1|Page

RESULT%

Student number(s):
x
Surname and initials:

Programme: Diploma in Engineering Technology

( Mechanical Engineering )

Module name: MACHINES MECHANICS

Module code: M M M 1 2 A

Graduate None 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
Attribute (GA)
assessment:

Practical/number: 1
Practical name MOMENT OF INERTIA
Group number:

Due date: 2 0 2 2 M M D D

Lecturer:

DECLARATION OF OWN WORK:

I, , STUDENT
NUMBER , HEREBY DECLARE THAT THE
CONTENT OF THIS ASSIGNMENT/PROJECT IS MY OWN WORK, AS DEFINED AND
CONSTITUTED IN THE RULES AND REGULATIONS OF THE CENTRAL UNIVERSITY OF
TECHNOLOGY, FREE STATE (PLEASE CONSULT THE PROGRAMME GUIDE OF THE
DEPARTMENT).

SIGNED:
DATE:
2|Page

DATE:
GROUP NUMBER:

STUDENT NUMBER:

INITIALS & SURNAME:

SIGNATURE:

SUBJECT:

PRACTICAL:
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Table of Contents

List of SI Units……………………………………………………….. Page 4

Introduction.................................................................................. Page 5
Aim……………………………………………………………………. Page 6
Theory………………………………………………………………… Page 6-7
Procedure……………………………………………………………. Page 8
Sketch of Apparatus………………………………………………… Page 9
Explanation of Apparatus…………………………………………… Page 9
Experimental data…………………………………………………… Page 10
Calculations………………………………………………………….. Page 10-15
Percentage Error…………………………………………………… Page 15
Final Results………………………………………………………… Page 16
Discussion……………………………………………………………. Page 16
Conclusion…………………………………………………………… Page 17
References…………………………………………………………… Page 17
4|Page

List of SI Units

Quantity Symbol Name of SI Unit SI Unit

Length L meter m
Mass m kilogram kg
Time t seconds s
Inertia I Kilogram per meter kg.m2
squared
Acceleration a Meter per second m/s2
squared
Velocity v Meters per second m/s

Initial Velocity u Meter per second m/s

Gravitational g Newton N
force
Angular w Radian per second Rad/s
Acceleration
Radius r

Height h meter m
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Introduction
Our objective in this experiment is to investigate the moment of inertia and
rotational inertia in this experiment. In order to understand the topic of this
practical, I will first explain some of the theory behind it. As I draw the
apparatus, I will describe how each one works. For my purpose, I will
demonstrate how to calculate the flywheel's moment of inertia followed by
calculation instructions for method 2 in the practical guide. I will then gather
data about its experimental value and then tabulate it. I will compare the
results and further explain the differences and conclude based on all the
information that was done in the experiment.
In the following figures 1 and figure 2 it shows a clear example on how the
practical will be demonstrated.
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Aim

First, the primary goal of the experiment is to understand the theory concepts
of rotational kinetic energy, linear velocity, and moments of inertia.
Furthermore, it aims to calculate the moments of inertia theoretically and
experimentally, and compare the results of the outcome.

Theory

What is Moment of inertia?

The moment of inertia of a system about some rotational point is the
measure of an objects resistance to a change in the objects angular
acceleration due to the action of a torque.

Additionally, the moment of inertia depends on how an object's mass is

distributed relative to its pivot point. Inertia is the rotational analog of mass for
linear motion. It appears in the relation for rotational dynamics when a body
has not just one moment of inertia, but potentially an infinite number of them.
The Formula Is Expressed as follows:
𝐼 = m 𝑟2
Si Unit for moment of inertia is:
𝑘𝑔. 𝑚2

Parallel Theorem
This theorem states that moment of inertia of a body about an axis Y/ parallel
to another axis Y is equal to the sum of Moment of inertia about axis Y plus
the product of the mass and the squared distance between the axis.y/
7|Page

Formula will be:

I𝑌 = Iγ + mr 2

Radius of Gyration
The radius of gyration is defined as the distance from the axis of rotation to
the point where the whole mass of a body is supposed to be concentrated.
This should give the same moment of inertia as that of the original shape.
By the symbol k, we denote the radius of gyration.

As per the definition of the radius of gyration, the moment of inertia of the
body (In figure A) is equal to the moment of inertia of concentrated point
mass (In figure B) about the same axis.
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k= radius of gyration

It can be mathematically expressed:

𝐼 = 𝑚𝑘 2
Rotational Kinetic Energy
Rotational energy occurs due to the object’s rotation and is a part of its total
kinetic energy. If the rotational energy is considered separately across an
object’s axis of rotation, the moment of inertia is observed. Rotational energy
also known as angular kinetic energy.

𝟏 𝟐
𝒌= 𝑰𝒘
𝟐

Procedure

1. Measure the size of the flywheel a to verify if they are the same as shown
in the lab guide.
2. The mass hanger's weight and rope thickness will be given.
3. Weights to be used for the experiment was instructed by the lecture they
are 2kg and 4kg.
4. Use the rope to wind around the shaft of the flywheel and measure the
effective height, displacement of the mass hanger should be equal 1.2 m.
5. Wind a rope to the starting position and attach a 2 kg weight to the mass
hanger.
6. Release the weight, start the stop watch simultaneously, and stop it when
the mass hanger reaches the end position 1.2 m later.
7. Repeat the process using a 2 kg weight and complete steps 4, 5 and 6
again
8. Using the conservation of mechanical energy equation, complete the
following table
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Sketch of Apparatus

Explanation of Apparatus

Flywheel: A revolving wheel which is used to increase the machines

momentum and provide greater stability or a reserve of available power
Stop watch: measure the amount of time that elapses between its activation
and deactivation
Mass hanger: To allow a person to create any desired amount of weight to
use in an experiment.
Rope: is used to lift or dragging an object at a certain length
Weight: is an object that has an influence on the result
10 | P a g e

Measuring Equipment: used to measure length

Experimental data

Average
Data Weight Used Displacement Time
Case 1 2 kg 17.17 s

Case 2 4 kg 12.7 s

Calculations

Theoretical Calculations

Area
For Mass 1

𝐴 = 2𝜋𝑟 2 ℎ
𝐴 = 2𝜋(10)2 (38)
𝐴 = 23876,104 𝑚𝑚2

For Mass 2

𝐴 = 2𝜋𝑟 2 ℎ
𝐴 = 2𝜋(12)2 (78)
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𝐴 = 70572,737 𝑚𝑚2
For Mass 2

𝐴 = 2𝜋𝑟 2 ℎ
𝐴 = 2𝜋(175)2 (38,4)
𝐴 = 70389025,921 𝑚𝑚2

Volume

For Mass 1

𝑉 = 𝜋𝑟 2 ℎ
𝑉 = 𝜋(0,01)2 (0,038)
𝑉 = 1,193 × 10−5 𝑚3

For Mass 2

𝑉 = 𝜋𝑟 2 ℎ
𝑉 = 𝜋(0,012)2 (0,078)
𝑉 = 3,529 × 10−5 𝑚3

For Mass 3

𝑉 = 𝜋𝑟 2 ℎ
𝑉 = 𝜋(0,175)2 (0,0384)
𝑉 = 3,695 × 10−3 𝑚3

Mass (kg) = Volume (m3) X Density (kg/m3

For Mass 1

𝑚 =𝑣xp
𝑚 = 1,193 × 10−5 x 7800
𝑚 = 0,093 𝑘𝑔
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For Mass 2

𝑚 =𝑣xp
𝑚 = 3,529 × 10−5 x 7800
𝑚 = 0,272 𝑘𝑔

For Mass 3

𝑚 =𝑣xp
𝑚 = 3,695 × 10−3 x 7800
𝑚 = 28,822 𝑘𝑔

Moment of inertia
1
I = 𝑀1 𝑟 2 + 𝑀2 𝑟22 + 𝑀3 𝑟32
2
1
I = 0,093 0.01 + 0,272 0,012 + (28,822)(0,175)2
( )( ) 2 ( )( )2
2
2
I = 0,441 𝑘𝑔. 𝑚

Experimental calculations
Case 1
s =1.2 m ; u = 0
1 2
s = 𝑢𝑡 + a𝑡
2
1
1,2 = 0(17,17) + a(17,17)2
2
1,2 = 147,404a
a = 8,141 × 10−3 𝑚/𝑠 2

u=0
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v = 𝑢 + 𝑎𝑡
v = 0 + (8,141 × 10−3 )(17,17)
v = 0,14 𝑚/𝑠
r = 0.0125 m
v = 𝑤𝑟
𝑣
𝑤=
𝑟
0,14
𝑤=
0,0125
𝑤 = 11,2 𝑟𝑎𝑑/𝑠

1
𝐸𝑘𝐿 = 𝑚𝑣 2
2
1
𝐸𝑘𝐿 = (2,2)(0,14)2
2
𝐸𝑘𝐿 = 0,022 J

𝐸𝑝 = 𝑚𝑔ℎ
𝐸𝑝 = (2,2)(9,81)
𝐸𝑝 = 25,90 𝐽

1 2
𝐸𝑘𝑅 = 𝐼𝑤
2
1 2
1 2
𝑚𝑔ℎ = 𝑚𝑣 + 𝐼𝑤
2 2
1 2
1 2
25,90 = (2,2)(0,14) + 𝐼𝑤
2 2
1
𝐼𝑤 2 = 25,879 𝐽
2

Moment of Inertia
1 2
1 2
𝑚𝑔ℎ = 𝑚𝑣 + 𝐼𝑤
2 2
14 | P a g e

1 1
25,90 = (2,2)(0,14) + 𝐼(11,2)2
2
2 2
2
𝐼 = 0,413 𝑘𝑔. 𝑚
Case 2
s =1.2 m ; u = 0
1 2
s = 𝑢𝑡 + a𝑡
2
1
1,2 = 0(12,7) + a(12,7)2
2
1,2 = 80,645a
a = 0,015𝑚/𝑠 2

u=0
v = 𝑢 + 𝑎𝑡
v = 0 + (0,015)(12,7)
v = 0,191𝑚/𝑠
r = 0.0125 m
v = 𝑤𝑟
𝑣
𝑤=
𝑟
0,191
𝑤=
0,0125
𝑤 = 15,28 𝑟𝑎𝑑/𝑠

1
𝐸𝑘𝐿 = 𝑚𝑣 2
2
1
𝐸𝑘𝐿 = (4,2)(0,191)2
2
𝐸𝑘𝐿 = 0,077 𝐽J

𝐸𝑝 = 𝑚𝑔ℎ
𝐸𝑝 = (4,2)(9,81)
𝐸𝑝 = 49,442 𝐽
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1 2
𝐸𝑘𝑅 = 𝐼𝑤
2
1 2
1 2
𝑚𝑔ℎ = 𝑚𝑣 + 𝐼𝑤
2 2
1 1
49,442 = (4,2)(0,191)2 + 𝐼𝑤 2
2 2
1
𝐼𝑤 2 = 49,366𝐽
2

Moment of Inertia
1 1
𝑚𝑔ℎ = 𝑚𝑣 2 + 𝐼𝑤 2
2 2
1 1
25,90 = (2,2)(0,14) + 𝐼(11,2)2
2
2 2
2
𝐼 = 0,423 𝑘𝑔. 𝑚

Percentage Error
For Case 1
𝑣𝐸 − 𝑣𝐴
𝛿= × 100%
𝑣𝐸
0,441 − 0,413
𝛿= × 100%
0,441
= 6,349 %

For Case 2
𝑣𝐸 − 𝑣𝐴
𝛿= × 100%
𝑣𝐸
0,441 − 0,423
𝛿= × 100%
0,441
= 4,104 %
16 | P a g e

Table of Final Results

Case 1 Case 2

Average displacement time t Sec 17,17s 12,7s

Linear acceleration a m/s2 8,141x10-3 0,015 m/s2
Final linear Velocity v m/s 0,14 m/s 0,191 m/s
Winding shaft Radius r m 0,0125 m 0,0125 m
Angular Velocity w Rad/s 11,2 rad/s 15,28 rad/s
Total mass + Mass hanger M kg 2,2 kg 4,2 kg
Potential Energy Ep J 25,90 J 49,442 J
Linear Kinetic energy EkL J 0,022 J 0,077 J
Rotational Kinetic Energy EkR J 25,877 J 49,366 J
Moment of Inertia I Kg.m2 0,413 kg.m2 0,423 kg.m2
Percentage error % 6,348 % 4,104 %

Discussion

From the comparison of the theoretical and experimental value of

moment of inertia for the flywheel in the table of the final results has
a very low percentage error which is less than 10%. In the first case
it was 4 % and in the second one it was 6 % such a small
percentage error indicates that we were very close to the accepted
value factors that may have influenced are that this experiment
almost everything was handled by human measurement instead of
machines. There also might be error in recording the time taken in
which it was from human mistake whether too immediate or too late
to start the recording or while stopping the stopwatch and also it is
depending on what type or scale of the clock being used since in this
experiment, we have no specific stopwatch to be used, instead, we
used our own watch which could have potentially cause the slight
17 | P a g e

percentage error. We repeated case 1 and 2 twice this was a way to

minimize the error and getting the most accurate readings but there
was still a slight percentage error.

Conclusion
As a result of the experiment, the moment of inertia of a flywheel had
been studied and achieved, which results in the dependence of
mass and radius of the wheel as stated in the equation 𝐼 =
1 2
𝑀𝑟 .Rotational kinetic energy and liner kinetic energy and velocity
2
were understood.
The experimental value and the theoretical value of the moment of
inertia it was found that there was a small percentage error which
show that the experimental value was not far of the theoretical value
we can conclude that the error was cause by a human mistake. Thus
if the experiment was done in an ideal environment the error can be
minimized.

References

1. https://byjus.com/jee/moment-of-inertia-of-
flywheel
2. https://infinitylearn.com/surge/blog/iit-
jee/moment-of-inertia-of-flywheel/
3. https://blog.oureducation.in/moment-of-inertia-of-
a-flywheel-by-falling-weight-method/
4. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Weight_function#:~:t
ext=A%20weight%20function%20is%20a,weighted
%20sum%20or%20weighted%20average.
5. https://byjus.com/maths/percent-
error/#:~:text=Smaller%20percent%20errors%20indi
cate%20that,off%20from%20the%20true%20value.