UNIT –III

Objective:

To understand the basic concepts of centroid, center of gravity and moment of inertia and apply to simple
examples of plane figures and bodies.
Syllabus:

Centroid & Centre of gravity: Definition of centroid and centre of gravity – Mathematical expressions for
centroid and centre of gravity, use of symmetrical axis. Centroids of standard figures (from first principles) like
Triangle, Sector of a circle, Semi circle, Quadrant of a circle, Quadrant of an ellipse - Centroid of composite
figures.
Centre of gravity of standard bodies (from first principles) like Cone and Hemisphere – Centre of gravity of
composite bodies - Pappu’s and Guldinus theorems.
Area Moment of Inertia
Definition of Moment of inertia, Mathematical expression for Moment of Inertia - Polar moment of inertia –
Transfer or Parallel axis theorem – Moment of inertia of standard figures (from first principles) like rectangle,
triangle, circle, semi circle –Moment of inertia of composite figures – Radius of gyration.

Learning Outcomes:

Student will be able to

• Distinguish between centroid and center of gravity
• Obtain the mathematical expressions for centroid and center of gravity of areas and bodies
• Derive from first principles, the centroid and center of gravity of standard figures and bodies
respectively
• Calculate centroids of composite figures
• Understand the concepts of pappus and guldinus theorems
• Obtain the mathematical expressions for area moment of inertia about x and y axis
• Explain the parallel axis theorem and perpendicular axis theorem
• Derive expressions for moment of inertia of standard figures
• Calculate the moment of inertia of composite figures about both x and y axis passing through its
centroid
Centroid and Center of gravity:
Centroid, center of gravity and moment of inertia are the important properties of areas or bodies which are
necessary for analysis of any engineering problems. When the shape of the body is responsible for its behavior,
these parameters are important for engineering application, analysis and design.
Ex: C.G of a boat, to determine the eccentricity, design of beams, girders etc. S
When the line of tensile force in string (S) and the line of weight of body
passing through the C.G point of the body is in collinear then system is in
equilibrium.
C.G
Centroid of an irregular plane figure:
W
Let δA1, δA2, δA3….. are the element areas x1, x2, x3….. are the
distances of elements from y axis and y1, y2, y3….. are the
distances from x – axis.
δA1 + δA2 + δA3….. = ∑𝑛
𝑖=1 δAi = A.
Using integral principle, Total Area ‘A’
𝑛
A = ∫𝑖=1 𝑑𝐴𝑖
x3 δA3
Taking moments of all element areas about x-axis, x2
δA2 G
δA1.y1 + δA2.y2 + δA3.y3….. = ∑𝑛
𝑖=1 δAi . yi
x̄
x1 y3
Using integral principle, δA1
𝑛
A. ȳ = ∫𝑖=1 yi . δAi (but A =∫ 𝑑𝐴) ȳ

∫ y dA y1
ȳ = …. (1) y2
∫ dA

∫ x dA
Similarly x̄ = …. (2)
∫ dA

Centroid is a point in a plane area such that the moment of area about any axis passing through that point is
zero. Centroid is a point at which the total area of the figure is assumed to be concentrated and is represented
by a letter ‘G’ or ‘C’.
Centroid of irregular shaped lines:
Total length = L = ∫ 𝑑𝐿 x1 δL1

Ʃ moments of individual element lengths about x axis = ∫ 𝑦 𝑑𝐿 x2 δL2

Ʃ moments of individual element lengths about y axis = ∫ 𝑥 𝑑𝐿 x3 δL3
G
x̄
 L. ȳ = ∫ 𝑦 𝑑𝐿  L. x̄ = ∫ 𝑥 𝑑𝐿
∫ 𝑦 𝑑𝐿 ∫ 𝑦 𝑑𝐿 ∫ 𝑥 𝑑𝐿 ∫ 𝑥 𝑑𝐿
y1 y2 y3 ȳ
ȳ = = x̄ = =
𝐿 ∫ 𝑑𝐿 𝐿 ∫ 𝑑𝐿
Centre of gravity: It is defined as a point through which the resultant force of gravity or weight of the body
appears to be concentrated for any position of the body.
Element weight = δW1 = ρ δV1
δW2 = ρ δV2
δW3 = ρ δV3 x3 δW3
Total weight W = ∫ dW = ρ ∫ dV x2 δW2
Sum of moments of all element weights about x axis
δW1
x1 y3
= Ʃ dWi .yi
G
x̄
In integral terms, W ȳ = ∫ yi dWi
y2
ȳ ρ ∫ dV = ρ ∫ yi dV W ȳ
y1
∫ y dV
ȳ =
∫ dV

Use of axes of symmetry while calculating centroids:

y y
y

G G1
- x̄ + x̄ G
x x
x G
x
Semi Circle x̄ = 0
ȳ=0 ȳ=0
G lies on x - axis y

Semi Circle y

a y a b y b
2 2 2 2
a x x
d G
2 2
x x x x x̄ = 0
G a G ȳ=0
d
2 2

y x̄ = 0 y x̄ = 0 y
ȳ=0 ȳ=0
Centroid of a triangle whose base width is ‘b’ and altitude height ‘h’:
∫ y dA
ȳ=
∫ dA
𝑥 ℎ−𝑦
=
𝑏 ℎ
A
b
 x = h (h – y)
b
dA = x. dy = h (h – y)dy h-y

ℎ
b 𝑏 𝑦2 ℎ h
A = ∫ 𝑑𝐴 = ∫ (h – y)dy = [ℎ𝑦 − ] dy
h ℎ 2 0
0 x
b 2 h2 𝑏ℎ 𝑏ℎ y
A = [ h − ] = bh – =
h 2 2 2

𝑏
ℎ
𝑏
ℎ
B C
∫ 𝑦 𝑑𝐴 = ∫ (ℎ − 𝑦)𝑦. 𝑑𝑦 = ∫(ℎ𝑦 − 𝑦 2 ) 𝑑𝑦 b
ℎ ℎ
0 0

𝑏 ℎ𝑦2 𝑦3 ℎ 𝑏 ℎ3 ℎ3 𝑏ℎ2
= [
ℎ 2
− 3
] = [ − ]=
ℎ 2 3 6
0
∫ y dA 𝑏ℎ2 ℎ 2
ȳ= = 𝑏ℎ = from base or 3 ℎ from top.
∫ dA 6× 2 3

Centroid of area of a circular sector:

x – x is axis of symmetry y 2
x = 3 r cos θ
ȳ = 0
Let an element sector is considered as shown r dθ

1 𝑟2 dθ
dA = 𝑟. 𝑟 𝑑𝜃 = 𝑑𝜃 α
2 2 θ x
+𝛼 α
𝑟2
𝐴 = ∫ 𝑑𝐴 = ∫ 𝑑𝜃
2
−𝛼
r
𝑟2
A= [α – (-α)] = r2 α
2

∫ x dA
x̄ =
∫ dA

2𝑟 𝑟2 𝑟 3 +𝛼 𝑟3
∫ 𝑥 𝑑𝐴 = ∫ 𝑐𝑜𝑠𝜃 . . 𝑑𝜃 = ∫ cos 𝜃 𝑑𝜃 = [2 sin 𝛼]
3 2 3 −𝛼 3
∫ x dA 𝑟3 2 sin 𝛼 2 𝑟 sin 𝛼
∴ x̄ = = 2
=
∫ dA 3 𝑟 𝛼 3 𝛼
In case of semi circle, α = 900
2 𝑟 sin 𝛼 2 1
x̄ = = 𝑟 𝜋
3 𝛼 3
2
4r y
x̄ = 3π = 0.424 r

Centroid of quadrant of a circle: ds

2
1 𝑟
𝑑𝐴 = 𝑟. 𝑟 𝑑𝜃 = . 𝑑𝜃
2 2
𝜋 G
2 𝜋 r
𝑟2 𝑟2 𝜋 𝑟2 𝜋 𝑟2
𝐴 = ∫ 𝑑𝐴 = ∫ . 𝑑𝜃 = [ ]
𝜃 =2 = dθ
2 2 2 ×2 4
0 0
𝜋 𝜋
2 𝜋 2 θ
2 𝑟2 𝑟3 𝑟3 𝑟3 x
∫ 𝑥. 𝑑𝐴 = ∫ 𝑟. cos 𝜃 . . 𝑑𝜃 = ∫ cos 𝜃 𝑑𝜃 = [𝑠𝑖𝑛 𝜃 ] 2 =
3 2 3 3 3 2
x = 3 r cos
0 0 0
∫ x dA 𝑟3 1 𝟒 𝒓 θ
∴ x̄ = = 2 =
∫ dA 3 𝜋𝑟 𝟑 𝝅
4
Centroid of a parabolic spandrel:
y
2
Equation of parabola y = kx
Area of element dA = y dx = kx2 dx y = k x2
𝑎 𝑥3 𝑎 𝑘𝑎3
Total area A =∫0 𝑘𝑥 2 𝑑𝑥 = 𝑘 [ ] =
3 0 3 h
Moment of dA about y – axis y G
𝑎
𝑥4 𝑎 𝑘 𝑎4 O x
= ∫ 𝑥 𝑑𝐴 = ∫ 𝑘 𝑥 3 𝑑𝑥 = 𝑘 [ ] =
4 0 4 x
0
dx
a
Moment of dA about x – axis
𝑎 𝑎
𝑦 𝑘 𝑥2 𝑘2𝑥 4 𝑘2 𝑥 5 𝑎 𝑘 2 𝑎5
∫ 𝑑𝐴 = ∫ ( ) 𝑘 𝑥 2 𝑑𝑥 = ∫ ( ) 𝑑𝑥 = [ ] =
2 2 2 2 5 0 10
0 0

∫ x dA 𝑘 𝑎4 3
x̄ = = 3 = 𝑎
∫ dA 𝑘𝑎 4
4 ×
3
∫ y dA 𝑘2 𝑎5 3
ȳ= = = 𝑘 𝑎2
∫ dA 𝑘 𝑎3 10
10 ×
3
At x = a, y = h in the equation y = k x2
ℎ 3 ℎ
 h = k a2 ;k = ; ȳ= . . 𝑎2
𝑎2 10 𝑎2
 3 3
ȳ = .ℎ ; x̄ = 𝑎
10 4

Centroid of the arc of a quadrant of a circle: y

Take an element length dL, dL = r dθ
x = r cos θ r dθ

∫ 𝑥 𝑑𝐿
x̄ =
∫ 𝑑𝐿 G
𝜋
x̄
2
𝜋 𝜋𝑟 dθ
∫ 𝑑𝐿 = ∫ 𝑟 𝑑𝜃 = 𝑟. =
2 2 ȳ
0
𝜋 𝜋 θ
2 2
𝜋 x
∫ 𝑥 𝑑𝐿 = ∫ 𝑟 cos 𝜃 . 𝑟 𝑑𝜃 = 𝑟 ∫ cos 𝜃 𝑑𝜃 = 𝑟 [sin 𝜃] 2 = 𝑟 2
2 2
x = r cos θ
0 0 0 r
∫ 𝑥 𝑑𝐿 𝑟2 2𝑟
x̄ = = 𝜋𝑟 =
∫ 𝑑𝐿 𝜋
2
Centroids of composite areas:
Divide the figure into known standard figures and apply the same principle. Sum of moments of individual
areas about an axis is equal to the sum of the areas of the figure multiplied by its centroidal distance from that
axis.
(1) G1
(A1 + A2) ȳ = A1 y1 + A2 y2 ȳ
G
𝐴1 𝑦1 + 𝐴2 𝑦2
ȳ=
𝐴1 + 𝐴2 G2
(2)

Ex: Locate the centroid of T – section shown in figure. (Units are in mm) y

Sol: Since there is symmetry about y axis, x̄ = 0 100

A B
To calculate ȳ from top, taking moments about AB, (1) G1 20
𝐴1 𝑦1 + 𝐴2 𝑦2
ȳ= 20
𝐴1 + 𝐴2
G
(100 × 20)10 + (100 × 20)(20 + 50) 100
ȳ=
(100 × 20) + (100 × 20)
G2
20000 + 140000 160
ȳ= = = 40 𝑚𝑚 (2)
4000 4
 ȳ = 40 mm from the top.
y
Ex: Locate the centroid of the following figure.
Sol: A1 = 100 × 20 = 2000
A2 = 100 × 20 = 2000
y
A3 = 150 × 30 = 4500
50 50
y1 = 140, y2 = 80, y3 = 15
20 (1) G1
Since there is symmetry about y axis, x̄ = 0
Taking moments about the base 20
𝐴1 𝑦1 + 𝐴2 𝑦2 + 𝐴3 𝑦3
ȳ= 100
𝐴1 + 𝐴2 + 𝐴3
G2
(2000 × 140) + (2000 × 80) + (4500 × 15) (2)
ȳ=
2000 + 2000 + 4500 G
2800 + 1600 + 675 5075 ȳ
ȳ= = = 59.71 𝑚𝑚
85 85 30 (3) G3
 x̄ = 0 x
75 75
ȳ = 59.71 mm from x – axis. y
𝑥2 𝑦2
Ex: Determine the centroid of quadrant of ellipse + =1
𝑎2 𝑏2
Sol: Area of element dA = x. dy
𝑥2 𝑦2 y
+ =1
𝑎2 𝑏2
2
𝑏2 − 𝑦 2
2
𝑎 2
𝑥 = 𝑎 [ ] 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑥 = √𝑏 − 𝑎2
𝑏2 𝑏
Let x = a cos θ, y = b sin θ b dy
dy = b cos θ dθ x
y
When y = 0, θ = 0
θ x
When y = b, θ = 900
a
To determine ȳ,
∫ y dA
ȳ=
∫ dA
𝜋
𝑏 2
𝑎 𝑎
∫ 𝑑𝐴 = ∫ √𝑏2 − 𝑦 2 𝑑𝑦 = ∫ (√𝑏2 − 𝑏2 𝑠𝑖𝑛2 𝜃) 𝑏 cos 𝜃 𝑑𝜃
𝑏 𝑏
0 0
𝜋 𝜋 𝜋
2 2 2
𝑎𝑏 𝑎𝑏2 1 𝜋 𝝅𝒂𝒃
=∫ (√1 − 𝑠𝑖𝑛2 𝜃) 𝑏 cos 𝜃 𝑑𝜃 = ∫ cos 2 𝜃 𝑑𝜃 = 𝑎𝑏 ∫ cos 2 𝜃 𝑑𝜃 = 𝑎𝑏 . . =
𝑏 𝑏 2 2 𝟒
0 0 0
 𝜋
2
𝑎
∫ 𝑦 𝑑𝐴 = ∫ 𝑏 sin 𝜃 (√𝑏2 − 𝑏2 𝑠𝑖𝑛2 𝜃) 𝑏 cos 𝜃 𝑑𝜃
𝑏
0
𝜋
2
2
𝑐𝑜𝑠 3 𝜃 𝜋 2 2
= ∫ 𝑎𝑏 sin 𝜃 𝑐𝑜𝑠 𝜃 𝑑𝜃 = [ 𝑎𝑏 . ]2
3
0 0
𝑎𝑏2
∫ 𝑦 𝑑𝐴 =
3
∫ y dA 𝑎𝑏2 4b 4a
ȳ = = 𝜋𝑎𝑏 = Similarly x̄ =
∫ dA 3 × 3π 3π
4

Ex: Find the C.G of a right circular cone of base radius ‘r’ and altitude height ‘h’.
Sol: dV = π x2. Dy
𝑥 𝑦 y
=
𝑟 ℎ
𝑟 𝜋𝑟 2.𝑦 2
∴ 𝑥 = ℎ.𝑦 ∴ 𝑑𝑉 = 𝑑𝑦 h
ℎ2
ℎ
𝜋𝑟 2 2 dy
∫ 𝑑𝑉 = ∫ . 𝑦 𝑑𝑦
ℎ2
0
x h-y
𝜋𝑟 𝑦 2 3 ℎ 𝜋𝑟 ℎ 12 3
∴ 𝑉 = ∫ 𝑑𝑉 = .[ ] = = 𝜋 𝑟2ℎ
ℎ2 3 3ℎ 2 3
0
∫ y dV
ȳ =
∫ dV
ℎ ℎ r r
𝜋𝑟 2 𝜋𝑟 2 𝜋𝑟 2 𝑦 4 ℎ 1
∫ 𝑦 𝑑𝑉 = ∫ 𝑦. 2 . 𝑦 2 𝑑𝑦 = ∫ 2 . 𝑦 3 𝑑𝑦 = 2 . [ ] = 𝜋 𝑟 2 ℎ2
ℎ ℎ ℎ 4 4
0 0 0
∫ y dA 𝜋 𝑟 2ℎ 2 3 1
∴ȳ= = 1 = h from top 𝑜𝑟 ȳ = ℎ 𝑓𝑟𝑜𝑚 𝑏𝑜𝑡𝑡𝑜𝑚.
∫ dA 4× 𝜋
3
𝑟 2ℎ 4 4 y
x
Ex: Determine the centroid of a hemi sphere whose radius is ‘r’.
Sol: take an element strip of thickness ‘dy’ and radius ‘x’ at a
distance ‘y’ from x – axis.
Volume of strip dV = π x2 .dy
x
2 2 2
x +y =r
r r
x2 = r2 – y2
dV = π (r2 – y2) dy
𝑟
2
𝑦3 𝑟2) 2
∫ 𝑑𝑉 = ∫ π ( r – y dy = 𝜋 [ 𝑟 𝑦 − ]
3 0
0
 𝑟3 2
𝑉 = ∫ 𝑑𝑉 = 𝜋 [ 𝑟 3 − ]= 𝜋 𝑟3
3 3
x
𝑟 𝑟

∫ 𝑦 𝑑𝑉 = ∫ π ( r 2 – y 2 )y dy = π ∫( r 2 y– y 3 )dy
dy
0 0

𝑟2𝑦 2 𝑦 4 𝑟 𝑟4 𝑟4 𝜋𝑟 4 r y
∫ 𝑦 𝑑𝑉 = 𝜋 [ − ] = 𝜋 [ − ]=
2 4 0 2 4 4

∫ y dV 𝜋 𝑟4 3 r r
∴ȳ= = = r from base
∫ dV 2 8
4 × 3 𝜋 𝑟3

Ex: Locate the centroid C of the shaded area obtained by cutting a semi circle of dia ‘a’ from the quadrant of a
circle of radius ‘a’ as shown. y

Sol: Let A1 – area of quadrant of circle & A2 – area of semi circle

𝐴1 𝑥1 − 𝐴2 𝑥2 𝐴1 𝑦1 − 𝐴2 𝑦2
x̄ = 𝑎𝑛𝑑 ȳ=
𝐴1 − 𝐴2 𝐴1 − 𝐴2
𝜋𝑎2 𝜋𝑎2
𝐴1 = ; 𝐴2 =
4 8 a
2
𝜋𝑎
𝐴1 − 𝐴2 =
8 a
4𝑎 𝑎 4𝑎 2𝑎 2
𝑥1 = ; 𝑥2 = 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑦1 = ; 𝑦2 =
3𝜋 2 3𝜋 3𝜋
𝜋𝑎2 4𝑎 𝜋𝑎2 𝑎
. − .
x
4 3𝜋 8 2 8𝑎 𝑎
x̄ = 𝜋𝑎2
= 3𝜋 − 2 = 0.349 𝑎 a
8 y
𝜋𝑎2 4𝑎 𝜋𝑎2 2𝑎
. − . 8𝑎 2𝑎 150
ȳ = 4 3𝜋 2 8 3𝜋 = − = 0.636 𝑎
𝜋𝑎 3𝜋 3𝜋 (1) 20
8
Ex: find the centroid of Z – section shown.(All units are in mm)
Sol: A1 = 150 × 20 = 3000 A2 = 460 × 20 = 9200
A3 = 300 × 20 = 6000
x1 = 75 – 20 = 55 y1 = 490 460
(2)
x2 = 10 y2 = 250
x3 = 150 y3 = 10
−(3000 × 55) + (9200 × 10) + (6000 × 150)
∴ x̄ = 20
3000 + 9200 + 6000
827000
x̄ = = 45.44 𝑚𝑚 (3) 20
18200 x
O
300
(3000 ×490)+ (9200 ×250)+ (6000 ×10) 3830000
∴ȳ= ; ȳ= = 210.44 𝑚𝑚
3000+9200+6000 18200
 y
Theorems of pappus and guldinus:
L
These theorems are useful to determine the surface area or the dL
B
volume generated by revolving respectively a plane curve or a plane
A
area about a non intersecting axis lying in its plane. y
First theorem: It states that the surface area is the product of the
x
length of the generating curve multiplied by the distance travelled O
by its centroid.
Let AB – curve of length L
Let this curves is resolved about ox through an angle 2π rad.
The differential length dL sweeps through the distance 2πy thereby generating a hoop whose surface area is
2πy dL.
Thus total area of all such loops

𝐴 = ∫ 2 𝜋 𝑦 𝑑𝐿 = 2 𝜋 ∫ 𝑦 𝑑𝐿 = 2 𝜋 ȳ L

∫ y dL ∫ y dL
But ȳ = =
∫ dL L

∴ ∫ 𝑦 𝑑𝐿 = ȳ . L

Where L – length of the curve and

2 π ȳ - distance travelled by centroid of the curve
Second theorem: It states that the volume is the product of the figure multiplied by the length of the path
described by the centroid of the area.
Let A – total area to be rotated about x-x axis through an angle 2π radians
The differential area dA sweeps through the distance 2 π y and generates
a ring whose volume is 2 π y dA.
∫ y dA ∫ y dA
But ȳ = = , ∫ 𝑦 𝑑𝐴 = ȳ . A
∫ dA A

Total volume generated =

∫ 2π y dA = 2π ∫ y dA = 2𝜋 𝐴 ȳ = A 2πȳ

Where A - area of figure

2π ȳ - distance travelled by the centroid of area ’A’
Ex.: Using pappus and Guldinus Theorem , determine the volume of right circular cone the volume generated
by rotating the triangle about x-x axis with 2π radians. y

Sol: Volume = Area x distance travelled by C.G for 2 π

hxr 2 r
V = x
2 3
r
 r 2h G
V = ȳ =r/3
3 x
h
Ex.: Determine the surface area of right circular cone generated
by rotating a line about y- axis.
1 x
sin 300 = =
Sol: 2 7.5

x = y = 7.5sin300 = 3.75 15 cm
0
30 G
Surface Area = 2π ȳ. L x
= 2 x15x3.75 = 353.475 cm2

Ex.: Semicircle is rotated about its diameter to generate a sphere .Calculate the volume of sphere

 r2 4r 4r
; y = 3 ; Angle of revolution =2π
y=
Sol: A= 3
2
 r2 4r 4 r 3
V = x 2 x =
2 3 3
r

MOMENT OF INERTIA:
Introduction:
In earlier units it is already discussed that the moment of a force (P) about a point, is the product of the force
and perpendicular distance (x) between the point and the line of action of the force (i.e. P.x).This moment is
also called first moment of force. If this moment is again multiplied by the perpendicular distance (x) between
the point and the line of action of the force i.e. P.x (x) = Px2, then this quantity is called moment of the moment
of a force or second moment of force or moment of inertia (briefly written as M.I.). Sometimes, instead of force,
area or mass of a figure or body is taken into consideration. Then the second moment is known as second
moment of area or second moment of mass. But all such second moments are broadly termed as moment of
inertia. In this chapter, the moment of inertia of plane areas are only discussed.
M.I for the plane areas:
Inertia: The property of the matter by virtue of which it resists any change in its state of rest or uniform motion
is called as inertia
Transilatory motion is identified as mass.
Rotational inertia is termed as moment of inertia.
Moment of inertia of any area about any axis is defined as the second moment of area about that axis it’s
denoted by I.
Let dA be the area of any element situated at a distance of x and y from the axis as shown.
Moment of inertia of A with respect to x and y axis

I xx =  y 2dA
y A
I yy =  x dA
2

x
Where I xx Moment of inertia of A with respect to x axis dA

I yy Moment of inertia of A with respect to y axis

r
But r = x + y
2 2 2
y
Integrating and multiplying with dA x
 r dA =  x dA +  y dA
2 2 2

I zz = I xx + I yy Polar moment of inertia

It is also known as perpendicular axis theorem. Thus, the perpendicular axis theorem states that the moment of
inertia of an area with respect to an axis perpendicular to x-y plane and passing through origin will be equal to
the sum of moments of inertia of same area about x-x and y-y axis. It is termed as the polar moment of inertia.
Moment of inertia of a rectangular section:
Consider a rectangular section ABCD as shown in Fig.01. whose moment of inertia is required to be found out.
Let b = Width of the section and
d = Depth of the section. d dy
+
Now consider a elemental strip of thickness dy parallel 2
y
x x
to X-X axis and located at a distance y from reference d
axis x-x as shown in the figure d
−
∴ Area of the strip = b.dy 2
We know that moment of inertia of the strip about X-X axis,
= Area × y2 = (b. dy) y2 = b. y2. dy b
Now *moment of inertia of the whole section may be found out by integrating the above equation for the whole
d d
length of the lamina i.e. from – − to + ,
2 2
d d d
+ + +
2 2 2
I xx =  y 2dA =  y dA =  b. y .dy = b  y .dy
2 2 2

d d d
− − −
2 2 2

d
+
 y 2  ( d 2 )3 ( − d 2 )3  bd 3
= b  = b − =
 3 − d 
 3 3  12
2

bd 3
 I xx =
12
db3 bd 3 db3
Similarly  I yy =  I zz = I xx + I yy = +
12 12 12
Parallel axis theorem:
Moment of inertia of plane area with respect any axis in its plane ‘S’ equals to moment of inertia with respect to
a parallel centroidal axis plus the product of total area and the square of distance between these two parallel
axes Y
y Total area ‘A’

2 x
I XX = I xx + Ay
G x
2
IYY = I yy + Ax

y
X
Moment of inertia of rectangular lamina about axis A-B
bd 3 d
I xx = ; y= ; A=bd
12 2
2
2 bd 3 d 
I AB = I xx + Ay I AB = + A  b
12 2
2
bd 3 d  bd 3 bd 3 bd 3 bd 3
= + bd   = + = (1 + 3) = d/2
12 2 12 4 12 3
x x
G
Moment of inertia of a triangular section: d/2

I AB =  y 2dA B
A
dA = xdy
By the property of similar triangular, we have
 x h− y h− y
= = x = b 
b h  h 
h− y
Area of elemental strip dA = xdy = b   dy h-y
 h 
From the basic principle of M.I
h dy
h− y b
=  y b  dy =  ( hy − y ) dy
2 2 3
I AB x
 h  h x x
G y
Integrate with respect to 0 to h
h h A B
b b  hy 3 y 4  b  h4 h4 
I AB =  ( hy 2 − y 3 ) dy =  −  =  −  b
h0 h 3 4 0 h  3 4 

bh 3
 I AB =
12
Applying the parallel axis theorem
2 h bh
I AB = I xx + Ay y= ; A=
3 2
2
bh 3 bh  h 
= I xx +  
12 2  3
2
bh 3 bh  h  bh 3 bh 3 bh 3
I xx = −   ; I xx = −  I xx =
12 2  3 12 18 36
Moment of Inertia of Circle:
Consider elemental thin circular ring of width dr and radius r as shown in figure.

Area of ring dA = 2 rdr

From the basic principles polar M.I I zz =  r 2dA y

I zz =  r 2 2 rdr dr

r
I zz = 2  r dr 3
x x

Integrate from 0 to R
R R
I zz = 2  r dr , I zz
3  r4  R4
= 2   = 2
0  4 0 4 R y R

 R4 D
 I zz =
2
Since circle is symmetric about x-x and y-y axis, we have
I xx = I yy

By perpendicular axis theorem, we have

I zz = I xx + I yy = 2 I xx I zz I zz
;  I xx = and I yy =
2 2

I zz  R 4  D 4
 I xx = I yy = = =
2 4 64
M.I of semicircle about diameter:
Axis of base coincide with centroidal axis of a circle
I xx  R 4
 I AB = =
2 8 y
C
Similarly I yy  R4
 I OC = =
2 8
2
By parallel axis theorem I AB = I xx + Ay G ȳ
 R4 4r  R2 A O B
Here I AB = ; y= ; A= R R
8 3 2 y
2
2  R4
 4r   R
2
I xx = I AB − Ay = − 
8  3  2

I xx = 0.11R 4 [ M.I about parallel centroidal axis to diameteral axis ]

Y
M.I of quarter circle about its base: y
I AB is about an axis of a circle C

 R4 1  R4  R4
I AB = * = Similarly I AC = R G
4 4 16 16 x x
2
By parallel axis theorem I AB = I xx + Ay A y B
X

R
 R4  R2 4r
Here I AB = ;A= ; y=
16 4 3
2
I xx = I AB − Ay
2  R4
 R2  4R 
= −  
16 4  3 

    4 2 
= R  −    = 0.055R
4 4

16 4  3  
M.I of composite Sections:
Beams and columns having composie sections are commonly used as structural elements. A composites area
consists of connected similar parts or shapes, such as rectangular, triangle, circle, semicircle and quarter circles.
By knowing the M.I of the each section, the M.I of composite area is calculated. The moment of inertia of the
composite area about an axis equals the algebraic sum of the moments of inertia of all its parts about same axis.
Procedure of M.I of composite section:
• Divide the given composite section into number of simple standard areas such as triangle, circle, semicircle
and quarter circles
• Determine the moment of inertia of each part about its centroidal axis
• Calculate moment of inertia of each part about given axis, then algebraic sum of moment of inertia of each
part about given axis gives M.I of composite section about that axis.
• If composite section consists may removed areas, then the moment of inertia of removed area should be
subtracted from the M.I of composite section.
Ex: Find the M.I of following T-Section about centroidal horizontal and vertical axes

150
150
1 10
1 10

x x
10 140
10 140
2
2

Sol: Centroid of composite section

x = 0 because section is symmetric about y-axis

a1 y1 + a2 y2
y=
a1 + a2

a1 = 150 x10 ; y1 = 145

a2 = 140 x10 ; y2 = 70

y=
(150  10  145) + (140  10  70 )
(150  10 + 140  10)
y = 108.79mm
For Area: 1
bd 3
Moment of inertia of area -01 about its own centroidal axis is = I1 =
12
Moment of inertia of area-01 about centraoidal axis of composite section,

( )
2
By uing parallel axis theorem By parallel axis theorem : I x1 = I1 + A1 y − y1

150  103
+ (150  10 ) (108.79 − 145)
2
I x1 =
12
For Area-02:
bd 3
Moment of inertia of area -01 about its own centroidal axis is = I 2 =
12
Moment of inertia of area-01 about centraoidal axis of composite section,

( )
2
By uing parallel axis theorem by parallel axis theorem : I x 2 = I 2 + A2 y − y2

10 x1403
+ (140 x10 ) (108.79 − 70 )
2
I x2 =
12

Moment of inertia about x-x axis: I xx = I x1 + I x 2

 150  103 2  10  1403 2
I xx =  + (150  10 ) (108.79 − 145)  +  + (140  10 ) (108.79 − 70 ) 
 12   12 

I xx = (12500 + 1921386.15) + ( 2286666.66 + 2106529.74 )

I xx = (12500 + 1921386.15) + ( 2286666.66 + 2106529.74 )

I xx = 6327082.55mm 4

Similarly M.I of composite section about centroidal y-y axis: I yy = I y1 + I y 2

10 x1503 10 x1503 140 x103 140 x103

I y1 = +0= ; I y2 = +0=
12 12 12 12
10 x1503 140 x103
I yy = +
12 12
I yy = 2812500 + 11666.66

I yy = 2824166.667mm 4
Ex: Find the M.I of following I-Section about centroidal horizontal and vertical axes. All dimension are in
centimetre.
Sol:
a1 y1 + a2 y2 + a3 y3 10
Centroid of I-Section: y =
a1 + a2 + a3 1 2

y=
(10 x 2 )13 + (10 x 2 ) 7 + ( 20 x2 )1 = 440 2
= 5.5cm
(10 x 2 ) + (10 x 2 ) + ( 20 x 2 ) 80 2 10

Area-01
bd 3 10 x 23 2
M.I of area-01 about its own centroidal axis: I1 = = 3
12 12
10 x 23 20
+ (10 x 2 )( 5.5 − 13) =1131.67
2
M.I of area-01 about centroidal axis x-x of I –Section: I x1 =
12
2 x103
+ (10 x 2 )( 5.5 − 7 ) =211.67
2
M.I of area-02 about centroidal axis x-x of I –Section: I x 2 =
12
20 x 23
+ ( 20 x 2 )( 5.5 − 1) =823.33
2
M.I of area-01 about centroidal axis x-x of I –Section: I x 3 =
12

M.I of I-Section about centroidal horizontal axis x-x is: I xx = I x1 + I x 2 + I x 3

I xx = I x1 + I x 2 + I x 3 = 1131.67 + 211.67 + 823.33 = 2166.67 cm4

M.I of I-Section about centroidal horizontal axis x-x is : I yy = I y1 + I y 2 + I y 3

2 x103 10 x 23 2 x 203
I yy = +0+ +0+ + 0 = 116.67 + 6.67 + 1333.33 = 1506.67cm 4
12 12 12
Ex: Find the M.I of following Section about x-x axis. All dimensions are in centimetre
Sol:
x-x axis is common axis for base of semicircle (1), base of triangle(2) and centre of circle(3)
I xx = I x1 + I x 2 − I x 3
 x 24 4 x 43  x14
I x1 = ; I x2 = ; I x3 =
8 12 4 4
 x 24 4 x 43  x12
I xx = + − = 6.28 + 21.33 − 0.79
8 12 4
I xx = 26.82cm 4 1.0
x x

2 2
Radius of gyration: Area A
I
It is mathematical term defined by the relation k =
A
C.G
A - Area of the figure (cross sectional area)
I - Moment of inertia
K - Radius of gyration
𝑦̅
I xx
k xx = Radius of gyration about x-axis
A A B
I yy Area A
k yy = Radius of gyration about y-axis
A
I AB
k AB = Radius of gyration about AB-axis
A
Radius of gyration can also be considered as the
distance at which the total area is distributed in form 𝑘𝐴𝐵 I AB = Ak 2 AB
of strip of negligible width as shown in figure, such
that there is no change in moment of inertia.
A B

A= bd
Ex:
b

d
𝑘𝐴𝐵 I AB = Ak 2 AB

A B
A B
bd 3
bd 3 12 = d
I AB = ; Radius of gyration about AB-axis k AB =
12 bd 2 3

Ex: Radius of gyration of a triangle about its centroidal axis

bh 3
bh 3 bh I
I xx = A= ; k xx = xx = 36
36 2 A bh
2
h
h2 h
= = x x
18 3 2
h/3

h
 k xx =
3 2
Ex:03 Determine the radius of gyration of circular disc whose diameter is ‘d’.

d4 d2
I xx = ; A=
64 4 x x
d 4

I xx d d
k xx = = 642 =  k xx =
A d 4 4
4 d
 Assignment-Cum-Tutorial Questions

A. Questions testing the remembering / understanding level of students

I) Objective Questions
1. Distinguish between “centroid” and “center of gravity”.
2. Mathematical expression for x̄ = ……………………
3. Centroid of quadrant of a circle from its base lies at a distance [ ]
4r 2r
A) B) C) r D) none of the above
3π 3π
4. C.G of a right circular cone, from its base acts at [ ]
1 1
A) height B) height C) half height D) none of the above
3 4
5. State theorems of pappus and guldinus.
6. In pappus and guldinus theorem, the axis of revolution must be [ ]
A) Intersecting B) non – intersecting
C) Both intersecting and non – intersecting D) Horizontal
7. What is parallel axis theorem?
8. Moment of inertia of quadrant of a circle about its centroidal axis is [ ]
A) 0.11 r4 B) 0.055 r4 C) 0.125 r4 D) 0.25 r4
9. The second moment of area about the base of triangle having width ‘b’ and height ‘h’ will be
𝑏ℎ3 ℎ𝑏3 𝑏ℎ3 ℎ𝑏3
A) B) C) D) [ ]
12 12 3 3
10. Polar moment of inertia of a circle whose diameter is ‘d’ and passing through its centroid is [ ]
𝜋𝐷4 𝜋𝐷4 𝜋𝐷4
A) B) C) D)None of above
64 32 4
II) Descriptive Questions
𝑥2
1. Determine the coordinates x̄ and ȳ of centroid ‘C’ of the area between the parabola y = and the
𝑎
straight line y=x as shown in figure. 1(A) and 1(B). y
y
a
a

a y=x a
y= C
C x2
x y= 𝑎 x2
dy y=
𝑎
y x
x
x dx
Fig. 1(A) Fig. 1(B)
2. Find the centroid of the following wire the shape of which is shown in fig.02.
3. Find the centroid of plane lamina as shown in fig. 03. y

80
15

4
150
120
4 2 20
4
Fig. 03

Fig. 02
2 4 15 x
100

4. Determine the centroid of following plane areas.

2
y
2
O
60
60 100
10
x

60 60
100
Fig. 04(b)
8 Fig. 04(c)
Fig. 04(a)

50 50 y

r r
100

100 r
Fig. 04(e)
r r
120 200 200 100
x
Fig. 04(d) O
 5. From a circular flat of radius 100 mm a circular portion of dia. 100 mm has been punched out as shown
in fig. 05. Determine the centroid and moment of inertia about x-x and y-y axis passing through its
centroid.
6. Determine the moment of inertia for the area formed by subtracting the circle of radius 20 mm from the
square of side 80 mm about x-x axis as shown in fig.06.
7. From a rectangular cross section, 80 mm wide and 100 mm high, two semi circular portions of each 60
mm dia. are removed as shown in fig.07. Determine Ixx and Iyy for the cross section.
y
40 40
y
A
80
50
30
x x D 20
B x x
30
50
Fig. 06
100 100 C
y Fig. 07
y
Fig. 05

8. Determine the moments of inertia w.r.t x and y axes for the shaded area under the spandrel y = kx 2
shown in fig.08.

y = k x2
Fig. 08
h

x
b
B. Question testing the ability of students in applying the concepts.

I. Objective Questions y
1. Centroid of a semi-circle from y-axis shown below lies at a distance
4𝑟 3𝑟 r
A) B) [ ]
3𝜋 4𝜋
r r x
C) r D) Zero

2. Rotating a rectangular area about any non-intersecting axis by one revolution generates volume of a
A) Cylinder B) sphere C) Cone D) Hemi- Sphere [ ]
3. For a rectangle of base width ‘b’ and height ‘h’ its moment of inertia about its base is
𝑏𝑑3 𝑑𝑏3 𝑏𝑑 3 𝑑𝑏3
A) B) C) D) [ ]
12 12 3 3
4. Moment of inertia of a quadrant of a circle about its base is [ ]
𝜋𝑟 4 𝜋𝑟 4 𝜋𝑟 4 𝜋𝑟 4
A) B) C) D)
2 4 8 16
5. A right angle triangle whose base width is 3 cm and height 6 cm is rotated about vertical height as axis
of rotation to generate a right circular cone. Then the volume of cone is…………….
6. What is moment of inertia of the shaded area about x- axis?
y
2r
r
x x
r r r r

II) Descriptive Questions

9. Determine the centroid of following figure 09.

y
2 y
x
2 2 r G1 100 100

4 75
G2 Fig. 10 150 100

2 r 75
x
2 2 2 Fig. 11
G3
Fig. 09
y
10. Referring to the figure, locate the centroid of the length of mean centerline of the stirrup with the
dimensions as shown in fig.10.
11. Determine the coordinates of x̄ and ȳ of the center of a 100 mm dia. Circular hole cut in a thin plate so
that this point will be the centroid of the remaining shaded area as shown in fig. 11.

12. The cross section of a plain concrete culvert is as shown in fig.12. Determine the moment of inertia
about its horizontal centroidal axis.

40 100 40 r r

A B

100 h
65
O C
180 Fig. 13
Fig. 12

13. A right circular cylinder tank containing water spins about its vertical axis at such a speed that the free
water surface is a paraboloid ACB as shown in fig.13. What will be the depth of water in the tank when
it comes to rest.
14. Determine the moment of inertia of the shaded area of triangle as shown in fig. 14 about AB and about
its centroidal axis.
y
50 50
y
C
50
30
30
50

20 30
x x
100
30

A B
50 y 50 100 y 100

Fig. 14 Fig. 15
15. Find the M.I for fig. 15 as shown about x-x and y-y axis passing through its centroid.