Lesson 4.

5 – Centroid of a Solid of Revolution

In a three-dimensional coordinate system such that the x and y
axes are taken as in two dimensions and the z-axis is taken
perpendicular to them, the plane containing the x and y axes is called
the xy-plane. The xz-plane and yz-plane are defined in the same
manner. Then the point in three dimensions is given by (x,y,z).
A solid of revolution is symmetric about its axis of revolution
and because of this, its centroid must lie on this axis. Hence, only one
coordinate is needed to determine the exact position of the centroid.
Thus, if the region R is revolved about the x-axis, the centroid of the
solid generated will lie on the x-axis. This centroid is defined to be
the point (𝑥̅ , 0,0) such that

M yz
x=
V
𝑀𝑦𝑧 is the moment with respect to the yz-plane and V is the volume
of the solid of revolution. The moment 𝑀𝑦𝑧 is given by:
𝑀𝑦𝑧 = ∫ 𝑥𝑐 𝑑𝑉
Where: 𝑥𝑐 = x-coordinate of the centroid of a rectangular element.
𝑑𝑉 = any element of volume (disk, washer, or shell)

If the region R is revolved about the y-axis, then we defined

the centroid of the solid generated as the point (0, 𝑦̅, 0) such that

M xz
y=
V
𝑀𝑥𝑧 is the moment with respect to the xz-plane and V is the volume
of the solid of revolution. The moment Mxz is given by

M xz =  yc dV
Where: 𝑦𝑐 = y-coordinate of the centroid of a
rectangular element
dV = any element of volume (disk, washer,
or shell)

Activity 24

Find the centroid of the solid generated by revolving about the

indicated axis the area bounded by the given curves.

1. 𝑦 2 = 𝑥, y = 3, x = 0; about the y-axis

2. 𝑥 2 = 𝑦, x = 3, y = 0; about x = 3

3. 𝑦 2 = 4𝑥, y = x; about x= 0
Lesson 4.6 – Moment of Inertia of a Plane Area

Let r be the distance from a particle of mass m to fixed line λ. The

product of the square of r by the mass m is called the second
moment or moment of inertia of m with respect to the line λ.
Denoting this moment by 𝐼𝜆 ,

I  =  r 2 dm

For a plane area :

I  =  r 2 dA

where r (called the radius of gyration) is the distance of the variable

element from the line λ and dA is the area of that element.

Note: the edges of the rectangular element are parallel to the line λ,
the line about which the moment of inertia is taken.

The moment of inertia of a rectangle with respect to its base is equal

to one-third of the square of its height times its area.

1 2
I=
3  h dA

Where h represents the height (or length) of a rectangular element

and dA its corresponding area.

NOTE: The base of every rectangular element in a plane area A lies

on the line λ.
If the area of the region is bounded by two intersecting curves.
Using a vertical element:

(
1 b 3 3
I x =  yu − yl dx
3 a
)

I y =  x2 ( yu − yl ) dx
b

Using a horizontal element:

I x =  y 2 ( xr − xl ) dy
d

1 d 3 3
(
I y =  xr − xl dy
3 c
)
Activity 25

Find the moment of inertia of the area bounded by the given curves
with respect to the specified axis.

1. 𝑦 = 𝑥 2 , y = 4; with respect to the x-axis

2. 𝑦 2 = 𝑥, x = 0 , y = 4 ; with respect to the y-axis

3. 𝑦 2 = 8𝑥 , x = 0 , y = 4 ; with respect to y = 4
Lesson 4.7 – Moment of Inertia of a Solid of Revolution

For solid of revolution:

I  =  r 2 dV

Where r is the radius of gyration of the volume element dV

with respect to the axis of revolution λ.

The moment of inertia of a right circular cylinder with respect to its

axis is equal to one-half of the square of its radius times its volume.

1 2
I=
2  h dV

Where h represents the height (or length) of the element and dV

represents the volume of the disk generated by revolving that
element about λ.

Note: The rectangular element is perpendicular to the line λ.

When the solid generated by revolving about a coordinate axis the

area of the region bounded by two intersecting curves.
Area is revolved about the x-axis:
Using a vertical element:

 b 4 4
Ix =
2 a
( yu − yl ) dx
 Using a horizontal element:

I x = 2  y3 ( xr − xl ) dy
d

Area revolved about the y-axis:

Using a vertical element:

I y = 2  x3 ( yu − yl ) dx
b

Using a horizontal element:

 d 4 4
I y =  ( xr − xl ) dy
2 c

Activity 26

If the area bounded by the given curves is revolved about the

specified axis, find the moment of inertia of the solid generated with
respect to the axis of revolution.

1. 𝑦 = 2√𝑥 , y = 0 , x = 4 ; about x = 0

2. 𝑦 2 = 3𝑥, y = x , about x = 0

3. 𝑦 = 𝑥2, y = 2x ; about the y-axis