Finding Centroid and Second Moment of Area for Semi-Circular Section

In summary, the homework statement asks for the centroid of a semi-circular section. The equation of the entire circle would be x2+y2=R2. Assuming that my 'A' is correct, the equation of the section would be y2dx. My object is symmetrical about the x-axis so [itex]\bar{y} = 0[/tex], and the limits of my integrals are correct. The integrands are also correct. If someone can link me to a site with the centroid and second moment of area of this shape, that would be helpful. Finally, the mass moment of inertia of that section if it were rotated about the x-axis needs to be found.
  • #1
rock.freak667
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Homework Statement


I need to get the centroid of this shape

http://img713.imageshack.us/img713/5607/section.jpg

it's a semi-circular section basically. On the left most side, the distance from the origin to to where it cuts the y-axis is 'R' and the distance from the x-axis to the end of the upper arc is 'r'.

Homework Equations



[tex]I_x = \int y^2 dA[/tex]

[tex]I_y= \int x^2 dA[/tex]

[tex]A \bar{x}= \int xy dA[/tex]

[tex]A \bar{y} = \int y dA[/tex]

The Attempt at a Solution



I just need to know if my integrals are set up properly

The equation of the entire circle would have been x2+y2=R2.

[tex]A= \int y dx = \int_{0} ^{r} \sqrt{R^2-x^2}[/tex]

Assuming my 'A' is correct

dA=y dx

[tex] A \bar{x} = \int xy dA = \int xy^2 dx = \int_{0} ^{r} x(R^2-x^2) dx[/tex]

my object is symmetrical about the x-axis so [itex]\bar{y} = 0[/tex]

[tex]I_x = \int y^2 dA = \int y^3 dx = \int_{0} ^{r} (R^2-x^2)^{\frac{3}{2}}dx[/tex]

[tex]I_y = \int x^2 dA = \int x^2 y dx = \int_{0} ^{r} x^2\sqrt{R^2-x^2)dx[/tex]

I think my limits may be wrong, but the integrands should be correct.

Also, if someone can just link me to a site with the centroid and second moment of area of this shape that would be helpful as I don't need to actually derive it in my report, I just need to use the result.
 
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  • #2
rock.freak667 said:

Homework Statement


I need to get the centroid of this shape

http://img713.imageshack.us/img713/5607/section.jpg

I just need to know if my integrals are set up properly

The equation of the entire circle would have been x2+y2=R2.

[tex]A= \int y dx = \int_{0} ^{r} \sqrt{R^2-x^2}[/tex]
Typo you forgot the dx.
Assuming my 'A' is correct

dA=y dx

[tex] A \bar{x} = \int xy dA = \int xy^2 dx = \int_{0} ^{r} x(R^2-x^2) dx[/tex]

my object is symmetrical about the x-axis so [itex]\bar{y} = 0[/tex]

These look OK.

[tex]I_x = \int y^2 dA = \int y^3 dx = \int_{0} ^{r} (R^2-x^2)^{\frac{3}{2}}dx[/tex]

This one is wrong. If you set it up as this double integral

[tex]\int_0^R\int_{-\sqrt{R^2-x^2}}^{\sqrt{R^2-x^2}} y^2\ dydx = 2\int_0^R\int_{0}^{\sqrt{R^2-x^2}} y^2\ dydx[/tex]

and work the inner integral, you will see why.
[tex]I_y = \int x^2 dA = \int x^2 y dx = \int_{0} ^{r} x^2\sqrt{R^2-x^2)dx[/tex]

and the last one is OK.
 
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  • #3
thanks very much, I will have to recheck the double integral one.
 
  • #4
I need to also find the mass moment of inertia of that section if it were rotated about the x-axis.


I assumed an elemental section such that x2+y2=R2

dI= y2 dm =y2 ρ dV = ρ y2 (πy2 dx) =ρπy4dx.


[tex]I = \rho \pi \int_{0} ^{r} (R^2 -x^2)dx[/tex]

is this correct? This somehow gives me answers like 2400 kgm2 (ρ=7850 kg/m3) with the total integrand being like 0.9. The section is very small in fact and is hollow, I don't think it should be that much.
 

FAQ: Finding Centroid and Second Moment of Area for Semi-Circular Section

What is the second moment of area?

The second moment of area, also known as the moment of inertia, is a measure of an object's resistance to bending. It is a mathematical property of a cross-sectional shape that determines how much an object will resist bending when subjected to a force.

How is the second moment of area calculated?

The second moment of area is calculated by multiplying the square of the distance from the centroid of the cross-section to the point of interest, by the area of that point. This calculation is done for all points in the cross-section and then summed together to determine the overall second moment of area.

What is the significance of the centroid in relation to the second moment of area?

The centroid is the geometric center of a cross-section and is an important aspect in the calculation of the second moment of area. It is used as the reference point for determining the distance to each point in the cross-section, which is a key factor in the calculation of the second moment of area.

How does the second moment of area affect an object's stability?

The second moment of area is directly related to an object's stability. The greater the second moment of area, the more resistant the object will be to bending and therefore, the more stable it will be when subjected to external forces.

Can the second moment of area be used for any shape?

No, the second moment of area can only be used for shapes with a constant cross-section. This means that the shape cannot vary along its length. For shapes with varying cross-sections, a different calculation called the moment of inertia must be used.

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