer also agrees with the result in the table.

Part 3

One method of computing 𝐽𝑐 is to use 𝐽𝑐 = 𝐼𝑥̅ + 𝐼𝑦̅ . From the results of Part

2 or from the given𝑏ℎtable

3 3above, we have,
𝐽=𝐼+𝐼= + ℎ𝑏 = 𝒃𝒉 (𝒉𝟐 + 𝒃𝟐)
𝑐 𝑥̅ 𝑦̅ 12 12 𝟏𝟐

Another method of computing 𝐽𝑐 is to first compute the 𝐽𝑜 = 𝐼𝑥̅ + 𝐼𝑦̅ and then
transfer this result to the centroid. From the results of part 1, we have

𝑏ℎ3 ℎ𝑏3 𝑏ℎ
𝐽𝑜 = 𝐼𝑥̅ + 𝐼𝑦̅ = + = (ℎ2 + 𝑏2)
3 3 3

The transfer distance is the distance between point O and the centroid of the
𝑏 ℎ
rectangle; that is, 𝑑 = √( )2 + ( )2. From the parallel-axis theorem, we obtain
2 2

𝑏 2 ℎ 2 2 𝑏2 ℎ2
𝐽 = 𝐽 − 𝐴𝑑2 = 𝑏ℎ (ℎ2 + 𝑏2) - 𝑏ℎ [√ ] .= 𝑏ℎ (ℎ2 + 𝑏2) - 𝑏ℎ( + )
𝑐 𝑜 ()+()
3 2 2 3 4 4
𝒃𝒉
𝑱= (𝒉𝟐 + 𝒃𝟐)
𝒄 𝟏𝟐

Which agrees with the previous result.

3. For the area shown, calculate the radii of gyration about the x- and y-axes.

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Solution:

26
 We consider the area to be composed of the three parts shown below: a
triangle, plus a semicircle, minus a circle. The moments of inertia of each part are
obtained in two steps. First, the moments of inertia about the centroidal axes of the
part are found from Table. The parallel-axis theorem is then used to calculate the
moments of inertia about the x- and y-axes.

Triangle
𝑏ℎ 90(100)
𝐴= = = 4500𝑚𝑚2
2 2

𝑏ℎ3 90(100)3
𝐼𝑥̅ = = = 2.50 𝑥̅ 106 𝑚𝑚4
36 36

𝐼𝑥̅ = 𝐼𝑥̅ + 𝐴𝑦̅2 = (2.50 𝑥̅ 106 ) + 4500(66.7)2 = 22.5𝑥̅106 𝑚𝑚4

ℎ𝑏3 100(90)3
𝐼𝑦̅ = = = 2.025𝑥̅106 𝑚𝑚4
36 36

𝐼𝑦̅ = 𝐼𝑦̅ + 𝐴𝑥̅2 = (2.025 𝑥̅ 106) + 4500(60)2 = 18.225𝑥̅106 𝑚𝑚4

Semicircle
𝜋𝑟2 𝜋(45)2
𝐴= = = 3180.86 𝑚𝑚2
2 2

𝐼𝑥̅ = 0.1098𝑟4 = 0.1098(45)4 = 0.450𝑥̅ 106 𝑚𝑚4

𝐼𝑥̅ = 𝐼𝑥̅ + 𝐴𝑦̅2 = (0.450 𝑥̅ 106 ) + 3180.86(119.1)2 = 45.57𝑥̅106 𝑚𝑚4

𝜋𝑟4 𝜋(45)4
𝐼𝑦̅ = = = 1.61𝑥̅106 𝑚𝑚4
8 8

𝐼𝑦̅ = 𝐼𝑦̅ + 𝐴𝑥̅2 = (1.61 𝑥̅ 106) + 3180.86(45)2 = 8.05𝑥̅106 𝑚𝑚4

Circle
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 𝐴 = 𝜋𝑟2 = 𝜋(20)2 = 1256.637 𝑚𝑚2

𝜋𝑟4 𝜋(20)4
𝐼𝑥̅ = = = 0.1257𝑥̅ 106 𝑚𝑚4
4 4

𝐼𝑥̅ = 𝐼𝑥̅ + 𝐴𝑦̅2 = (0.1257 𝑥̅ 106 ) + 1256.637(100)2 = 12.692𝑥̅106 𝑚𝑚4

𝜋𝑟4 𝜋(20)4
𝐼𝑦̅ = = = 0.1257𝑥̅ 106 𝑚𝑚4
4 4

𝐼𝑦̅ = 𝐼𝑦̅ + 𝐴𝑥̅2 = (0.1257 𝑥̅ 106) + 1256.637(45)2 = 2.67𝑥̅106 𝑚𝑚4

Composite Area
To determine the properties for the composite area, we superimpose the
foregoing results (taking care to subtract the quantities for the circle) and obtain

𝐴 = ∑ 𝐴 = 4500 + 3180.86 − 1256.637 = 6427.223 𝑚𝑚2

𝐼𝑥̅ = ∑ 𝐼𝑥̅ = ( 22.5 + 45.57 − 12.692 ) 𝑥̅106 = 55.378 𝑥̅ 106 𝑚𝑚4
𝐼𝑦̅ = ∑ 𝐼𝑦̅ = ( 18.225 + 8.05 − 2.67 ) 𝑥̅106 = 23.605 𝑥̅ 106 𝑚𝑚4

Therefore, for the radii of gyration we have

𝐼 55.378 𝑥̅ 106 = 𝟗𝟐. 𝟖𝟐𝟑 𝒎𝒎

𝑘 = √ 𝑥̅ = √
𝑥̅ 𝐴 6427.223
𝐼𝑦̅ 23.605 𝑥̅ 106
√
= 𝟔𝟎. 𝟔𝟎𝟐 𝒎𝒎
𝑘𝑦̅ = √ = 6427.223
𝐴

Lesson 7-6 – Product of Inertia

The product of inertia of a plane area (also called the product of area) about
the x- and y-coordinate axes is defined by

𝐼𝑥̅𝑦̅ = ∫ 𝑥̅𝑦̅ 𝑑𝐴

where A is the area of the plane region shown in Fig. 9.3, and x and y are the
coordinates of dA.

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 The dimension of product of inertia is [L4], the same as for moment of inertia
and polar moment of area. Whereas moment of inertia is always positive, the product
of inertia can be positive, negative, or zero, depending on the manner in which the
area is distributed in the xy-plane.

If an area has an axis of symmetry, that axis and the axis perpendicular to it
constitute a set of axes for which the product of inertia is zero.

Transfer Formula for Product of Inertia

The parallel-axis theorem for products of inertia can be written as

𝑰𝒙𝒚 = 𝑰𝒙𝒚 + 𝑨𝒙𝒚

To reiterate, the symbol 𝑰𝒙𝒚 is to be read as “the product of inertia relative to

centroidal x- and y-axes” (axes through the centroid and parallel to the x- and y-axes).

Example:

1. Calculate the product of inertia of the triangle shown (a) about the x- and y axes
using (1) single integration; and (2) double integration.

Solution:
For the horizontal element shown:

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 𝑑𝐴 = 𝑥̅𝑑𝑦̅
𝑥̅
𝑥̅𝑒𝑙 =
2
𝑦̅𝑒𝑙 = 𝑦̅

𝑑𝐼𝑥̅𝑦̅ = 0 (By symmetry)

𝑥̅ 𝑥̅2𝑦̅
𝑑𝐼𝑥̅𝑦̅ ( ) ( )
= 𝑑𝐴 𝑥̅𝑒𝑙 𝑦̅𝑒𝑙 = 𝑥̅𝑑𝑦̅ ( ) 𝑦̅ = 𝑑𝑦̅
2 2
By the property of similar triangle:
𝑥̅ 𝑏
=ℎ
ℎ−𝑦̅
𝑏
𝑥̅ = (ℎ − 𝑦̅)
ℎ
Substitute and integrate
𝑥̅2𝑦̅
𝑑𝐼𝑥̅𝑦̅ = 𝑑𝑦̅
2
𝑏 2
ℎ [ (ℎ − 𝑦̅)] 𝑦̅
ℎ
𝐼𝑥̅𝑦̅ = ∫ 𝑑𝑦̅
0 2
ℎ
𝑏2
𝐼𝑥̅𝑦̅ = ∫ (ℎ − 𝑦̅)2𝑦̅𝑑𝑦̅
2ℎ2 0

𝒃𝟐𝒉𝟐
𝑰𝒙𝒚 =
𝟐𝟒

For the vertical element shown:

𝑑𝐴 = 𝑦̅𝑑𝑥̅
𝑥̅𝑒𝑙 = 𝑥̅

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 𝑦̅
𝑦̅𝑒𝑙 =
2
𝑑𝐼𝑥̅𝑦̅ = 0 (By symmetry)
𝑦̅ 𝑥̅𝑦̅2
𝑑𝐼𝑥̅𝑦̅ = 𝑑𝐴 𝑥̅𝑒𝑙 𝑦̅𝑒𝑙 = (𝑦̅𝑑𝑥̅ )(𝑥̅ ) ( ) = 𝑑𝑥̅
2 2

By the property of similar triangle:

𝑏−𝑥̅ 𝑏
𝑦̅
=ℎ
ℎ
𝑦̅ = (𝑏 − 𝑥̅)
𝑏
Substitute and integrate
𝑥̅𝑦̅2
𝑑𝐼𝑥̅𝑦̅ = 𝑑𝑦̅
2
ℎ
𝑏 𝑥̅ [ (𝑏 − 𝑥̅)]
2
𝑏
𝐼𝑥̅𝑦̅ = ∫ 𝑑𝑥̅
0 2
𝑏
ℎ2
𝐼𝑥̅𝑦̅ = ∫ 𝑥̅(𝑏 − 𝑥̅)2𝑑𝑥̅
2𝑏2 0

𝒃𝟐𝒉𝟐
𝑰𝒙𝒚 =
𝟐𝟒

2. Using the result in the above example, calculate𝐼𝑥̅ 𝑦̅ , the product of inertia of the
triangle shown about centroidal axes parallel to the x-and y- axes.

Solution:
𝑏2ℎ2
From the solution to the last example, we have 𝐼𝑥̅𝑦̅ = . The parallel
24

axis theorem yields:

31
 𝐼𝑥̅𝑦̅ = 𝐼𝑥̅𝑦̅ − 𝐴𝑥̅ 𝑦̅= 𝑏2ℎ2 𝑏ℎ 𝑏 ℎ
− 2 (3 )( )
24 3
Which simplifies to
𝒃𝟐𝒉𝟐
𝑰𝒙𝒚 = 𝟕𝟐

32
SAQ (SELF-ANSWER QUESTIONNAIRE)

1. Calculate the product of Inertia for the angle shown by the method of composite
areas.

2. Solve the following:

Find the center of gravity of a semicircular section having outer and inner
diameters of 200 mm and 160 mm respectively as shown in figure:

Ans: 57.5 mm

3. A body consists of a right circular solid cone of height 40 mm and radius 30 mm

placed on a solid hemisphere of radius 30 mm of the same material find the
position of the center of gravity of the body

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 Ans: 28.4 mm

ASAQ (ANSWER TO SELF-ANSWER QUESTIONNAIRE)

1. Therefore, the product of inertia for the angle is:

𝐼𝑥̅𝑦̅ = ∑ 𝐼𝑥̅𝑦̅ = (1. 9 + 3.20) 𝑥̅106 = 𝟓. 𝟏𝟔𝒙𝟏𝟎𝟔 𝒎𝒎𝟒

2. Ans: 57.5 mm

3. Ans: 28.4 mm

Reference:

Engineering Mechanics by Ferdinand L. Singer

Breer, Ferdinand P. and Johnston, E. Russel Jr., Mechanics for Engineers,
McGraw Hill, latest edition
Hibbeler, R.C., Engineering Mechanics, Statics, , Amazon, 14th Edition
Other Physics and Engineering Mechanics Books
Mathematics and Allied Science Reviewers’ Books

Online:

http://ecoursesonline.iasri.res.in/mod/page/view.php?id=125330

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