MEG 214

MOMENT OF INERTIA
 INTRODUCTION
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.
 MOMENT OF INERTIA OF A PLANE AREA
Consider a plane area, whose moment of inertia is required to be found out.
Split up the whole area into a number of small elements.
Let a1, a2, a3, ... = Areas of small elements, and
r1, r2, r3, ... = Corresponding distances of the elements from the line about which the moment
of inertia is required to be found out.
Now the moment of inertia of the area,
𝐼 = 𝑎1 𝑟12 + 𝑎2 𝑟22 +𝑎3 𝑟32 + ⋯ . .
= Σ a r2
UNITS OF MOMENT OF INERTIA
As a matter of fact the units of moment of inertia of a
plane area depend upon the units of the area and the
length. e.g.,
1. If area is in m2 and the length is also in m, the
moment of inertia is expressed in m4.
2. If area in mm2 and the length is also in mm, then MI Moment of inertia by
is expressed in mm4.
integration.
 METHODS FOR MOMENT OF INERTIA
The moment of inertia of a plane area (or a body) may be found out by any one
of the following two methods :
1. By Routh’s rule
2. By Integration.
Note : The Routh’s Rule is used for finding the moment of inertia of a plane
area or a body of uniform thickness.
MOMENT OF INERTIA BY ROUTH’S RULE
Please Note :
This method has only academic importance and is rarely used in the field of
science and technology these days.
The reason for this is that it is equally convenient to use the method of
integration for the moment of inertia of a body.
MOMENT OF INERTIA BY ROUTH’S RULE
The Routh’s Rule states that, “if a body is symmetrical about three mutually
perpendicular axes (i.e., X-X axis, Y-Y axis and Z-Z axis), then the moment of
inertia, about any one axis passing through its centre of gravity is given by:
𝐴 𝑜𝑟 𝑀 ×𝑆
𝐼= ... (For a Square or Rectangular Lamina)
3
𝐴 𝑜𝑟 𝑀 ×𝑆
𝐼= ... (For a Circular or Elliptical Lamina)
4
𝐴 𝑜𝑟 𝑀 ×𝑆
𝐼= ... (For a Spherical Body)
5
where A = Area of the plane area
M = Mass of the body, and
S = Sum of the squares of the two semi-axis, other than the axis,
about which the moment of inertia is required to be found out.
MOMENT OF INERTIA BY INTEGRATION
The moment of inertia of an area may also be found out by the method of
integration as discussed below:
Consider a plane figure, whose moment of inertia is required to be found out about
X-X axis and Y-Y axis as shown in the Figure below.
Let us divide the whole area into a number of strips.
Consider one of these strips.
Let dA = Area of the strip
x = Distance of the centre of gravity
of the strip on X-X axis, and
y = Distance of the centre of gravity
of the strip on Y-Y axis.

Moment of inertia by integration.

 MOMENT OF INERTIA OF A RECTANGULAR SECTION
Consider a rectangular section ABCD as shown in Figure below,
whose moment of inertia is required to be found out.
Let b = Width of the section, and
d = Depth of the section.
Taken that the moment of inertia of the strip about Y-Y axis
= dA . x2
Now the moment of inertia of the whole area may be found out
by integrating above Equation. i.e.,
𝐼𝑌𝑌 = σ 𝑑𝐴. 𝑥 2
Similarly 𝐼𝑋𝑋 = σ 𝑑𝐴. 𝑦 2
Now consider a strip PQ of thickness dy parallel to X-X
axis and at a distance y from it as shown in the figure: Rectangular section
Area of the strip = b.dy
The moment of inertia of the strip about X-X axis, = Area × y2
= (b. dy) y2 = b. y2. dy
Now *moment of inertia of the whole This may also be obtained by
section may be found out by integrating Routh’s rule as below :
the above equation for the whole length 𝐴𝑆
𝐼𝑋𝑋 = ...(for
𝑑 𝑑 3
of the lamina i.e. from − to + , rectangular section)
2 2
𝑑
+2 where
𝐼𝑋𝑋 = ‫׬‬ 𝑑 𝑏. 𝑦 2 . 𝑑𝑦 area, A = b × d, and
−
2
𝑑
+𝑑 S = sum of the square of semi
+2 𝑦3 2
= 𝑏. ‫׬‬ 𝑑 𝑦 2 . 𝑑𝑦 = 𝑏 axes Y-Y and Z-Z,
−2 3 −𝑑 2
2 𝑑 𝑑2
𝑑ൗ 3 −𝑑ൗ2
3 = +0=
=𝑏 2
− 2 4
3 3
𝑑2
𝑏𝑑 3 𝐴𝑆 𝑏×𝑑 ×
= 𝐼𝑋𝑋 = = 4
12
𝑑𝑏 3 3 3
Similarly, 𝐼𝑌𝑌 =
12
𝑏𝑑3
=
12
Example 1.
Find the moment of inertia of a rectangular
section 30 mm wide and 40 mm deep about X-X
axis and Y-Y axis.
Solution.
Given: Width of the section, b = 30 mm and
depth of the section, d = 40 mm.
The moment of inertia of the section about an
axis passing through its centre of gravity and
parallel to X-X axis,

Rectangular section
 MOMENT OF INERTIA OF A HOLLOW RECTANGULAR SECTION
Consider a hollow rectangular section, in which ABCD is the main section and
EFGH is the cut out section as shown in Figure

b = breadth of the outer rectangle,

d = depth of the outer rectangle and
b1, d1 = breadth and depth of the cut out rectangle
respectively.

Hollow rectangular section.

The moment of inertia, of the outer rectangle ABCD about X-X axis
𝑏𝑑3
=
12
and moment of inertia of cut out rectangle EFGH about X-X axis
𝑏1 𝑑13
=
12
M.I. of the hollow rectangular section about X-X axis,
IXX = M.I. of rectangle ABCD – M.I. of rectangle EFGH
𝑏𝑑 3 𝑏1 𝑑13
𝐼𝑋𝑋 = −
12 12
𝑑𝑏3 3
𝑑1 𝑏1
Similarly, 𝐼𝑌𝑌 = −
12 12
Note : This relation holds good only if the centre of gravity of the main section
as well as that of the cut out section coincide with each other.
Example 2.
Find the moment of inertia of a
hollow rectangular section about its
centre of gravity if the external
dimensions are breadth 60 mm,
depth 80 mm and internal
dimensions are breadth 30 mm and
depth 40 mm respectively
Hollow rectangular section.
Solution.
Given: External breadth, b = 60 mm; External depth, d = 80 mm ; Internal breadth
b1 = 30 mm, and internal depth d1 = 40 mm.
The moment of inertia of hollow rectangular section about an axis passing through
its centre of gravity and parallel to X-X axis,
THEOREM OF PERPENDICULAR AXIS
It states, “if IXX and IYY be the moments of inertia of a plane section about two
perpendicular axis meeting at O, the moment of inertia IZZ about the axis Z-Z,
perpendicular to the plane and passing through the intersection of X-X and Y-Y is
given by:
IZZ = IXX + IYY
Proof :
Consider a small lamina (P) of area da having co-
ordinates as x and y along OX and OY, two
mutually perpendicular axes on a plane section as
shown in the Figure.
Now consider a plane OZ perpendicular to OX and
OY.
Let (r) be the distance of the lamina (P) from Z-Z
axis such that OP = r. Theorem of perpendicular axis
From the geometry of the figure,
r2 = x2 + y2
The moment of inertia of the lamina P about X-X axis,
IXX = da. Y2 ...[:. I = Area × (Distance)2]
Similarly, IYY = da. X2
and IZZ = da. r2 = da (x2 + y2) ...(:. r2 = x2 + y2)
= da. x2 + da. y2 = IYY + IXX

Theorem of perpendicular axis

 MOMENT OF INERTIA OF A CIRCULAR
SECTION
Consider a circle ABCD of radius (r) with centre O,
and XX' and YY' are two axes of reference through O
as shown in the Figure
Now consider an elementary ring of radius x and
thickness dx.
Therefore area of the ring,
da = 2 π x. dx
Circular section.
and moment of inertia of ring, about X-X axis or Y-Y axis
= Area × (Distance)2
= 2 π x. dx × x2
= 2 π x3. dx
Now moment of inertia of the whole section, about the
central axis, can be found out by integrating the above equation for the whole
radius of the circle i.e., from 0 to r.
We know from the Theorem of Perpendicular Axis that
Example 3.
Find the moment of inertia of a circular
section of 50 mm diameter about an
axis passing through its centre.

Solution.
Given: Diameter, d = 50 mm
The moment of inertia of the circular section
about an axis passing through its centre,
Circular section.
 MOMENT OF INERTIA OF A HOLLOW
CIRCULAR SECTION
Consider a hollow circular section as shown in
Figure,
whose moment of inertia is required to be found
out.
Let D = Diameter of the main circle, and
d = Diameter of the cut out circle.
The moment of inertia of the main circle about X-X axis Hollow circular section

and moment of inertia of the cut-out circle about X-X axis

Moment of inertia of the hollow circular section about X-X axis,

 IXX = Moment of inertia of main circle – Moment of inertia of cut out circle,

Note : This relation holds good only if the centre of the main circular section
as well as that of the cut out circular section coincide with each other.
Example 4.
A hollow circular section has an external diameter of 80
mm and internal diameter of 60 mm.
Find its moment of inertia about the horizontal axis
passing through its centre.
Solution.
Given : External diameter, D = 80 mm and internal
diameter, d = 60 mm. Hollow circular section
The moment of inertia of the hollow circular section
about the horizontal axis passing through its centre,
THEOREM OF PARALLEL AXIS
It states that, “If the moment of inertia of a plane area about an axis through its
centre of gravity is denoted by IG, then moment of inertia of the area about any
other axis AB, parallel to the first, and at a distance h from the centre of gravity is
given by:
IAB = IG + ah2
where IAB = Moment of inertia of the area about an axis AB,
IG = Moment of Inertia of the area about its centre of gravity
a = Area of the section, and
h = Distance btw centre of gravity of the section and axis AB.
Proof: Consider a strip of a circle, whose moment of inertia is required to be found
out about a line AB as shown in Figure
δa = Area of the strip
y = Distance of the strip from the centre of
gravity the section and
h = Distance between centre of gravity of
the section and the axis AB.
We know that moment of inertia of the whole section Theorem of parallel axis
about an axis passing through the centre of gravity of the
section
= δa. y2
and moment of inertia of the whole section about an axis
passing through its centre of gravity,
IG = Σ δa. y2 (i)
Moment of inertia of the section about the axis AB,

It should be noted that

Σ h2 . δa = a h2 and
Σ y2 . δa = IG [as per equation (i) above] and
Σ δa.y is the algebraic sum of moments of all the areas, about an axis
through centre of gravity of the section and is equal to a.y,
where y is the distance between the section and the axis passing through the
centre of gravity, which obviously is zero.
 MOMENT OF INERTIA OF A TRIANGULAR SECTION

Consider a triangular section ABC,

whose moment of inertia is required to be found out.
Let b = Base of the triangular section and
h = Height of the triangular section.
Now consider a small strip PQ of thickness dx at a
distance of x from the vertex A as shown in the Figure.
From the geometry of the figure,
we find that the two triangles APQ and ABC are Triangular section
similar.
Therefore The area of the strip PQ
and moment of inertia of Now moment of inertia of the whole
the strip about the base BC triangular section may be found out by
integrating the above equation for the whole
height of the triangle i.e., from 0 to h.
We know that distance between centre of gravity of the triangular section and base
BC,

Moment of inertia of the triangular section about an axis through its centre of
gravity and parallel to X-X axis,
Example. 5. An isosceles triangular section ABC
has base width 40 mm and height 30 mm.
Determine the moment of inertia of the section
about the centre of gravity of the section and the
base BC.
Solution.
Given: Base width, b = 40 mm and height, h = 30
mm. Triangular section
Moment of inertia about the centre of gravity of the
section
The moment of inertia of triangular section about
its centre of gravity,
bh3 40 × (30)3
IG = = = 30 × 103 mm4
36 36
Moment of inertia about the base BC
We also know that moment of inertia of triangular section about the base BC,
𝑏ℎ3 40 × (30)3
𝐼𝐵𝐶 = =
12 12
= 90 × 103 𝑚𝑚4
MOMENT OF INERTIA OF A SEMICIRCULAR SECTION
Consider a semicircular section ABC,
whose moment of inertia is required to be found out as shown in Figure below:
Let r = Radius of the semicircle.
We know that moment of inertia of the
semicircular section about the base AC is
equal to half the moment of inertia of the
circular section about AC.
Therefore moment of inertia of the
semicircular section ABC about the base AC, Semicircular section ABC
We also know that area of semicircular section,

and distance between centre of gravity

of the section and the base AC,

Moment of inertia of the section through

its centre of gravity and parallel to x-x axis,

Note. The moment of inertia about

y-y axis will be the same as that
about the base AC i.e., 0.393 r4.
Example 6. Determine the moment of inertia of a
semicircular section of 100 mm diameter about its
centre of gravity and parallel to X-X and Y-Y axes.
Solution.
Given: Diameter of the section d = 100 mm or radius
r = 50 mm
Moment of inertia of the section about its centre of
Semicircular section ABC
gravity and parallel to X-X axis
The moment of inertia of the semicircular section
about its centre of gravity and parallel to X-X axis,
IXX = 0.11 r4 = 0.11 × (50)4 = 687.5 × 103 mm4

Moment of inertia of the section about its centre of gravity and parallel to Y-Y
axis.
We also know that moment of inertia of the semicircular section about its centre
of gravity and parallel to Y-Y axis.
IYY = 0.393 r4 = 0.393 × (50)4
= 2456 × 103 mm4
 MOMENT OF INERTIA OF A COMPOSITE SECTION
The moment of inertia of a composite section may be found out by the following
steps :
1. First of all, split up the given section into plane areas (i.e., rectangular,
triangular, circular etc., and find the centre of gravity of the section).
2. Find the moments of inertia of these areas about their respective centres of
gravity.
3. Now transfer these moment of inertia about the required axis (AB) by the
Theorem of Parallel Axis, i.e.,
IAB = IG + ah2
IG = Moment of inertia of a section about its centre of
gravity and parallel to the axis.
a = Area of the section,
h = Distance between the required axis and centre of
gravity of the section.
 4. The moments of inertia of the given section may now be obtained by the
algebraic sum of the moment of inertia about the required axis.
Example:
The figure shows an area
ABCDEF.
Find the moment of inertia of the
above area about axis K-K.
Solution. As the moment of inertia is required to be found out about the axis K-K,
therefore there is no need of finding out the centre of gravity of the area.
Let us split up the area into two
rectangles 1 and 2 as shown in
Figure above
Moment of inertia of section (1)
about its centre of gravity and
parallel to axis K-K,

and distance between centre of gravity of section (1) and axis K-K,
Moment of inertia of section (1) about axis K-K

Similarly, moment of inertia of section (2) about

its centre of gravity and parallel to axis K-K,

and distance between centre of

gravity of section (2) and axis K-K,
Moment of inertia of section (2) about the axis K-K,

Now moment of inertia of the whole area about axis K-K,

Tutorial 1: Find the moment of inertia of a T-section
with flange as 150 mm × 50 mm and web as 150 mm
× 50 mm about X-X and Y-Y axes through the centre
of gravity of the section.

Tutorial 2: An I-section is made up of three

rectangles as shown in Figure.
Find the moment of inertia of the section about
the horizontal axis passing through the centre
of gravity of
 TEST

ANSWER ALL QUESTIONS

TIME ALLOWED 30MINS

1. A beam 3 m long weighing 400 N is suspended in a horizontal position by two
vertical strings, each of which can withstand a maximum tension of 350 N only.
How far a body of 200 N weight be placed on the beam, so that one of the strings
may just break? (Show your diagram as well)

2. A semicircular area is removed from a

trapezium as shown in the Figure Q2
(dimensions in mm).
Determine the centroid of the remaining area
(shown shaded).

FIGURE Q2
Determine the moment of inertia of a triangle with respect to its base

A triangle of base b and height h is drawn; the x axis is

chosen to coincide with the base.
A differential strip parallel to the x axis is chosen to be dA.
Since all portions of the strip are at the same distance from
the x axis,
we write

Using similar triangles, we have

Integrating dIx from y = 0 to y = h, we obtain
(a) Determine the centroidal polar moment of inertia of a circular area by direct
integration.
(b) Using the result of part a, determine the moment of inertia of a circular area
with respect to a diameter.

a. Polar Moment of Inertia.

An annular differential element of area is chosen to be
dA.
Since all portions of the differential area are at the same
distance from the origin, we write
b. Moment of Inertia with Respect to a Diameter.
Because of the symmetry of the circular area, we have Ix = Iy.
We then write
(a) Determine the moment of inertia of the shaded area shown with respect to
each of the coordinate axes.
(b) Using the results of part a, determine the radius of gyration of the shaded area
with respect to each of the coordinate axes.
Obtain the following expressions for the
equation of the curve and the total area:

Moment of Inertia Ix.

A vertical differential element of area is chosen to be dA.
Since all portions of this element are not at the same distance from the x axis,
we must treat the element as a thin rectangle.
The moment of inertia of the element with respect to the x axis is then
Moment of Inertia Iy.
The same vertical differential element of area is used.
Since all portions of the element are at the same distance from the y axis, we write

Radii of Gyration kx and ky.

We have, by definition,