MEC 424 – APPLIED MECHANICS LAB 1

Dynamics – Physical pendulum (wooden pendulum )

1.0 Title :
Physical pendulum – wooden pendulum

2.0 List of Tables

2.1 Table of experiment data ................................ page 9

2.2 Table of dimension of compnent .................... page 10

3.0 List of Figures

3.1 Figure of forces act through center of mass … page 3

3.2 Figure of forces act through center of mass … page 4

3.3 Figure of Universal vibration system ……….. page 6

3.4 Figure of Wooden pendulum ………………. page 7

3.5 Figure of vee support ………………………… page 7

3.6 Figure of slinder bar ………………………….. page 7

3.7 Figure of Steel ruler ………………………….. page 7

3.8 Figure of protractor ………………………….. page 7

3.9 Figure of stopwatch …………………………. page 7

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Dynamics – Physical pendulum (wooden pendulum )

4.0 Introduction :
The Wooden pendulum serves as an example of inhomogeneous pendulum with a
complicated geometry . It used to show how the mass moment of inertia of an unknown body
could be determined by way of oscillation .

The length of a pendulum is the distance from the point of suspension to the center of gravity.
Chance observation of a swinging church lamp find that a pendulum made every swing in the
same time , independent of the size of the arc . This discovery have been used in measuring
time . The experiment showed that the longer the pendulum ,the longer is the time of its
swing.

4.1 Objective :

To determine the mass moment of inertia (at centre of gravity , I_gand at suspension

point Io ) by oscillation .
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Dynamics – Physical pendulum (wooden pendulum )

5.0 Theory :
A physical pendulum is simply a rigid object which freely about some pivot point . The
physical pendulum may be compared with a simple pendulum , which consists of a small
mass suspended by a (ideally massless) string . In this lab , the physical pendulum is a meter
stick with length L= 80 cm , and it pivots about a fixed point a distance r from the center of
mass . The period T of physical pendulum is given by :

Figure 1 : Forces act through center of mass

T =2 π √(I /mgr)

Where ,

I = moment of inertia about the pivot point

m = total mass

g = acceleration of gravity

In this experiment , we will use a physical pendulum to measure g, the acceleration of gravity.
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Dynamics – Physical pendulum (wooden pendulum )

Figure 2 : forces act through the center of mass

 Gravity acts through center of mass of the rigid body . Hence ,length of pendulum
used in equation is equal to linear distance between pivot and center of mass ‘h’
 The moment of inertia of the rigid body about point suspension is not equal to ‘mL 2’ .
As in the case of simple pendulum . The time period of compound pendulum ,
therefore , is given by ;
2π I
T = =2 π
ω √ mgh
 In case we know MI the rigid body , we can evaluate above expression of time period
for the physical pendulum . For illustration , consider a uniform rigid rod , pivoted
L
from a frame as shown in the figure . Clearly , center of the mass is at a distance ‘ ’
2
from the point of suspension .

This is the equation of harmonic oscillator , the solution is

mgr
θ ( t )=θ0 sin(ωt + ϕ) , ω=
√ I

And 𝜔 is related to the period , T by

2π
ω= which leads to equation 1
T

Although the total mass , m appears in the expression 1 for the period T , the moment of
inertia I is proportional to m . so the dependence on m cancels out and T is independent of the
mass , just as with a simple pendulum , T depends only on the distribution of mass within the
object , not on the total mass .
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Dynamics – Physical pendulum (wooden pendulum )

The moment if inertia , I about the pivot point is related to the moment of inertia about the
center of mass I cm by the parallel axis theorem , which states

I =I cm +mr 2

I cm can be computed from the definition of moment of inertia .

I = ∑ m i r i2
i

1
For a uniform bar of length L I cm= mL 2 . Assume that the moment of inertia about the
12
pivot point I r .

2 2 Ir 4 π2 2 4 π 2 I cm 2
T =4 π = ( I cm +mr )= ( +r )
mgr mgr gr m

To evaluate the required MI of the rod about the point of suspension , i.e “O” . Applying
parallel axes theorem ,

mL2 L 2 mL 2
I 0= + m( ) =
12 2 3

The important thing to note about this relation is that time period is still independent of mass
of the rigid body . However , time period is not independent of mass distribution of the rigid
body . A change in shape or size or change in mass distribution will change MI of the rigid
body about point of suspension .

Point of oscillation

We can think of a physical pendulum as if it were a simple pendulum . For this , we can
consider the mass of the rigid body to be concentrated at a single point as in the case of simple
pendulum such that time periods of two pendulums are same . Let this point be at a linear
distance “ L0” from the point of suspension . Here ,

The point defined by the vertical distance, "Lo “, from the point of suspension is called point
of oscillation of the physical pendulum. Clearly, point of oscillation will change if point of
suspension is changed.
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Dynamics – Physical pendulum (wooden pendulum )

6.0 Experimental Procedure :

Dynamics laboratory , faculty of mechanical engineering , UiTM Shah alam

6.1 Apparatus .

Universal vibration system apparatus , including :

a. Wooden pendulum
b. Vee Support
c. Slinder bar
d. Ruler
e. Stopwatch

Frame

Wooden pendulum

Figure 3 : Universal vibration system

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Dynamics – Physical pendulum (wooden pendulum )

Figure 4 : Wooden Pendulum Figure 5 : Vee support

Figure 6 : Slinder bar Figure 7 : Steel ruler

Figure 8 : Protractor Figure 9 : Stopwatch

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Dynamics – Physical pendulum (wooden pendulum )

6.2 procedure :

1. The suspension point was set which is vee support at point 1 and slinder bar at
point 2 .
2. The dimension of the wooden pendulum was measured for calculation
purpose .
3. Then, the wooden pendulum was hanged at point 1 which is at one end of the
vee support .
4. The wooden pendulum was displaced at 10° from it’s original position at right
side . The wooden pendulum should be in leaning position .
5. It then release to let it oscillate due to gravitational force .
6. The periodic time of 10 oscillation was recorded using stopwatch .
7. Repeat step 4-6 for 10° at left side .
8. Next , the point of oscillation was changed to point 2 which is it was hanged at
slinder bar .
9. Step 4-6 was repeated for both right and left side .
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Dynamics – Physical pendulum (wooden pendulum )

7.0 Results
point 1
Wooden pendulum dimension

Mass, m = 0.6 kg

Length, l = 80 cm

Width, w= 8 cm

Thickness, h = 1 cm Point 2

Suspension Release Time taken for 10 complete cycles according to Time average,
point angle,  () swing orientation t +t
tavg (s) = 1 2
Start from the left Start from the right 2
hand side, t1 (s) hand side, t2 (s)

IO,1 (using 10 13.81 14.0 13.905

vee bar)

IO,2 (using 10 14.19 14.0 14.095

cylinder
bar)

Table 1: Experimental data

1 period of oscillation = time taken, tavg

10
T1 = 13.905
10
= 1.3905 s

T2 = 14.095
10
= 1.4095 s

l
T =2 π
√ g

From the equation above, we know that the period of oscillation of the pendulum is
merely depending on the length of the pendulum and not the release angle.
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Dynamics – Physical pendulum (wooden pendulum )

For point 1, (1.3905)2 = (2 Л)2 ( L1 / 9.81 )

L1 = 0.480 m

For point 2, (1.4095)2 = (2 Л)2 ( L1 / 9.81 )

L2 = 0.4937 m

Component 1 Component 2 Component 3

As measured, below are the dimensions of those 4 components:

Component 1 Component 2 Component 3

Length(cm) 80.0 - 1.0

Diameter(cm) - 2.5 -

Height(cm) 1.0 1.0 45.0

Width(cm) 8.0 - 1.0

Volume(cm3) 640.0 4.9 45.0

Table 2 : Dimension of component

So, Total volume, VT = V1 – (V2 + V3 + V4)

= 640 – (4.91+ 45)

= 590.1 cm3

Given mass, m = 0.6 kg

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Dynamics – Physical pendulum (wooden pendulum )

Density of material (wooden pendulum),  = m / VT

= 0.6 kg / 590.1 × 10-6

= 1016.77 kg/m3

To obtain the mass for each component,

m1= ϼ×v m3=ϼ×v

= 1016.78 × (640×10-6) = 1016.78 × (45×10-6)

= 0.6507 kg = 0.0458 kg

m 2= ϼ × v

= 1016.78 × (4.9×10-6)

= 4.982 × 10-3 kg

X= 73 cm

rg, = X(L2 – X) / (L1 + L2 – 2X)

= 0.73 (0.4936 – 0.73) / (0.480 + 0.4936 - 1.46)

= -0.1726 / -0.4864

= 0.3548 m
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Dynamics – Physical pendulum (wooden pendulum )

To obtain I0

IO

At point 1,
T =2 π
√ mgr g

(T1)2 = (2 Л)2 ( I01 /m . g . r G )

(1.3905) 2 = (2 Л)2 ( I01 / 0.6 × 9.81 × 0.3548)

I01 = 0.1023 kg.m2

At point 2,

(T2)2 = (2 Л) 2 ( I02 / m . g . r G )

(1.4095) 2 = (2 Л)2 ( I02 / 0.6 × 9.81 × 0.3548)

I02 = 0.1051 kg.m2

To obtain IG, use this equation below :

L1 = (IG1 + mrG²) / mrG

Thus, IG = mrG (L – rG)

At point 1,

IG1 = mrG (L1 – rG)

= (0.6)(0.3548)(0.480 - 0.3548)

= 0.0266 kg.m2

At point 2,

IG2 = mrG (L2 – rG)

= (0.6)(0.3548)(0.4936 - 0.3548)

= 0.0295 kg.m2
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Dynamics – Physical pendulum (wooden pendulum )

Theoretical Result

Area (A1) = 73 cm × 8 cm Area (A2) = π r 2 Area (A3) = 45 cm × 1 cm

= 584 cm2 = 3.142(1.25)2 = 45cm2

= 4.909cm2

Total area, At = A1 – (A2 + A3)

= 534.091 cm2

Hanging at point 1

8cm

Y 73cm

*width = 1cm

∑ yA
Y=
∑A

= 36.5 (A1) – 15(A3).25(A2) - 50.

At

= 19037.36 / 534.091

= 35.644 cm
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Dynamics – Physical pendulum (wooden pendulum )

To obtain Io,

Moment of Inertia:

I0 = IG + md2

For component 1

I01 = 1/12 (mh12) + md12

= 1/12 (0.6507×0.82) + (0.6507×(0.365) 2)

= 0.1214 kg.m3

For component 2

I02 = 1/4 mr22) + md22

= 1/4 (4.982 × 10-3 ×0.01252) + (4.982 × 10-3 ×0.0125 2)

= 9.7305×10-7 kg.m3

For component 3

I03 = 1/12 mh32) + md32

= 1/12 (0.0458×0.452) + (0.0458×0.505 2 )

= 0.01245 kg.m3

So, we can find the Io,total,

Io,total = I01 + I02 + I03

= 0.1214 - 9.7305×10-7 - 0.01245

= 0.10895 kg.m2
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Dynamics – Physical pendulum (wooden pendulum )

Io,total = IG + md2

Thus, IG can be obtain by

IG = Io,total - md2

= 0.10895 – (0.6)(0.356442)

= 0.03272 kg.m2

Hanging at point 2

8cm

73cm

*width = 1cm

∑ yA
Y=
∑A

= 36.5 (A1) – 71.75(A2) – 22.5(A3)

At

= 19951.28 / 534.091

=37.356 cm
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Dynamics – Physical pendulum (wooden pendulum )

To obtain Io,

Moment of Inertia:

I0 = IG + md2

For component 1

I01 = 1/12 (mh12) + md12

= 1/12 (0.6507×0.82) + (0.6507×0.3652)

= 0.1214 kg.m3

For component 2

I02 = 1/4 (mr22) + md22

= 1/4 (4.982 × 10-3 ×0.01252) + (4.982 × 10-3 ×0.7175 2)

= 2.5649×10-3 kg.m3

For component 3

I03 = 1/12 (mh32) + md32

= 1/12 (0.0458×0.452) + (0.0458×0.2252)

= 3.0915 × 10-3 kg

So,

Io,total = I01 + I02 + I03

= 0.1214 - 2.5649×10-3 - 3.0915 × 10-3

= 0.1157 kg.m2

Io,total = IG + md2

Thus, IG can be obtain

IG = Io,total - md2

=0.1157 – (0.6)(0.37356)2

= 0.03202 kg.m2
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Dynamics – Physical pendulum (wooden pendulum )

Percentage Error

Experiment – Theory
× 100
Experiment

At point 1,

I01 = 0.1023 kg.m2 (experiment)

= 0.10895 kg.m3 (theory)

So,

Percentage error = 0.1023 – 0.10895 x 100%

0.1023

= -6.50%

IG1 = 0.0266 kg.m2 (experiment)

= 0.03272 kg.m2 (theory)

So,

Percentage error = 0.0266 – 0.03272 x 100%

0.0266

= -23%

At point 2:

I02 = 0.1051 kg.m2 (experiment)

= 0.1157 kg.m2 (theory)

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Dynamics – Physical pendulum (wooden pendulum )

So,

Percentage error = 0.1051 – 0.1157 x 100%

0.1051

= -10.08%

IG2 = 0.0295 kg.m2 (experiment)

= 0.03202 kg.m2 (theory)

So,

Percentage error = 0.0295 – 0.03202 x 100%

0.0295

= -8.542%
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Dynamics – Physical pendulum (wooden pendulum )

8.0 Discussions and conclusions :

8.1 Muhammad Arif bin Zakaria

2013301993

Discussion

Based on the experiment, we have got the result for experimental value moment of
inertia. For point 1, the experimental value for moment of inertia (Io) is 0.1023 kg.m2 and for
point 2, the experimental value for moment of inertia (Io) is 0.1051 kg.m2. This value totally
different with the theoretical value. The theoretical value for moment of inertia (Io) for point 1
is 0.10895 kg.m3 and for point 2, the theoretical value is 0.1157 kg.m 2. So, there is a
percentage error occur. After the calculation have been done, the percentage error for both
point 1 and 2 are -6.50% and -10.08% respectively.

Besides that, from the experiment we also may got the mass moment of inertia (I G).
For the experimental value, we got 0.0266 kg.m2 for point 1. For point 2 the experimental
value that we got is 0.0295 kg.m2. As usual the value is different from theoretical. For the
theoretical value for point 1 is 0.03272 kg.m 2 and for point 2, the theoretical value is 0.03202
kg.m2. So, the percentage error also happen for mass moment of inertia. The percentage
error for both point 1 and 2, -23% and -8.542% respectively.

Based on the result that we got, it shown that an error have occurs during the
experiment. The common error that occur is parallax error. This error may happen when we
trying to adjust the angle for the release angle. Besides that, random error also happen
during the experiment. For example the wind produced by fan will influenced the wooden
pendulum oscillation when it has been released. In addition, apparatus that has been use
during experiment also can affected the result since the wooden pendulum that had been
used is not in a good condition.

So the error may be reduce if the precautions step is taken. Therefore to prevent all
the error to occur, the position of eye must be perpendicular to the reading of the angle to
reduce parallax error. Then, make sure take several reading for each time taken to increase
the accuracy of the data. Last, the apparatus need to be set up carefully on the static table
so that all the apparatus will be in good condition during experiment.
 MEC 424 – APPLIED MECHANICS LAB 20
Dynamics – Physical pendulum (wooden pendulum )

8.1 Muhammad Arif bin Zakaria

2013301993

Conclusion

For conclusion, we have reached the objective of this experiment. Based on the result, we
can determine the mass moment of inertia at centre of gravity, IG and at suspension point, IO.
In our experiment results, we has obtain the value between of theoretical value and
experimental value which is totally different. This is because of some errors occurred during
experiment. To reduce the error of the experimental values, precaution steps should be
taken. For example, make sure the eye level observer is parallel with the reading scale while
taking the reading for the angle to reduce the parallax error. We also can put fixed protector
at the pendulum at the specific angle for example 10˚, 15˚, and 20˚. Other than that, we can
put magnifying glass at the scale at for proper reading. Lastly, we can put machine that will
automatically take a reading when the pendulum was released and take a reading when
finished 10 oscillation.
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Dynamics – Physical pendulum (wooden pendulum )

8.2 Muhammad Syahmi Dzulkafly

2013554217

Discussion

As we can see from the result, the experimental value for moment of inertia(Io) for
point 1 is 0.1023 kg.m2 and the theoretical value for point 1 is 0.10895 kg.m 3. For point 2, the
experimental value for moment of inertia (Io) is 0.1051 kg.m2 and for the theoretical value is
0.1157 kg.m2. The percentage error for both point 1 and 2 are -6.50% and -10.08%
respectively. The negative sign for both percentage error shows that both point 1 and 2 have
their experimental value are below the theoretical value.

For the mass moment of inertia (IG), the experimental value and the theoretical value
for point 1 are 0.0266 kg.m2 and 0.03272 kg.m2 respectively. Meanwhile, for point 2, the
experimental value and theoretical value are 0.0295 kg.m 2 and 0.03202 kg.m2 respectively.
The percentage errors are quite high for both point 1 and 2, -23% and -8.542% respectively.

All differences between experimental value and theoretical value happen because of
many factors (errors). Firstly, it might be parallax error during the experiment. It possibly
happens when trying to adjust the angle for the release angle. It can be also influenced by the
environment error which is the wind when the wooden pendulum is released. The other error
that might occur is random error which is happen during time taken for the 10 oscillation to
complete. Apparatus error also can be included since the wooden pendulum that had been
used is not in a good condition.

There are many precautions that can be taken to prevent all the error to occur. Firstly,
the position of eye must be perpendicular to the reading of the angle. Secondly, we can take
several reading for each time taken so that the accuracy of the data can be increased. We also
need to set up the apparatus carefully on the static table so that all the apparatus would not
vibrate while the wooden is oscillate.
 MEC 424 – APPLIED MECHANICS LAB 22
Dynamics – Physical pendulum (wooden pendulum )

8.2 Muhammad Syahmi Dzulkafly

2013554217

Conclusion

As conclusion, we have achieved the objective of this experiment that we can

determine the mass moment of inertia at centre of gravity, I G and at suspension point, IO. Even
though the results are quite different between experimental and theoretical value, we can
consider it still a succeed because we manage to find the moment of inertia at centre of
gravity and at suspension point.
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Dynamics – Physical pendulum (wooden pendulum )

8.3 Mujahidah binti Zaira Azlan

2013338805

Discussion

In this experiment , we suppose to determine the mass moment of inertia at centre of

gravity , I gand at a suspension point , I 0 by oscillation . From the experiment that we have
been made , the value of moment of inertia at suspension point for both point 1 and point 2
are I o 1=0.1023 kg . m 2 and I o 2=0.1051 kg . m 2 . On the other hand , it’s theoritical value for

both point 1 and point 2 are I 01=0.10895 kg . m2 and I o 2=0.1157 kg . m2 respectively.

For the mass moment of inertia at the centre if gravity , I G . The experimental value at point 1

is I G 1=0.0266 kg . m 2 while , for the theoretical value is I G 1=0.03272 kg . m 2 . Other than that ,

experimental value and theoritical value for point 2 are I G 2=0.0295 kg . m 2 and

I G 2=0.03202 kg . m 2 respectively .

The percentage error for moment of inertia at point 1 and point 2 are -6.50% and -10.08%.
Their expermental value are below the theoritical value since it have negative sign on it.
Meanwhile , the percentage error for mass moment of inertia at point 1 and point 2 are -23%
and -8.54 % respectively .
The cause of existance of such a large difference in value for both moment of inertia is
because of there are several error while conducting the experiment . one of the error is
because of parallax error , while adjusting the angle , the eye may not be perpendicular to the
protractor . To overcome this error , we have to make sure that eye is always perpendicular to
the measuring tools .
Other than that , the random error also occured when recording the time taken during
oscillation , the time that the perndulum done the 10 oscillation may not in the same time
while pressing the stopwatch . We have to be focus while recording the time taken to avoid
erros .
The apparatus also was not in vacuum condition , rhe wooden pendulum may be blown by air
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Dynamics – Physical pendulum (wooden pendulum )

at room temperature , this also can contribute to the experimental errors .

8.3 Mujahidah binti Zaira Azlan

2013338805

Conclusion

As a conclusion , the objective of this experiment , which is to determine the value of

mass moment of inertia and moment of inertia was achieved . Although it may have slight
differences in value from thoritical because of existing some error , it can be improvedd by
taking some precautions during the experiment .
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Dynamics – Physical pendulum (wooden pendulum )

8.4 Pricilla James

2013387099

Discussion

This experiment was done to determine the mass moment of inertia by oscillation. Firstly, we
used a vee bar for suspension point one, o1 with an angle of 10o and start a 10 oscillation
period of time for both left side and also the right side and obtained its average time of
13.905s. Then, we replaced it to a slender bar for suspension point two, o 2 and repeated the
same steps and obtained the average time for the 10 oscillations are 14.095s.

By using all the dimensions of the wooden pendulum and the formulae, the mass moment of
inertia at the suspension point IO1 obtained are 0.1023 kg m2 and IO2 are equal to 0.1051 kg m2.
While for the center of gravity, IG1 obtained are 0.0266 kg m2 while IG2 are 0.0295 kg m2.
Comparing our experimental data with the theoretical data, the percentage error shows that
the IO1 has a total of 6.50% error which is the lowest error achieved in this condition of
experiment but gets highest percentage error of IG1.

This such high percentage error occur because there are few errors happened during the
experiment was done. One of the reason are the wrong method during the dimension of the
wooden pendulum taken. Since we are only using a plastic ruler to measured its dimension
which include the circular part, our reading might not 100% accurate. Not only that, the time
of released and the time taken started might not be the same as there are two person in charge
of swinging the wooden pendulum and the other to take time of oscillation. Moreover, the
surrounding also might affect the swing of the pendulum. As the pendulum swing, a several
attempt has been done to get an almost-perfect-straight swing instead of a rounded-shape
swing. Lastly, a parallax error might also occur during the dimension recording which
indirectly affected the calculation. Hence, it might can be done in a totally closed system to
get the accurate results without disturbance.
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Dynamics – Physical pendulum (wooden pendulum )

8.4 Pricilla James

2013387099

Conclusion

As a conclusion, it has been proved that the mass moment of inertia of an unknown body can
be determined through this experiment. Unfortunately due to certain errors had occur, the
experimental values cannot achieved its theoretical values completely. Hence, in order to
obtained a better results, it is suggested that this experiment is done in a closed or vacuum
space and measurements are taken in a correct method.

 
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Dynamics – Physical pendulum (wooden pendulum )

9.0 Abstract

The experiment is about study of physical pendulum. The experiment was performed by way
of oscillation ,the result obtain was to determined the mass moment of inertia of the body. In
this experiment, the result shows there’s a differences between side of oscillation . The
pendulum that we study is a wooden pendulum .
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Dynamics – Physical pendulum (wooden pendulum )

10.0 References :

1. http://encyclopedia2.thefreedictionary.com/physical+pendulum

2. R.C.Hibbler “Engineering Mechanics Dynamics” 12th edition, Pearson, United States ,

2010