Inertia Tensor of a cylinder at a distance

In summary, the inertia tensor for a cylinder is of the form:\left(\begin{array}{c c c} 1&0&0\\0&1&0\\0&0&1\end{array}\right)
  • #1
pinodk
21
0
I have a cylinder, for which i want to find the inertia tensor.
http://www.mip.sdu.dk/~pino/inertiacyl.JPG
Where the rotational axis are either the x (red) or y (green).

I know that the inertia tensor for a cylinder is of the form
http://www.mip.sdu.dk/~pino/inertiamoment-cylinder.jpg
Then I believe that the bottom right element stays the same, since this describes the rotation around the z-axis.
The tricky part for me is the rest of the matrix. I am no expert, and do not understand inertia tensors fully, so I would like some pointers.

My immediate idea is that the matrix should remain in its diagonal form, the zeros will remain zeros, is this correct?

I know that for complex forms i can split up the moments of inertia, so i have the moment of inertia for the blank space d, which is 0. and then i can add the moment of inertia of the cylinder, but how do i calculate this, when the rotational axis is x-axis for example?
 
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  • #2
Oops, i should have posted this in the homework section,, don't know how to move it, so will repost there.
 
  • #3
The wikipedia page

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Moment_of_inertia

contains section 'Parallel axes theorem' at the bottom of the page where they show you how to obtain the tensor for any point of rotation that is offset from the center of mass once you know the tensor for origin at the center of mass.

Keep in mind the axes of the two coordinate systems, one at center of mass and one at your point of choice, must remain parallel, hence the name of the theorem.
 
  • #4
I have looked at the formula listed, but i don't know quite how to use it...
2b8ad3e76e9f3a4df514e2f2289736eb.png


Suppose i have an inertia tensor in the center of mass like this
[tex]\left(\begin{array}{c c c} 1&0&0\\0&1&0\\0&0&1\end{array}\right) [/tex]
The mass m is 2 kg, and the distance vector R is
[tex]\left(\begin{array}{c} 1\\0\\0\end{array}\right) [/tex]

what i thought of doing was
[tex]I+m\cdot R^2=
\left(\begin{array}{c c c} 3&2&2\\0&1&0\\0&0&1\end{array}\right)
[/tex]
But when i look at the formula i read it as
the jk'th of I + M*((R dot R when j equals k) -(the j'th of R times the k'th of R))
for example j=1, k=1, i get
1 + 2* (1-1)=1
for j=2, k=3
0+2* (0-0)=0
and so forth. The M*(R... part always yields 0! what am i misunderstanding?
 
  • #5
Never mind... i got it now... stupid me :frown:
 

FAQ: Inertia Tensor of a cylinder at a distance

What is the inertia tensor of a cylinder at a distance?

The inertia tensor of a cylinder at a distance is a mathematical representation of the distribution of mass in a cylinder and how it resists changes in rotational motion. It is a 3x3 matrix that takes into account the mass, shape, and orientation of the cylinder.

How is the inertia tensor of a cylinder at a distance calculated?

The inertia tensor of a cylinder at a distance can be calculated using the moment of inertia formula, which takes into account the mass, radius, and length of the cylinder, as well as its distance from the axis of rotation. Alternatively, computer software or simulations can also be used to calculate the inertia tensor.

What is the significance of the inertia tensor of a cylinder at a distance?

The inertia tensor of a cylinder at a distance is important because it helps us understand the rotational behavior of the cylinder. It can be used to calculate the torque needed to rotate the cylinder, predict its angular acceleration, and determine its stability.

How does the inertia tensor of a cylinder at a distance differ from that of a solid cylinder?

The inertia tensor of a cylinder at a distance and that of a solid cylinder differ in that the former takes into account the distance of the cylinder from the axis of rotation, while the latter assumes the cylinder to be rotating around its center of mass. This means that the inertia tensor of a cylinder at a distance will be larger and more spread out, as it takes into account the added distance from the axis of rotation.

Can the inertia tensor of a cylinder at a distance be changed?

Yes, the inertia tensor of a cylinder at a distance can be changed by altering the parameters that affect its calculation, such as the mass, shape, and distance from the axis of rotation. For example, increasing the mass or length of the cylinder will increase its inertia tensor, while decreasing its distance from the axis of rotation will decrease its inertia tensor.

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