Engg 407: Statics of Rigid Bodies
MODULE 6: Moment of Inertia
References:
Beer, F. P., Johnston , E., & Mazurek, D. F. (2016). Vector Mechanics for Engineers: Statics 11th Edition. McGraw-Hill Education.
Singer, F. L. (n.d.). Engineering Mechanics 2nd Ed. Harper & Row, New York, Evanston & London.
Kraige, L.G., & Meriam, J.L. (2012). Engineering Mechanics Statics 7th Edition. John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Khurmi, R.S. (n.d.). A Textbook of Engineering Mechanics 20th Multicolor Edition. S. Chand & Company Ltd.
Module Introduction:
The concept of moment of inertia provides a convenient way of computing the capacity of a body
to resist bending. It has no equivalent figure or diagram and so is defined only by its formula. The
general formula for (rectangular) moment of inertia is: Ix = ʃ y2 dA. [this is read as moment of
inertia about, or with respect to, the x axis]. The square of the y-distance in the general formula is
the reason why the moment of inertia is also known as the second moment of area. The moment
of inertia is a function of the geometry of the area and is usually used in the applications of
mechanics. Consequently, it is convenient to develop its properties in some detail and to have these
properties available for ready use when the need arises.
Intended Learning Outcomes:
Upon completion of this course, the students should be able to:
ILO 3: Examine the interplay of the attributes of forces in their various applications
Topic Outcomes:
This module aims that the students will be able to learn the following:
• Concept of the moment of inertia.
• Concept of transfer formula, radius of gyration and polar moment of inertia.
• Computation of the moment of inertia of regular and composite shapes in rectangular and
polar axes
Moment of Inertia, as defined in the introduction, is the second moment of area, since the first
moment y dA is multiplied by the moment arm y to obtain the second moment for the element dA.
Consider the area A in the x-y plane in the figure shown. The moments of inertia of the element
dA about the x- and y-axes are, by definition, dIx = y2 dA and dIx = y2 dA respectively. Hence, the
Rectangular Moments of Inertia of A about the respective axes are:
Ix = ʃ y2 dA, for moment of inertia about the x – axis and
Iy = ʃ x2 dA, for moment of inertia about the y – axis
The moment of inertia of dA about the pole O is, by similar definition, dJo = r2 dA. Therefore, the
Polar Moment of Inertia is:
Jo = ʃ r2 dA, for moment of inertia about O
Since, by Pythagorean Theorem, r2 = x2 + y2, it is evident that the Polar Moment of Inertia can be
express as Jo = Ix + Iy.
Engg 407: Statics of Rigid Bodies
The Radius of Gyration (with respect to the x axis) of a shape with known area refers to the
distance from x axis where an imaginary thin strip (shown in the figure below) with the same area
as the original shape needs to be placed so that its moment of inertia about x is the same as that of
the original shape with respect to this same axis. By relationship,
𝑰𝒙
kx2 = 𝑨
where Ix is the rectangular moment of inertia with respect with the x-axis, A represents the total
area and kx is the radius of gyration of the area with respect to x-axis.
Transfer Formula for Moment of Inertia
Computing the centroidal moment of inertia of composite or irregular figures requires the transfer
of the reference axes of the component shapes or figures from their respective centroidal axes to
the centroidal axis of the composite shape. This transfer formula is:
IN = IO + Ad2
where IN is the transferred moment of inertia, IO refers to the centroidal moment of inertia about
the component’s centroidal axis, A refers to the area of the component shape and d refers to the
distance from the centroid of the shape to the axis or centroid of the composite shape where it is
to be transferred.
The table next shows the properties for geometric shapes.
Engg 407: Statics of Rigid Bodies
Engg 407: Statics of Rigid Bodies
Illustrative Problems
Example 1: Determine the moments of inertia of the rectangular area shown about the centroidal
x0- and y0-axes, the centroidal polar axis through C.
Solution:
For the moment of inertia about the x0- axis, a horizontal strip of area bdy can be used so that the
y-coordinate is constant throughout b:
𝐼𝑥𝑜 = ∫ 𝑦 2 𝑑𝐴
ℎ
2
𝐼𝑥𝑜 = ∫ 𝑦 2 𝑏𝑑𝑦
ℎ
−
2
3
𝑏ℎ
𝐼𝑥𝑜 = (𝐴𝑛𝑠𝑤𝑒𝑟)
12
Following the same process, but this time about other axis, the moment of inertia about the y0- axis
is:
ℎ𝑏 3
𝐼𝑦𝑜 = (𝐴𝑛𝑠𝑤𝑒𝑟)
12
For the centroidal polar moment of inertia about C.
𝐽𝑐 = 𝐼𝑥𝑜 + 𝐼𝑦𝑜
𝑏ℎ3 ℎ𝑏 3
𝐽𝑐 = +
12 12
1
𝐽𝑐 = 𝑏ℎ(ℎ + 𝑏 2 )
2
12
1
𝐽𝑐 = 12 𝐴(𝑏 2 + ℎ2 ) (Answer)
Engg 407: Statics of Rigid Bodies
Example 2: Calculate the moments of inertia of the area of a circle about a diametral axis and
about the polar axis through the center. Specify the radii of gyration.
Solution:
A differential element of area in the form of a circular ring may be used for the calculation of the
moment of inertia about the polar axis through O since all elements of the ring are equidistant from
O. The elemental area is 𝑑𝐴 = 2𝜋𝑟0 𝑑𝑟0 and thus,
𝐽0 = ∫ 𝑟 2 𝑑𝐴
𝑟
𝐽0 = ∫ 𝑟0 2 (2𝜋𝑟0 𝑑𝑟0 )
0
𝜋𝑟 4
𝐽0 =
2
𝐴𝑟 2
𝐽0 = (𝐴𝑛𝑠𝑤𝑒𝑟)
2
For polar radius of gyration:
𝐼
𝑘= √
𝐴
𝑟
𝑘0 = (𝐴𝑛𝑠𝑤𝑒𝑟)
√2
Since 𝐼𝑥 = 𝐼𝑦 ,
𝐽0 = 𝐼𝑥 + 𝐼𝑦
2𝐼𝑥 = 𝐽0
𝜋𝑟 4
𝐼𝑥 =
4
𝐴𝑟 2
𝐼𝑥 = (𝐴𝑛𝑠𝑤𝑒𝑟)
4
For radius of gyration about the diametral axis:
𝐼
𝑘= √
𝐴
𝑟
𝑘𝑥 = (𝐴𝑛𝑠𝑤𝑒𝑟)
2
Engg 407: Statics of Rigid Bodies
Example 3: Determine the moments of inertia about the x- and y-axes for the shaded area.
Solution:
The solution for the problem is very similar to that of a composite section, only in this case, some
parts have to be deducted from a larger regular shape. There are three subareas presented in the
figure – a rectangle, a quarter circle and a triangle. The latter two subareas are to be subtracted
from the first as shown next.
The calculation is presented in the table shown:
Parts
Properties Total
1 2 3
1 1
A (mm2) (80)(60) − 𝜋(30)2 − (40)(30) 3490
4 2
30
dx (mm) 30 (60 − 12.73) -
3
40
dy (mm) 40 12.73 (80 − ) -
3
Adx2 (mm3) 4.32(106 ) −1.579(106 ) −0.06(106 ) 2.68(106 )
Ady2 (mm3) 7.68(106 ) −0.1146(106 ) −2.67(106 ) 4.90(106 )
Engg 407: Statics of Rigid Bodies
1 𝜋 4 1
Ixo (mm4) (80)(60)3 -(16 − 9𝜋)304 − (40)(30)3 1.366(106 )
12 36
1 𝜋 4 1
Iyo (mm4) (60)(80)3 -(16 − 9𝜋)304 − (30)(40)3 2.46(106 )
12 36
Using the Transfer Formula, the Moments of Inertia can be determined:
𝐼𝑁𝑥 = ∑ 𝐼𝑥𝑜 + ∑ 𝐴𝑑𝑥 2
𝐼𝑁𝑥 = 1.366(106 ) + 2.68(106 )
𝐼𝑁𝑥 = 4.05(106 )𝑚𝑚4 (Answer)
𝐼𝑁𝑦 = ∑ 𝐼𝑦𝑜 + ∑ 𝐴𝑑𝑦 2
𝐼𝑁𝑥 = 2.46(106 ) + 4.90(106 )
𝐼𝑁𝑥 = 7.36(106 )𝑚𝑚4 (Answer)
Exercises:
Problem No. 1: Calculate the moment of inertia of the shaded area about the y-axis.
Problem No. 2: Use the differential element shown to determine the moments of inertia of the
triangular area about the x- and y-axes. Also determine the polar moment of inertia about point O.
Engg 407: Statics of Rigid Bodies
Problem No. 3: Determine the polar radius of gyration of the area of the equilateral triangle about
the midpoint M of its base.
Problem No. 4: Determine the moment of inertia about the x-axis of the rectangular area without
and with the central rectangular hole.
Problem No. 5: The cross-sectional area of a wide-flange I-beam has the dimensions shown.
Obtain a close approximation to the handbook value of Ix = 657 in4 by treating the section as being
composed of three rectangles.
Engg 407: Statics of Rigid Bodies
Problem No. 6: Calculate the polar radius of gyration of the shaded area about its centroid C.
Problem No. 7: Determine the moments of inertia of the section about horizontal and vertical axes
passing through the centroid of the section.
Problem No. 8: A built up section is made by needing too stable and two channel sections.
Determine moment of inertia of a built up section about the axis passing through centre of gravity
of the section.
Engg 407: Statics of Rigid Bodies
Problem No. 9: Find the moment of inertia of the lamina with a circular hole of 30 mm diameter
about the axis AB as shown.
Problem No. 10: Determine the polar moment of inertia about point O of the shaded area shown.
Exercises Key:
1. 𝐼𝑦 = 21.5 𝑖𝑛.4 6. 𝑘𝑐 = 261 𝑚𝑚
𝑏ℎ3 ℎ𝑏 3 𝑏ℎ 𝑏2
2. 𝐼𝑥 = , 𝐼𝑦 = , 𝐽𝑜 = (ℎ2 + 12) 7. 𝐼𝑥𝑜 = 28.84𝑥106 𝑚𝑚4 , 𝐼𝑦𝑜 = 8.4𝑥106 𝑚𝑚4
4 48 4
𝑎
3. 𝑘𝑀 =
√6
8. 𝐼𝑥𝑜 = 10.1 𝑥 106 𝑚𝑚4
4. 𝐼𝑥 = 0.0833𝑏ℎ3 , 𝐼𝑥 = 0.0781𝑏ℎ3 9. 𝐼𝐴𝐵 = 638.3 𝑥 103 𝑚𝑚4
5. 𝐼𝑥 = 649 𝑖𝑛.4 10. 𝐼𝑜 = 86.5 𝑥 106 𝑚𝑚4
Determine the moments of inertia of the following shapes.
For letter “A” above, all radii = 1unit; for other letters, outer radii = 2; inner radii = 1