Chapter 10: MOMENTS OF INERTIA

APPLICATIONS

Many structural members like beams

and columns have cross sectional
shapes like I, H, C, etc..

Why do they usually not have solid

rectangular, square, or circular cross
sectional areas?

What primary property of these

members influences design decisions?
How can we calculate this property?
 THE CONCEPT OF THE MOMENT OF INERTIA (MoI) OF
AN AREA
Consider a beam of uniform cross section
which is subjected to two equal and
opposite couples applied at each end of
the beam. It is shown in mechanics of
materials that the internal forces in any
section of the beam are distributed forces
whose magnitudes ΔF=ky ΔA vary linear-
ly with the distance y between the element of area ΔA and an
axis passing through the centroid of the section. The moment
about the x-axis due to this force is y (ΔF). The total moment
is ∫A y dF = ∫ A ky2 dA = k ∫A( y2 dA).
This integral term is referred to as the moment of inertia of the
area about x-axis.
 THE CONCEPT OF THE MoI (continued)
10cm 3cm
10cm 3cm P
10cm
1cm x
(A) (B) (C) R S
1cm
Consider three different possible cross sectional shapes and areas for the
beam RS. All have the same total area and, assuming they are made of
same material, they will have the same mass per unit length.

For the given vertical loading P on the beam, which shape will
develop less deflection? Why?
The answer depends on the MoI of the beam about the x-axis. It turns
out that Section A has the highest MoI because most of the area is
farthest from the x axis. Hence, it has the least deflection.
 MoI – DEFINITION
For the differential area dA, shown in the
figure:
d Ix = y2 dA ,
d Iy = x2 dA , and,
d JO = r2 dA , where JO is the polar
moment of inertia about the pole O or z
axis.
The moments of inertia for the entire area are obtained by
integration.
Ix = ∫A y2 dA ; Iy = ∫A x2 dA
JO = ∫A r2 dA = ∫A ( x2 + y2 ) dA = Ix + Iy
The MoI is also referred to as the second moment of an area and
has units of length to the fourth power (m4 or in4).
 MoI FOR AN AREA BY INTEGRATION
For simplicity, the area element used has a
differential size in only one direction
(dx or dy). This results in a single integration
and is usually simpler than doing a double
integration with two differentials, dx·dy.

The step-by-step procedure is:

1. Choose the element dA: There are two choices: a vertical strip or a
horizontal strip. Some considerations about this choice are:
a) The element parallel to the axis about which the MoI is to be
determined usually results in an easier solution. For example,
we typically choose a horizontal strip for determining Ix and a
vertical strip for determining Iy.
 MoI BY INTEGRATION
b) If y is easily expressed in terms of x
(e.g., y = x2 + 1), then choosing a
vertical strip with a differential element
dx wide may be advantageous.
2. Integrate to find the MoI. For example, given the element shown in
the figure above:
Iy = ∫ d Iy = ∫ x2 dA = ∫ x2 y dx and
Ix = ∫ d Ix = ∫ (1 / 3) y3 dx (using the information for a
rectangle about its base from the EX 10-1a).
Since in this case the differential element is dx, y needs to be
expressed in terms of x and the integral limit must also be in terms of
x. As you can see, choosing the element and integrating can be
challenging. It may require a trial and error approach plus
experience.
 EXAMPLE
(x,y) Given: The shaded area shown in the
figure.
Find: The MoI of the area about the
x- and y-axes.
Plan: Follow the steps given earlier.

Solution
Ix = ∫ y2 dA
dA = (4 – x) dy = (4 – y2/4) dy
4
Ix = O ∫ y2 (4 – y2/4) dy

4
= [ (4/3) y3 – (1/20) y5 ] 0 = 34.1 in4
 EXAMPLE (continued)

(x,y) Iy = ∫ x2 dA = ∫ x2 y dx
= ∫ x2 (2 √ x) dx
4
= 2 0∫ x 3.5 dx
4
= [ (2/3.5) x 3.5 ] 0
= 73.1 in 4

In the above example, it will be difficult to determine Iy using

a horizontal strip. However, Ix in this example can be
determined using a vertical strip. So,
Ix = ∫ (1/3) y3 dx = ∫ (1/3) (2√x)3 dx .
 CONCEPT QUIZ
1. A pipe is subjected to a bending M M
moment as shown. Which property y
of the pipe will result in lower stress x
(assuming a constant cross-sectional Pipe section
area)?
A) Smaller Ix B) Smaller Iy
C) Larger Ix D) Larger Iy
y
y=x3
2. In the figure to the left, what is the
differential moment of inertia of the x,y
element with respect to the y-axis (dIy)?
A) x2 y dx B) (1/12) x3 dy
x
C) y2 x dy D) (1/3) y dy
 GROUP PROBLEM SOLVING

(x,y) Given: The shaded area shown.

Find: Ix and Iy of the area.
Plan: Follow the steps described
earlier.

Solution
Ix = ∫ (1/3) y3 dx
8 8
= 0∫ (1/3) x dx = [x 2 / 6 ]0
= 10.7 in 4
 GROUP PROBLEM (continued)

(x,y)

IY = ∫ x 2 dA = ∫ x 2 y dx
= ∫ x 2 ( x (1/3) dx
8
= 0∫ x (7/3) dx
8
= [(3/10) x (10/3) ]0
= 307 in 4
 ATTENTION QUIZ
1. When determining the MoI of the
element in the figure, dIy equals
A) x 2 dy B) x 2 dx (x,y)
y2 = x
C) (1/3) y 3 dx D) x 2.5 dx

2. Similarly, dIx equals

A) (1/3) x 1.5 dx B) y 2 dA
C) (1 /12) x 3 dy D) (1/3) x 3 dx
 HOMEWORK

• 10-1, 10-10
 RADIUS OF GYRATION OF AN AREA

A For a given area A and its MoI, Ix ,

y
imagine that the entire area is located at
distance kx from the x axis.
kx
Then, Ix = k2xA or kx = √ ( Ix / A). This
kx is called the radius of gyration of the
x area about the x axis. Similarly;
kY = √ ( Iy / A ) and kO = √ ( JO / A )

The radius of gyration has units of length and gives an indication

of the spread of the area from the axes. This characteristic is
important when designing columns.
 PARALLEL-AXIS THEOREM FOR AN AREA

This theorem relates the moment of

inertia (MoI) of an area about an axis
passing through the area’s centroid to
the MoI of the area about a
corresponding parallel axis. This
theorem has many practical
applications, especially when working
with composite areas.

Consider an area with centroid C. The x' and y' axes pass through
C. The MoI about the x-axis, which is parallel to, and distance dy
from the x ' axis, is found by using the parallel-axis theorem.
PARALLEL-AXIS THEOREM (continued)
IX = ∫A y 2 dA = ∫A (y' + dy)2 dA
= ∫A y' 2 dA + 2 dy ∫A y' dA + dy 2 ∫A dA

Using the definition of the centroid:

y = y' + dy
y' = (∫A y' dA) / (∫A dA) . Now
since C is at the origin of the x' – y' axes,
y' = 0 , and hence ∫A y' dA = 0 .
Thus IX = IX' + A dy 2

Similarly, IY = IY' + A dX 2 and

JO = JC + Ad2
 POP QUIZ A=10 cm2

1. For the given area, the moment of inertia

about axis 1 is 200 cm4 . What is the MoI C
•
C 3
about axis 3 (the centroidal axis)? d2 •
2
A) 90 cm 4 B) 110 cm 4 d1
1
C) 60 cm 4 D) 40 cm 4
d1 = d2 = 2 cm

2. The moment of inertia of the rectangle about 3cm

the x-axis equals
2cm
A) 8 cm 4. B) 56 cm .4

C) 24 cm 4 . D) 26 cm 4 . 2cm
x
 MOMENT OF INERTIA FOR A COMPOSITE
AREA

A composite area is made by adding or

subtracting a series of “simple” shaped
areas like rectangles, triangles, and
circles. For example, the area on the
left can be made from a rectangle minus
a triangle and circle.

The MoI of these “simpler” shaped areas about their centroidal

axes are found in most engineering handbooks as well as the
inside back cover of the textbook. Using these data and the
parallel-axis theorem, the MoI for a composite area can easily be
calculated.
 STEPS FOR ANALYSIS
1. Divide the given area into its
simpler shaped parts.
2. Locate the centroid of each part
and indicate the perpendicular
distance from each centroid to
the desired reference axis.
3. Determine the MoI of each “simpler” shaped part about the
desired reference axis using the parallel-axis theorem
( IX = IX’ + A ( dy )2 ) .

4. The MoI of the entire area about the reference axis is

determined by performing an algebraic summation of the
individual MoIs obtained in Step 3. (Please note that MoI
of a hole is subtracted).
 3
bh
Ix' =
12

3
bh
Ix' =
36

4
πa
Ix =
4
 EXAMPLE
Given: The beam’s cross-sectional area.
Find: The moment of inertia of the area
about the y-axis and the radius of
gyration ky.
Plan: Follow the steps for analysis.

[1] [2] [3]

Solution
1. The cross-sectional area can be divided into three rectangles
( [1], [2], [3] ) as shown.
2. The centroids of these three rectangles are in their center.
The distances from these centers to the y-axis are 0 mm,
87.5 mm, and 87.5 mm, respectively.
 EXAMPLE (continued)
3. From the Table in the book, the
MoI of a rectangle about its
centroidal axis is (1/12) b h3.
Iy[1] = (1/12) (25mm) (300mm)3
= 56.25 (106) mm4

[1] [2] [3]

Using the parallel-axis theorem,

IY[2] = IY[3] = IY’ + A (dX)2
= (1/12) (100) (25)3 + (25) (100) ( 87.5 )2
= 19.27 (106) mm 4
 EXAMPLE (continued)

4. Iy = Iy1 + Iy2 + Iy3

= 94.8 ( 106) mm 4

ky = √ ( Iy / A)

A = 300 (25) + 25 (100) + 25 (100) = 12,500 mm 2

ky = √ ( 94.79) (106) / (12500) = 87.1 mm

 CONCEPT QUIZ
1. For the area A, we know the Axis
A
centroid’s (C) location, area, distances 4
between the four parallel axes, and the d3 C 3
MoI about axis 1. We can determine •
d2
2
the MoI about axis 2 by applying the d1
parallel axis theorem ___ . 1

A) directly between the axes 1 and 2.

B) between axes 1 and 3 and then
between the axes 3 and 2.
C) between axes 1 and 4 and then
axes 4 and 2.
D) None of the above.
 CONCEPT QUIZ (continued)

Axis
2. For the same case, consider A
the MoI about each of the 4
four axes. About which d3 C
• 3
axis will the MoI be the d2
2
smallest number? d1
1
A) Axis 1
B) Axis 2
C) Axis 3
D) Axis 4
E) Can not tell.
 GROUP PROBLEM SOLVING

Given: The shaded area as shown in the

figure.
Find: The moment of inertia for the area
about the x-axis and the radius of
gyration kX.
Plan: Follow the steps for analysis.

(a) (b) (c) Solution

1. The given area can be obtained by subtracting both the circle (b) and
triangle (c) from the rectangle (a).
2. The perpendicular distances of the centroids from the x-axis are: da
= 5 in , db = 4 in, and dc = 8 in.
 GROUP PROBLEM SOLVING (continued)
3. IXa = (1/12) 6 (10)3 + 6 (10)(5)2
= 2000 in 4

IXb = (1/4) π (2)4 + π (2)2 (4)2

= 213.6 in 4
IXc = (1 /36) (3) (6)3 +
(a) (b) (c)
(½) (3) (6) (8)2 = 594 in 4

IX = IXa – IXb – IXc = 1190 in 4

kX = √ ( IX / A )
A = 10 ( 6 ) – π (2)2 – (½) (3) (6) = 38.43 in 2
kX = √ (1192 / 38.43) = 5.57 in.
 Homework

• 10-33,10-36,10-39
MASS MOMENT OF INERTIA
(Moment of Inertia of a Body)
 CONCEPT OF THE MMI

T Consider a rigid body with a center of

mass at G. It is free to rotate about the z
G axis, which passes through G. Now, if
· we apply a torque T about the z axis to
the body, the body begins to rotate with
an angular acceleration α.

T and α are related by the equation T = I α . In this equation, I

is the mass moment of inertia (MMI) about the z axis.

The MMI of a body is a property that measures the resistance

of the body to angular acceleration. This is similar to the
role of mass in the equation F = m a. The MMI is often used
when analyzing rotational motion (done in dynamics).
 DEFINITION OF THE MMI
p Consider a rigid body and the
arbitrary axis p shown in the figure.
The MMI about the p axis is defined
as I = ∫m r2 dm, where r, the
“moment arm,” is the perpendicular
distance from the axis to the
arbitrary element dm.

The MMI is always a positive

quantity and has a unit of kg ·m2
or slug · ft2.
 RELATED CONCEPTS
Parallel-Axis Theorem:
Just as with the MoI for an area, the d p’
parallel-axis theorem can be used to
find the MMI about a parallel axis p’
that is a distance d from the axis G·
through the body’s center of mass G. m
The formula is Ip’ = IG + (m) (d)2
(where m is the mass of the body).

The radius of gyration is similarly defined as

k = √(I / m)

Finally, the MMI can be obtained by integration or by the

method for composite bodies. The latter method is easier
for many practical shapes.
 CONCEPT QUIZ
1. Consider a particle of mass 1 kg z
located at point P, whose coordinates
are given in meters. Determine the MMI ·P(3,4,6)
of that particle about the z axis.
A) 9 kg·m2 B) 16 kg·m2 y
C) 25 kg·m2 D) 36 kg·m2 x
2. Consider a rectangular frame made of four
slender bars with four axes (zP, zQ, zR and zS) P Q
perpendicular to the screen and passing • •
through the points P, Q, R, and S
S• •R
respectively. About which of the four axes
will the MMI of the frame be the largest?
A) zP B) zQ C) zR
D) zS E) Not possible to determine.
 GROUP PROBLEM SOLVING
R Given: The pendulum consists of a 24 lb
plate and a slender rod weighing
P 8 lb.
Find: The radius of gyration of
the pendulum about an axis
perpendicular to the screen and
passing through point O.
Plan: Determine the MMI of the pendulum using the method for
composite bodies. Then determine the radius of gyration
using the MMI and mass values (check units!!).

Solution
1. Separate the pendulum into a square plate (P) and a slender
rod (R).
 GROUP PROBLEM SOLVING
R 2. The center of mass of the plate
and rod are 3.5 ft and 0.5 ft from
P point O, respectively.

3. The MMI data on plates and slender rods are given in the Table.
Using those data and the parallel-axis theorem,
IP = (1/12) (24/32.2) (12 + 12) + (24/32.2) (3.5)2 = 9.254 slug·ft2
IR = (1/12) (8/32.2) (5)2 + (8/32.2) (0.5)2 = 0.5797 slug·ft2

4. IO = IP + IR = 9.254 + 0.5797 = 9.834 slug·ft2

5. Total mass (m) equals (24+8)/32.2 = 0.9938 slug

Radius of gyration k = √IO / m = 3.15 ft
 ATTENTION QUIZ
1. A particle of mass 2 kg is located 1 m z
down the y-axis. What are the MMI of
the particle about the x, y, and z axes, 1m
respectively? y
x •
A) (2, 0, 2) B) (0, 2, 2)
C) (0, 2, 2) D) (2, 2, 0)
2. Consider a rectangular frame made of four
slender bars and four axes (zP, zQ, zR and zS) P Q
perpendicular to the screen and passing • •
through points P, Q, R, and S, respectively.
S• •R
About which of the four axes will the
MMI of the frame be the lowest?
A) zP B) zQ C) zR
D) zS E) Not possible to determine.
 Homework

• 10-92, 10-101, 10-110