MODULE – IV CENTROIDS AND MOMENTS OF INERTIA OF ENGINEERING

SECTIONS

Centroids: Introduction to the concept, centroid of and area, centroid of basic

geometrical figures, computing centroid for T, L, I, Z and full / quadrant circular
sections and their built up sections, Numerical problems.

Moment of Inertia: Introduction to the concept, radius of gyration, Parallel axis

theorem, perpendicular axis theorem, Moment of inertia of basic planar figures,
computing Moment of inertia for T, L, I, Z and full / quadrant circular sections and
their built up sections, Numerical problems.

Centroid: The point at which the total area of a plane figure (like rectangle, square,
triangle, quadrilateral, circle etc.) is assumed to be concentrated, is known as the
centroid of that area.

Centre of Gravity: Centre of gravity of a body is the point through which the
whole weight of the body acts. A body is having only one centre of gravity for all
positions of the body. It is represented by C.G, or simple G.

Difference between Centre of Gravity and Centroid :

1. The terms centre of gravity applied to bodies with weight, and centroid applied to
lines, plane areas and volumes.
2. Centre of gravity of a body is a point through which resultant gravitational force
(weight) acts for any orientation of the body whereas centroid is a point in a
line/plain area/volume such that the moment of area about any axis through
that point is zero.

Reference Axis: The C.G. of a body is expressed in terms of the distances

measured from some axis of reference. In the plain figures the axis of reference is
generally the lowest line of the figure for calculating y and the left line of the figure
for calculating x . 1 – 1 and 2 – 2 axis are reference axis.
2

80mm

1 1

2
40mm
40mm

1 1

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 MODULE – IV CENTROIDS AND MOMENTS OF INERTIA OF ENGINEERING
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Axis of symmetry:
In plain figures such as circle, square, rectangle etc., the section is
symmetrical about X –X and Y – Y axis. The area (section) is said to lie on axis of
symmetry. X –X and Y – Y axes are called symmetrical axis.

Y
Y Y

X X
X X X X

Y
Circle Y Y
Rectangle Square

Centroid of regular plates/ Laminas / figures:

Y

Rectangle: The c.g of a rectangle is at a point where its

diagonal meet each other. X cg X

Y
Square: The c.g of a square is at a point where its
diagonal meet each other.
X cg X

Y
Square
Y
Circle: The c.g of a circle lies at its centre.

X X

Y Y
Triangle: The c.g of a triangle lies at a point where
the three medians of a triangle meet.
X X
cg

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 MODULE – IV CENTROIDS AND MOMENTS OF INERTIA OF ENGINEERING
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Centroid or centre of gravity of figures by the method of moments:

Determination of X : Y
Area a3
Resultant R = a1 + a2 + a3 + a4 + …. Area a2 Area a4
Applying principle of moments Area a1

R  X  a1  x1  a2  x 2  a3  x 3  a 4  x 4  ......
X1 CG

a1  x 1  a2  x 2  a3  x 3  a 4  x 4  ......
X X2
a1  a2  a3  a 4  ......
X3
ax
X X4
a X
O
X

Determination of Y : Y
Area a3
Resultant R = a1 + a2 + a3 + a4 + …. Area a2 Area a4
Area a1
Applying principle of moments
CG
R  Y  a1  y1  a2  y 2  a3  y 3  a 4  y 4  ......

a1  y 1  a2  y 2  a3  y 3  a 4  y 4  ......
y
a1  a2  a3  a 4  ...... Y2 Y
Y4
ay Y1 Y3
y X
a O

Centroid of an Equilateral Triangle: A

Consider a triangle ABC with base
width „b‟ and height „h‟.
Consider a elemental strip „DE‟ of h-y

width „b1‟ and thickness „dy‟ at a distance

h
„y‟ from the reference axis 1 – 1. D E
dy
From the similar triangles „ABC‟ b1
and „ADE‟. y
b1 h- y 1 1

b h B b C
h - y   y
b1     b  1    b
 h   h
Area opf elemental strip da = b1 x dy
 y 
da  1    b  dy
 h 
Moment of this elemental area about 1 – 1 axis = da x y =

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 MODULE – IV CENTROIDS AND MOMENTS OF INERTIA OF ENGINEERING
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 y    y2  
 1    b   dy   y    y  bdy 
h   h 
   

Moment of whole triangle about 1 – 1 axis

h h
 y2   y2 y3 
 ay    y  bdy  b  


 2  3h 
0
h   0
 h2 h3   3h3  2h3  bh 2

 ay  b    
  b 
 2 3h   6h  6
1 bh
Area of whole triangle  a  bh 
2 2
bh 2
 ay 6
Distance of centroid from base  y  
a bh
2
h Y
y from base
3 A
The triangle is symmetrical about vertical axis (Y – Y )
axis. 2h/3

h X X
cg
h/3

B b C
Y

Centroid of an Right angled Triangle:

Consider a triangle ABC with base width „b‟ and 1
height „h‟. A
The Procedure of calculating cg from base is same as
above. D
h
i.e., y  from base
3 h
The Procedure of calculating cg from vertical h1
edge AB is as below.

E C
Consider a elemental strip „DE‟ of depth „h1‟ and B
x dx b-x
thickness „dx‟ at a distance „x‟ from the reference axis 1
1 b
– 1.
From the similar triangles „ABC‟ and „DEC‟.
h1 b-x

h b

G. Ravindra Kumar, Associate Prof, Govt Engineering College, Chamarajanagar Page 4 of 46

 MODULE – IV CENTROIDS AND MOMENTS OF INERTIA OF ENGINEERING
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b - x   x
h1     h  1    h
 b   b
Area of elemental strip da = h1 x dx
 x 
da  1    h  dx
 b 
Moment of this elemental area about 1 – 1 axis = da x x =
 x    x2  
1    h  dx   x   x  hdx 
 b    b  

Moment of whole triangle about 1 – 1 axis

h b
 x2   x 2 h3 
 ax    x  hdx  h  


 2  3b 
0
b   0
 b2 b3   3b 3  2b 3  hb 2

 ax  h    
  h   b/3 Y 2b/3
 2 3b   6b  6 A

1 bh
Area of whole triangle  a  bh 
2 2 2h/3
 ax
Distance of centroid from vertical edge  x  h
X cg X
a
hb 2 h/3
 6
bh B b C
2 Y

b
X from vertical edge
3

Semicircle:
Consider semi - circular section of radius „R‟ with „O‟ as centre.
Consider an elemental radial area OPP‟. The angle POP‟ being dϴ, Area
Y of
1 r2
triangle =  r  rd  d
2 2
2 2
The distance of centroid of this area =  rsin r
3 r 3
Moment of the elemental area about AB is A B
O
r2 2 r3
 d   rsin   sind Y
2 3 3


r3 r3 2

3 0 0 sind
Moment of the whole area about AB is  sind   2
3

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 MODULE – IV CENTROIDS AND MOMENTS OF INERTIA OF ENGINEERING
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r3    2r 3
  2 sin  sin0  
3  2  3
r 2
Area of the semicirle 
2
3
2r
 ay 4r
Y  23 
a r 3
2

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 MODULE – IV CENTROIDS AND MOMENTS OF INERTIA OF ENGINEERING
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Geometrical Properties:

Shape Figure X Y Area

Rectangle
Y
2 X

D X cg X
B /2 D/2 BxD
Y 1 1

2 Y B

Hallow
rectangle 2 X Y

b
X X B /2 D/2 B x D – bxd
cg d
d
D Y
1
1
2 B Y

Square
Y
2 X

a X X
a /2 a /2
cg a2
Y
1 1
2 a Y

Circle
2 X Y

cg
 d
2
X X d /2 d /2
4
Y
1 1
2 d

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 MODULE – IV CENTROIDS AND MOMENTS OF INERTIA OF ENGINEERING
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Hollow
circular 2 X Y

X cg X
de/2  d2e  di2 
de/2
di 4
Y
1 1
2 de

Y
Triangle Y
X

h b h bh
X X
cg Y h/3 2 3 2
b Y

Right X Y
angled
triangle
h
X X
b h bh
cg h/3 3 3 2
Y
b Y

Triangle
Y
X

h
X
X La h 1
cg Y h/3  Lh
3 3 2
a Y b
L

Semicircle R or D/2 4R R 2
Y
X 3 2
Or
X c X
g 1 D 2
4R/3π Y 
2 4
R
Y
D

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 MODULE – IV CENTROIDS AND MOMENTS OF INERTIA OF ENGINEERING
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Quarter 4R 4R R 2
Circle X 3 3 4
Y OR
1 D 2
cg 
X X 4 4
4R/3π Y
Y
R

Note:
i) The axis about which moments of areas are taken, is known as axis of
reference. 1-1 and 2-2 axis are called axis of reference.
ii) The axis of reference, of plane figures, are generally taken as the lowest line
of the fig for determining Y , and left line of the fig for calculating X .
iii) If the given section is symmetrical about X –X axis or Y – Y axis, then the cg
of the section will lie on the axis of symmetry.

Problem: 2 cm
Find the centre of gravity of the L – section shown in fig.
Solution:
Divide the given section into 2 components as shown
in fig.
Consider reference axis 1-1 at the left 12 cm
extreme edge of component 1 and reference 2 cm
1
axis 2-2 at the bottom most edge of component 3 cm
2.
8 cm
9 cm
1

2 3 cm

2 8 cm 2
1

Sl Compone Area – (a C.D from C.D from Moment of the Moment of the
No nt cm2) 1 -1 axis 2 -2 axis area about 1 -1 area about 2 -2
(x) - cm (y) - cm axis (ax – cm3) axis (ay –
cm3)
1 Rectangle – 2 x 9 = 18 2/2 = 1 3 + 9/2 = 18 135
1 7.5
2 Rectangle – 8 x 3 = 24 8/2 = 4 3 /2 = 96 36
2 1.5
∑a = 42 ∑ax =114 ∑ay =171

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 MODULE – IV CENTROIDS AND MOMENTS OF INERTIA OF ENGINEERING
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Distance of centroid from reference axis 1 - 1

2 cm
 ax 114 Y
x   2.714 cm
a 42
X  2.714 cm
Distance of centroid from reference axis 2 - 2
X 12 cm cg X
 ay 171
y   4.07 cm
a 42 y  4.07 cm
3 cm

8 cm
Problem: Y
12 cm
Find the centre of gravity of the T – section shown in fig.
3 cm
Solution:
Divide the given section into 2 components as
10 cm
shown in fig.
The section (fig) is symmetrical about vertical axis
(y – y). y can be calculated either from bottom or from
top edge. 2 cm
Let us consider reference axis 1-1 at the top most
edge of component 1.

12 cm
1 1
Sl Compone Area – C.D from Moment of the
No nt (a cm2) 1 -1 axis area about 1 -1 1 3 cm
(y) - cm axis (ay – cm3)
1 Rectangle – 12 x 3 = 3/2 = 1.5 54
1 36 10 cm
2 Rectangle – 2 x 10 = 3 + 10/2 160
2 20 =8 2
∑a = 56 ∑ay =214
2 cm
Distance of centroid from reference axis 1 - 1 Y
 ay 214 12 cm
y   3.82 cm 1 1
a 56
1 3 cm
y  3.82 cm
X X
10 cm
cg
2

2 cm

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 MODULE – IV CENTROIDS AND MOMENTS OF INERTIA OF ENGINEERING
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Problem: 300 mm
Find the cg of Z section shown in
the figure 30 mm

20 mm
300 mm

Solution: 20 mm
Divide the given section into
200 mm
3 components as shown in fig.
Consider reference axis 1-1 1 300 mm
at the left extreme edge of 2 2
component 3. The distance of 180 mm 1 30 mm
component 1 and 2 from axis 1- 1
= 200 – 20 = 180 mm. 20 mm
2
250 mm
Consider reference axis 2-2
at the top most edge of component
20 mm 3
1.
1
200 mm

Sl Compone Area – (a C.D from 1 - C.D from 2 Moment of the Moment of the
No nt mm2) 1 axis (x) – -2 axis (y) area about 1 -1 area about 2 -2
mm - mm axis (ax – axis (ay –
mm3) mm3)
1 Rectangle – 300 x 30 = 180 + 300/2 30/2 = 15 2.07 x 106 135 x 103
1 9000 = 230
2 Rectangle – 20 x 250 = 180 + 20/2 = 30 + 250 /2 950 x 103 775 x 103
2 5000 190 = 155
3 Rectangle – 200 x 20 = 300/2 = 150 30 + 250 + 600 x 103 1.16 x 106
3 4000 20/2 = 290
∑a = 18000 ∑ax = 3.62 x 106 ∑ay = 2.07 x 106

Distance of centroid from reference axis 1 - 1 X  201.11 mm Y

1 300 mm
 ax 3.62  10 6 2 2
x   201.11 mm
a 18000 180 mm 1 30 mm

y  115 mm
Distance of centroid from reference axis 2 - 2 X 20 mm cg X
6 2
 ay 2.07  10 250 mm
y   115 mm
a 18000
20 mm 3
1
200 mm
Y

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 MODULE – IV CENTROIDS AND MOMENTS OF INERTIA OF ENGINEERING
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Problem: Dec 2015/ Jan 2016 – 8 marks  y

Determine centroidal of the area shown in fig.
Solution:
30 mm
Let the quadrant to the right of OY axis be
component (1), square to the left of OY axis be
30 mm x
component (2), and the quadrant to the left of OY
axis be component (3).
„x‟ distance measured to the right of Y – axis is taken +ve and to the left of`
Y – axis –ve. „y‟ distance measured upward of X – axis is taken +ve.
y

30 mm
1
3
30 mm x
2

Sl Compon Area – (a C.D from 1 -1 C.D from 2 -2 Moment Moment

No ent mm2) axis (x) – mm axis (y) - mm of the of the
area area
about 1 -1 about 2 -
axis (ax – 2 axis
mm3) (ay –
mm3)
1 Quadrant 2 4r 4  30 4r 4  30 9000 9000
 r    
–1 
4 3 3 3 3
2  12.732  12.732
  30
4
 706.86
2 square – 30 x 30 -30/2 = -15 + 30 /2 = +15 - 13500 +13500
2 =
900
3 Deduct 2  4r   4r  12206.06 -12206.06
 r  r 
Quadrant     r  
4  3   3 
–3
  30
2  4  30   4  30 
  30     30  
 3  3 
4  
 706.86  17.268  17.268

∑a = 900 ∑ax = ∑ay =

7700.06 10293.94

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 MODULE – IV CENTROIDS AND MOMENTS OF INERTIA OF ENGINEERING
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Distance of centroid from Y - axis

y
 ax 7700.06 X  8.56 mm
x   8.56 mm
a 900
30 mm
CG
Distance of centroid from X - axis
30 mm Y  11.44 mm
 ay 10293 .94
y   11.44 mm
a 900

Problem: 1
Find the position of the centroid of the shaded area with
100 mm
respect to the axis as shown in figure.

100 mm
Solution: 2 2
The given section is divided into 4 components.
20 mm
Let the quadrant to the right of 1 - 1 axis be
component (1), rectangle below 2-2 axis be component 1
(2), the square to the left of 1-1 axis be (3) and the
quadrant to the left of 1-1 axis be component (4).
1
„x‟ distance measured to the right of 1-1 –
axis is taken +ve and to the left of`1-1 – axis –ve. 100 mm
„y‟ distance measured above 2-2 – axis is taken +ve 1
4
and „y‟ distance measured belowe 2-2 – axis is 100 mm
2 3 2
taken -ve.
20 mm 2

Sl Compon Area – (a C.D from 1 -1 C.D from 2 -2 Moment Moment of

No ent mm2) axis (x) – mm axis (y) - mm of the the area
area about 2 -2
about 1 -1 axis (ay
axis (ax – –
mm3) mm3)
1 Quadrant 2 4r 4  100 4r 4  100 333 x 103 333 x 103
 r    
–1 
4 3 3 3 3
2  42.4  42.4
  100
4
 7853.98
2 Rectangl 200 x 20 = - 20 /2 = -10 0 - 40 x 103
0
e –2 4000
3 Square – 100 x 100 = -100/2 = -50 + 100 /2 = +50 - 500 x 103 +500 x 103
3 10,000

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 MODULE – IV CENTROIDS AND MOMENTS OF INERTIA OF ENGINEERING
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4 Deduct 2  4r   4r  452.40 x - 452.40 x
 r  r 
Quadrant    r   103 103
4  3   3 
–3
  100
2  4  100   4  100 
 100    100  
 3 3 
4   
 7853.98  57.6  57.6

∑a = 14000 ∑ax = ∑ay =

285.1 x 340.6 x 103
103

Distance of centroid from 1 - 1 - axis X  20.36 mm

3
 ax 285.1  10 1 Y
x   20.36 mm
a 14000 100 mm

x CG x
Distance of centroid from 2 - 2 - axis
2 2 Y  24.33 mm
 ay 340.6  10 3
y   24.33 mm
a 14000 20 mm

1 Y

Problem: Dec 2014/ Jan 2015 – 8 marks  Y

10 cm
Locate the centroid of the shaded area as shown in fig

Solution: 15 cm
The given section is divided into 3 components.
R = 4cm
Let the rectangle to the right of O - Y axis be
component (1), triangle be component (2) and the semicircle
be component (3). O X

„x‟ distance measured to the right of O – Y axis is 4 cm

taken +ve, „y‟ distance measured above O - X axis is taken
+ve and „y‟ distance measured below O - X axis is taken Y
10 cm
-ve.

1
15 cm

R = 4cm

O X

4 cm 2

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 MODULE – IV CENTROIDS AND MOMENTS OF INERTIA OF ENGINEERING
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Sl Compone Area – C.D from O - Y C.D from O - X Moment Moment
No nt (a cm2) axis (x) – cm axis (y) - cm of the of the
area area
about O - about O -
Y axis (ax X axis
– cm3) (ay –
cm3)
1 Rectangle 10 x 15 = 15 /2 = 7.5 750 1125
10/2 = 5
–1 150
2 Triangular 1 b h 4 39.96 - 15.96
componen  bh    
t -2 2 3 3 3
1 10  1.33
  10  4   3.33
2 3
 12
3 Deduct 2 - 208.60 - 100.52
 r 4r
Semi –  10 
circular 2 3
componen 2 44 4
 4  10 
t –3 
2 3

 25.13  8.30
∑a = ∑ax = ∑ay =
136.87 581.36 1008.52
X  4.25 cm
Y
Distance of centroid from O - Y axis 10 cm

 ax 581.36
x   4.25 cm
a 136.87
15 cm CG

Distance of centroid from O - X axis R = 4cm

Y  7.37 cm
 ay 1008.52
y   7.37 cm
a 136.87 O X

4 cm

Problem:
Locate the centroid of the plane section as shown in fig.
60 mm

Solution: 1

30 mm
60 mm

30 mm

30 mm
1
30 mm O

2 3
30 mm

30 mm
4
2 2
O
1

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 MODULE – IV CENTROIDS AND MOMENTS OF INERTIA OF ENGINEERING
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Solution:
The given section is divided into 4 components.
Let the triangle to the right of 1-1 axis be component (1), Square be component (2),
another triangle be component (3) and the quadrant be component (4).

Sl Compone Area – C.D from 1 - 1 C.D from 2 - 2 Moment Moment

No nt (a mm2) axis (x) – mm axis (y) - mm of the of the
area area
about 1 -1 about 2 -
axis (ax – 2 axis
mm3) (xy –
mm3)
1 Triangular 1 h 60 9000 45000
component  bh  30   30 
2 b 3 3
-1
1 3  50
  30  60
2 30
  10
 900 3

2 Square 13500 13500

component 2
a = 30 x 30 a/2 = 30/2 a/2 = 30/2 =15
-2

= 900 =15
3 Triangular 1 b 2h 2  30 18000 9000
component  bh  30  
-3 2 3 3 3
1 30  20
  30  30  30 
2 3
 450  40

4 Deduct 2 - 8998.33 - 8998.33

 r 4r 4r
Quadrantal 
component 4 3 3
–4 2 4  30 4  30
  30  
 
4 3 3

 706.86  12.73  12.73

∑a = ∑ax = ∑ay =
1543.14 31501.67 58501.67
Distance of centroid from 1 - 1 axis
 ax 31501 .67 X  20.41 mm
x   20.41 mm 1
Y
a 1543.14

Distance of centroid from 2 - 2 axis

60 mm

 ay 58501 .67
y   37.91 mm CG
a 1543.14 X X
30 mm
30 mm

Y  37.91 mm 30 mm

2 2
O

G. Ravindra Kumar, Associate Prof, Govt Engineering College, Chamarajanagar 1 Y Page 16 of 46

 MODULE – IV CENTROIDS AND MOMENTS OF INERTIA OF ENGINEERING
SECTIONS

Problem: June/ July 2016 – 10 marks y 2m 2m 2m 1m

Locate the centroid of area shown in fig with

respect to the Cartesian coordinate system 1.5 m
shown.

Solution: 6m
The given section is divided into 4
components.
1m x
Let the triangle to the right of 0 -Y axis be
component (1), Rectangle be component (2),
another triangle be component (3) and the y
rectangle be component (4).

7.5 m

5m
6m
3
1

4 1m
x
2m 2m 2m 1m

Sl Component Area – (a C.D from O - Y axis C.D from O - X Moment of Moment of

No m 2) (x) – m axis (y) - m the area the area
about OY about OX
axis (ax – axis
m 3) (xy –m3)
1 Triangular 1 h 6 7.98 12
component  bh  
2 b 2 3 3
-1 2  2
1 3 3 2
 26  6
2  1.33

2 Rectangula bd= 2 x 7.5 =

r 15 2+b/2 = 2+2/2 =3.0 d/2 = 7.5/2 =3.75 45 56.25
component
-2
3 Triangular 1 b h 5 23.35 13.35
component  bh  22 1 1
-3 2 3 3 3
1 2  2.67
 25  4
2 3
5  4.67
4 Rectangula bd = 3 x 1 =3 16.5 1.5
r
2+2+3/2=5.5 1/2 = 0.5
component
–4
∑a = 29 ∑ax = ∑ay =
92.83 83.1

G. Ravindra Kumar, Associate Prof, Govt Engineering College, Chamarajanagar Page 17 of 46

 MODULE – IV CENTROIDS AND MOMENTS OF INERTIA OF ENGINEERING
SECTIONS

Y
Distance of centroid from O - Y axis y 2m 2m 2m 1m
 ax 92.83
x   3.20 mm
a 29 1.5 m

Distance of centroid from O - X axis

 ay 83.1 6m X cg X
y   2.87 mm
a 29
Y  2.87m
1m x

X  3.2m

Problem: 
4m 6m 4m
Determine the cg of the fig shown
Solution:
R = 4m
The given section is divided into 5 4m
components as shown in fig.
Consider reference axis 1-1 at the
left extreme edge of the section.
Consider reference axis 2-2 at the 8m
bottom most edge of the section.
R= 4m
R = 4m
4m

2m 8m 4m 6m

1
4m 6m 4m

5 R = 4m
4m 4

8m

3 R= 4m
R = 4m 2
4m
2 2
2m 8m 4m 6m

G. Ravindra Kumar, Associate Prof, Govt Engineering College, Chamarajanagar Page 18 of 46

 MODULE – IV CENTROIDS AND MOMENTS OF INERTIA OF ENGINEERING
SECTIONS
Sl Compone Area – (a C.D from 1 -1 C.D from 2 - Moment of Moment of
N nt m2) axis (x) – m 2 axis (y) - the area the area
o m about 1 -1 about 2 -2
axis (ax – axis (ay
m3) -m )3

1 Rectangular 14 x 12 h 12 1176 1008

component =168 14 
–1 7 2 2
2 6
2 Triangular 1 b h 4 192 15.96
component  bh  284  
-2 2 3 3 3
1 6  1.33
 64 14   16
2 3
 12
Deduct

3 Semi – 2 - 150.78 - 42.72

 r 4r
circular 
component 2 8 3
2
–3 2 2 44
 4 

2 6 3

 25.13  1.70
4 Square -4x4= 4 - 32 - 160
component - 16 4 8  10
–4 2 2
2
5 Quadrant 2 4r 4r -154.61 -129.47
component  r 14  12 
 
–5 4 3 3
2 44 44
 4  14   12 
 3 3
4
 12.30  10.30
 12.57
∑a = 126.3 ∑ax ∑ay =
=1030.61 691.77

Distance of centroid from 1 - 1 - axis

 ax 1030.61
x   8.16 m
a 126.3

Distance of centroid from 2 - 2 axis

 ay 691.77
y   5.48 m
a 126.3

G. Ravindra Kumar, Associate Prof, Govt Engineering College, Chamarajanagar Page 19 of 46

 MODULE – IV CENTROIDS AND MOMENTS OF INERTIA OF ENGINEERING
SECTIONS

Problem: 
1
Locate the centroid of area shown in fig.
Solution:
Divide the given section into 3 components as
shown in fig. 80mm
1
Consider reference axis 1-1 at the left extreme
end of the triangle.
3
Consider reference axis 2-2 at the bottom most
40mm
edge of the semi-circle. 40mm
2
2 2

Sl Compone Area – (a C.D from 1 -1 C.D from 2 - Moment of Moment of

N nt mm2) axis (x) – mm 2 axis (y) – the area the area
o mm about 1 -1 about 2 -2
axis (ax – axis (ay –
mm3) mm3)
1 Triangle bh 2 h 170.66 x 103 213.344 x
component   80 40  103
–1 2 3 3
80  80  53.33 80
 40 
2 3
 3200  66.67
2 Semi – 2  4r  100.53 x 103 57.91 x 103
 r
circular r  
component 2  3 
–2 2  4  40 
  40 40   40  
 3
2  
 2513.27  23.04

3 circular 2 - 50.27 x 103 - 50.27 x 103

 d
component  
–3 4
2
  40
 40 40
4
 1256.63
∑a = ∑ax = ∑ay =
4456.64 220.92 x 103 220.98x 103

1 Y
Distance of centroid from 1 - 1 - axis
 ax 220.92  10 3 X  49.57 mm
x   49.57mm
a 4456.64 80mm

cg
X X
Distance of centroid from 2 - 2 axis
 ay 220.98  10 3 Y  49.60 mm
40mm
y   49.60 mm 40mm
a 4456.64 2 2
1 Y

G. Ravindra Kumar, Associate Prof, Govt Engineering College, Chamarajanagar Page 20 of 46

 MODULE – IV CENTROIDS AND MOMENTS OF INERTIA OF ENGINEERING
SECTIONS

Problem: June/ July 2017 – 10 marks 

Locate the centroid of the plane area shown in 50 mm
80mm 80mm
fig. 45 mm

Solution: 30 mm
80mm 80 mm
Let us divide the given section into 5
components as shown in fig.
225 mm
Component No 1 – semicircle, Component
No 2 – rectangle, Component No 3 – Left side
Triangle, Component No 4 – right side
triangle and Component No 5 – circle, 1
50 mm 1
80mm
80mm
Consider reference axis 1-1 at the left 45 mm 5

extreme end of the section. 30 mm

Consider reference axis 2-2 at the 2

80mm
80 mm
3 4
bottom most edge. 2 2
225 mm
1

Sl Component Area – (a C.D from 1 -1 C.D from 2 - Moment of Moment of

N mm2) axis (x) – mm 2 axis (y) – the area the area
o mm about 1 -1 about 2 -2
axis (ax – axis (ay –
mm3) mm3)
1 Semi – circular 2 4r 373.07 x 103 397.41 x 103
 r 80 
component –
1 2 3
2 4  50
  50 45 + 50 = 95  80 
 3
2
 101 .2
 3927
2 Rectangular 760 x 103 320 x 103
component –
100 x 80 = 45 + 100 /2 =
2
95 80 /2 = 40
8000
3 Triangle bh 2 h
component –  b
3 2 3 3
45  80 2 80 54 x 103 48.01 x 103
 45 
2 3 3
 1800  30  26.67
4 Triangle bh 1 h
component –  45  100  b
4 2 3
3
80  80 1 80 549.34 x 103 85.34 x 103
145   80
2 3 
3
 3200  171.67
 26.67

G. Ravindra Kumar, Associate Prof, Govt Engineering College, Chamarajanagar Page 21 of 46

 MODULE – IV CENTROIDS AND MOMENTS OF INERTIA OF ENGINEERING
SECTIONS
5 Deduct : 2
 d
Circular  
component – 4
5 2 - 268.61 x 103 - 226.20 x 103
  60
 45 + 50 = 95 80
4
 2827.43
∑a = 14.10 ∑ax = 1.47 x ∑ay = 624.56
x 103 106 x 103

Distance of centroid from 1 - 1 - axis

 ax 1.47  10 6
x   104.26 mm
 a 14.10  10 3

Distance of centroid from 2 - 2 axis

 ay 624.56  10 3
y   44.30 mm
a 14.10  10 3

X  104.26 mm Y
1

50 mm
80mm
80mm
45 mm

30 mm
X 80mm X 80 mm
cg
Y  44.30 mm 2 2
225 mm
1
Y

G. Ravindra Kumar, Associate Prof, Govt Engineering College, Chamarajanagar Page 22 of 46

 MODULE – IV CENTROIDS AND MOMENTS OF INERTIA OF ENGINEERING
SECTIONS

Moment of Inertia: Introduction to the concept, radius of gyration, Parallel axis

theorem, perpendicular axis theorem, Moment of inertia of basic planar figures,
computing Moment of inertia for T, L, I, Z and full / quadrant circular sections and
their built up sections, Numerical problems.

Moment of inertia or second moment of area Y

(I) : Lamina of
Area (A)
Consider a thin lamina of area (A) as shown
in fig. CG
Let X = distance of the cg of area A from OY axis.
X
Let Y = distance of the cg of area A from OX axis. Y
Moment of area about OY axis = Area x
O X
perpendicular distance of cg of area from axis OY
=A X
The above equation is known as first moment of area about the axis OY.
If the moment of the area is again multiplied by the perpendicular distance between
the cg of area and axis OY (i.e., distance X ),

Then the quantity (A X ) x X = A X 2 is known as moment of the area or

second moment of area or moment of inertia about OY axis.
Similarly, A Y 2 is known as moment of the area or second moment of area
or moment of inertia about OX axis.

Hence, the product of the area and the square of the distance of the centre
of gravity of the area from an axis is known as moment of inertia of the
area about that axis.

Theorem:
i) Parallel axis theorem
ii) Perpendicular axis theorem

i) Parallel axis theorem :

Statement “Moment of inertia of a plane lamina about any axis parallel to the
centroidal axis is equal sum of the M.I of the lamina about its centroidal axis and the
product of the area and square of the perpendicular distance between them”.
I1-1 = Ig + Ah2
Elemental Area da

Consider an elemental strip of area „da‟ at

a distance „y‟ from centroidal axis (X – X).
X y X
Moment of inertia of the elemental strip
about the reference axis 1 – 1
h
= da x (h +y) x h +y)
1 1

G. Ravindra Kumar, Associate Prof, Govt Engineering College, Chamarajanagar Page 23 of 46

 MODULE – IV CENTROIDS AND MOMENTS OF INERTIA OF ENGINEERING
SECTIONS

= da x (h +y)2 = da x (h2 +y2 + 2hy)

MI of the entire lamina about 1 – 1 axis = Ah2 + Ay2 + 2Ahy
But, Ay2 = IXX = MI of the lamina about its axis
2Ahy = Moment of area about centroidal axis = 0.
I1 - 1 = Ah2 + IXX = Ig + Ah2
2 Y
X
Similarly,
I2 - 2 = Ax2 + Iyy = Ig + Ax2
I 22  I YY  A X 2  I g  A X 2 cg

Y
2

ii) Perpendicular axis theorem :

The moment of inertia of plane lamina about the centroidal axis perpendicular to the
plane of the lamina is equal to the sum of its moment of inertia about two mutually
perpendicular axis that lie in the plane of the lamina.
i.e., Ixx and Iyy be the moment of inertia of a plane section about two mutually
perpendicular axis XX and YY in the plane of the section, then the moment of inertia
of the section Izz about the axis ZZ, perpendicular to the plane and passing through
the intersection of XX and YY axis is given by
IZZ = Ixx + Iyy
Y
Proof:
A plane section of area A and lying in the plane x – y X da

is shown in fig. let OX and OY be the two mutually

perpendicular axes, and OZ be the perpendicular r y
axis.
Consider a small area „da‟. O X
Let, x = distance of da from the axis OY
y = distance of da from the axis OX Z
r = distance of da from the axis OZ
then, r2 = x2 + y2
Moment of Inertia of da about x – axis
= da x (distance of da from x - axis)2
Moment of Inertia of total area A about x – axis
Ixx = ∑day2
Similarly, Moment of Inertia of total area A about y – axis
Iyy = ∑dax2
Moment of Inertia of total area A about z – axis
Izz = ∑dar2 = ∑da (x2 + y2) = ∑da x2 + ∑da y2) = Ixx + Iyy
Izz = Ixx + Iyy

G. Ravindra Kumar, Associate Prof, Govt Engineering College, Chamarajanagar Page 24 of 46

 MODULE – IV CENTROIDS AND MOMENTS OF INERTIA OF ENGINEERING
SECTIONS

Radius of gyration:
Y
Radius of gyration of a body (or a given Area a3
Area a2 Area a4
lamina) is defined as the distance from an axis of
Area a1
reference where the whole mass (or area) of a
body is assumed to be concentrated so as not to
r1
alter the moment of inertia about the given axis.
Consider a plane area which is split up into
r2
small areas a1, a2, a3 ……etc.
r3
Let the moment of inertia of the plane area
r4
about the given axis is given by X
O

I  a1  r12  a2  r22  a3  r32  a4  r42  ......

I  ar 2
let the whole mass (or area) of a body is concentrated at Y
Y
a distance „k‟ from the axis of reference, then the
Area a1
moment of inertia of the whole area about the given axis
will be equal to Ak2. Area a2
Ak2 = I, then „k‟ is known as radius of gyration about k

the given axis. Area a3

I
k Area a4
A
O Y

Area a1 Area a2 Area a3 Area a4

X X

O X

Moment of inertia of a rectangular section about centroidal X – X axis:

Consider a rectangle having width = b and
b
depth = d.
Let X - X be the horizontal axis passing through
the C.G of the rectangular section. d/2
dy
Consider a rectangular elemental strip of
x y
thickness „dy‟ at a distance „y‟ from the X - X axis. d x
Area of elemental strip da = b x dy
d/2
Moment of inertia of the elemental area about X-X
= da x y2 = bdy x y2 = b y2 dy
Moment of inertia of the whole section will be obtained by integrating the above
equation between the limits – d/2 to + d/2

G. Ravindra Kumar, Associate Prof, Govt Engineering College, Chamarajanagar Page 25 of 46

 MODULE – IV CENTROIDS AND MOMENTS OF INERTIA OF ENGINEERING
SECTIONS
d d
b  d   d  
3 3
2
 y3  2
I XX   b  y dy  b   
2
       
d
2
 3   d 2 3  2   2  

b  d3   d3  b  d3 d3  b  d3  d3 
I XX              
3  8   8  3  8 8  3  8 
bd3
I XX 
12
db 3
Similarly, I YY 
12
Moment of inertia of a rectangular section about
base: b
Consider a rectangle having width = b and
depth = d.
Consider a rectangular elemental strip of thickness
„dy‟ at a distance „y‟ from the base 1-1.
d
Area of elemental strip da = b x dy
dy
Moment of inertia of the elemental area about base 1-1.
y
= da x y2 = bdy x y2 = b y2 dy 1 1
Moment of inertia of the whole section will be obtained by
integrating the above equation between the limits 0 to d.
d d
 y3  d3
I XX   b  y dy  b     b 
2

0  3 0 3
bd3
I XX 
3
db 3
Similarly, I YY 
3
Y
Moment of inertia of a Hollow rectangular section:
Moment of inertia of bigger section about X – X axis B
b
BD 3
I XX  D
12
x x
Moment of inertia of cut section about X – X axis
d
bd3
I XX 
12
IXX of the hollow section = IXX of bigger section – IXX of cut section Y
3 3
BD bd
IXX of the hollow section = 
12 12

G. Ravindra Kumar, Associate Prof, Govt Engineering College, Chamarajanagar Page 26 of 46

 MODULE – IV CENTROIDS AND MOMENTS OF INERTIA OF ENGINEERING
SECTIONS

Moment of inertia of a Circular section: Y

Consider circular section of radius „R‟ with „O‟ as centre.
Consider an elementary circular ring of radius „r‟ R
and thickness „dr‟. dr

Area of elementary circular ring = 2r x dr X r X

O
Moment of inertia is calculated with respect to Z –
Z axis and then MI about X – X axis and Y – Y axis is
obtained by applying perpendicular axis theorem.
IZZ = Area of ring x (radius of ring from O)2.
Y
IZZ = (2r x dr) x r2
IZZ = 2 r3 dr
Moment of inertia of the whole circular section is obtained by integrating above
equation between the limits 0 to R.
R R R
r4  r4   r4
I ZZ   2r dr  2  r dr  2    2  R
3 3

0 0
4 0 4 2
D
But R D is the diameter of the circular section
2
4
 D   D4
I ZZ    
2 2 32
From the theorem of perpendicular axis
Izz = Ixx + Iyy
But due to symmetry, Ixx = Iyy
Ixx = Iyy = Izz / 2
1   D4
I XX  
2 32
  D4
I XX   I YY
64
 R4
I XX  I YY 
4

Moment of inertia of a Hollow Circular section: Y

Let D = diameter of outer circle and d = diameter of
cut out circle
D

Moment of inertia of outer circle about X - X axis X X

d O
  D4
I XX 
64
Moment of inertia of cut out circle about X - X axis
  d4 Y
I XX 
64

G. Ravindra Kumar, Associate Prof, Govt Engineering College, Chamarajanagar Page 27 of 46

 MODULE – IV CENTROIDS AND MOMENTS OF INERTIA OF ENGINEERING
SECTIONS

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

  D4   d4
I XX  
64 64

I XX 
64

 D 4  d4 

Similarly, I YY 
64

 D 4  d4 

Moment of inertia of a Semi - Circular section:

Y
Consider semi - circular section of radius „R‟ with „O‟ as
centre.
dr
Consider an elementary semi - circular ring of x x
R
radius „r‟ and thickness „dr‟. A r B
Area of elementary circular ring = r x dr O
Moment of inertia is calculated with respect to Z – Y
Z axis and then MI about X – X axis and Y – Y axis is
obtained by applying perpendicular axis theorem.
IZZ = Area of ring x (radius of ring from O)2.
IZZ = (r x dr) x r2
IZZ =  r3 dr
Moment of inertia of the whole circular section is obtained by integrating above
equation between the limits 0 to R.
R R R
r4  R4  R4
I ZZ   r dr    r dr       
3 3

0 0
4 0 4 4
From the theorem of perpendicular axis
Izz = IAB + Iyy
But due to symmetry, IAB = Iyy
IAB = Iyy = Izz / 2
1  R4  R4
IAB   
2 4 8
4R
Centroidal axis X – X acts at a distance y  from base AB
3
Applying parallel axis theorem:
Moment of inertia about base AB = Moment of inertia about cg + Area x (Distance
between X – X and AB)2.
2
I A B  Ig  A Y  Ig = Ixx
2
2  R4   R2  4R  4 4
I XX  I A B  A  Y      0.393R  0.283R
8 2  3 
I XX  0.11  R 4

G. Ravindra Kumar, Associate Prof, Govt Engineering College, Chamarajanagar Page 28 of 46

 MODULE – IV CENTROIDS AND MOMENTS OF INERTIA OF ENGINEERING
SECTIONS

Moment of inertia of a Quadrant section:

Moment of inertia of a Equilateral A

Triangle:

Consider a triangle ABC with base h-y

width „b‟ and height „h‟.
Consider a elemental strip „DE‟ of h
D E
width „b1‟ and thickness „dy‟ at a distance dy
b1
„y‟ from the reference axis 1 – 1 or
y
(base BC) .
1 1
From the similar triangles „ABC‟
B b C
and „ADE‟.
b1 h- y

b h
h - y   y
b1     b  1    b
 h   h
Area of elemental strip da = b1 x dy

G. Ravindra Kumar, Associate Prof, Govt Engineering College, Chamarajanagar Page 29 of 46

 MODULE – IV CENTROIDS AND MOMENTS OF INERTIA OF ENGINEERING
SECTIONS

 y 
da  1    b  dy
 h 
Moment of inertia of the elemental area about base BC = da x y2 =
 y   2  2 y 3  
  1    b   dy   y  
 y   bdy 
 h    h  

Moment of inertia of the whole triangle about the base BC

h h
 y3   y3 y4 
IBC   b   y 2  dy  b    
0  h   3 4h 0
 h3 h 4   4h 4  3h 4  bh 4
IBC 
 b  
  b   12h   12h
 3 4h   
Y
bh 3 A
IBC 
12
Moment of inertia of the Triangular section about 2h/3
an axis (centroidal) passing through the cg and
parallel to the base: h X X
Centroidal axis X – X acts at a distance cg
h h/3
y  from base
3 B b C
Applying parallel axis theorem: Y
Moment of inertia about base BC = Moment of inertia
about cg + Area x (Distance between X – X and BC)2.
2
IBC  I g  A Y  Ig = Ixx
2
h bh3 bh h2 bh3 bh3 3bh3  2bh3
I XX  IBC  A       
3 12 2 9 12 18 36
bh 3
I XX 
36
Moment of inertia of the Triangular section about an symmetrical Y – Y
axis passing through the cg:

The triangle is symmetrical about vertical axis (Y – Y ) axis.

I YY
h b

 2 2
    hb
3
3


 12  48
 

G. Ravindra Kumar, Associate Prof, Govt Engineering College, Chamarajanagar Page 30 of 46

 MODULE – IV CENTROIDS AND MOMENTS OF INERTIA OF ENGINEERING
SECTIONS

Area’s and Moment of Inertia’s about X and Y axis:

Shape Figure Area M.I about X – X M.I about Y – Y
axis axis
Rectangle
b
bd 3 db 3
I xx  I YY 
12 12
d x x bd
bd 3 db 3
I base  I leftedge 
3 3

Hollow
Rectangle
B
b
D BD 3 bd 3
I xx   DB3 db 3
x x 12 12 I YY  
12 12
BD - bd
d I xx 
1
12

BD3  bd3  I YY 
1

DB3  db 3 
12

Triangle Y
X
bh 3
h I xx 
X X bh 36 hb 3
I YY 
cg Y h/3 2 bh 3 48
I base 
b Y 12

Right
angled X Y
bh 3 hb 3
triangle I xx  I YY 
bh 36 36
h
X X 2 bh 3 hb 3
cg I base  I leftedge 
Y h/3 12 12
b Y

Triangle
Y
X
To be determined
h 1 Lh 3
X X  Lh I xx  by considering two
cg h/3 2 36 separate triangles
Y
a Y b
L

G. Ravindra Kumar, Associate Prof, Govt Engineering College, Chamarajanagar Page 31 of 46

 MODULE – IV CENTROIDS AND MOMENTS OF INERTIA OF ENGINEERING
SECTIONS

Circular

D 2 D 4 D 4
I xx  I YY 
4 64 64
or R 4 R 4
I XX  I YY 
D R 2 4 4

Hollow
circular
D 4 d 4 D 4 d 4
I xx   I YY  
64 64 64 64
 
I xx 
64
D 4
 d4  I YY 
64
D 4
 d4 

Semicircle R 2
Y
X 2
Or
X c X I xx  0.11  R 4
g 1 D 2
 R4
4R/3π Y   R4 I YY 
2 4 IBase  8
R
Y
8
D

Quarter R 2
Circle X 4
Y OR
2
I xx  0.055  R 4
1 D
cg  R 4 I YY  0.055  R 4
X X 4 4 I11  I 22 
16
4R/3π Y
Y
R

G. Ravindra Kumar, Associate Prof, Govt Engineering College, Chamarajanagar Page 32 of 46

 MODULE – IV CENTROIDS AND MOMENTS OF INERTIA OF ENGINEERING
SECTIONS

Problem: 
Find the moment of inertia about centroidal X – X axis and Y – Y axis of the angle
section with measurements 100 x 80 x 20 mm
20 mm
Solution:
Divide the given section into 2 components as
shown in fig.
Consider reference axis 1-1 at the left extreme
edge of component 2 and reference axis 2-2 at the 80 mm
bottom most edge of component 1.
20 mm

20 mm
100 mm
1

60 mm
2

1 20 mm

2 100 mm 2
1

Distance of centroid from reference axis 1 - 1

 ax 112  10 3
x   35 mm
a 3200
Distance of centroid from reference axis 2 - 2
 ay 80  10 3
y   25 mm
a 3200
I1 -1  I gy  ax 2  1.71  10 6  5.12  10 6  6.83  10 6 mm 4

I1-1  I yy  a x  2

 ax 
2
I yy  I1-1  6.83  10 6  3200  35 2  2.91  10 6 mm 4

I 2 - 2  I gx  ay 2  426.67  10 3  3.2  10 6  3.63  10 6 mm 4

I 2 - 2  I xx  a y 2

 ay 
2
I yy  I 2 - 2  3.63  10 6  3200  25 2  1.63  10 6 mm 4

G. Ravindra Kumar, Associate Prof, Govt Engineering College, Chamarajanagar Page 33 of 46

 MODULE – IV CENTROIDS AND MOMENTS OF INERTIA OF ENGINEERING SECTIONS

Sl Compone Area – (a C.D from C.D from Moment of the Moment of Moment of Moment of MI about its MI about its
No nt mm2) 1 -1 axis 2 -2 axis area about 1 -1 the moment the area the moment centroidal centroidal
(x) - mm (y) – mm axis (ax – of area about 2 -2 of area axis - Igx - axis - IgY -
mm3) about 1 -1 axis about 2 -2 mm4 mm4
axis (ax2 – (ay – mm3) axis (aY2 –
mm4) mm4)
1 Rectangle 100 x 100/2 = 50 20/2 = 10 100 x 103 5 x 106 20 x 103 200 x 103 3 3
bd db
–1 20bgtbggg I gx  I gy 
.++ = 2000 12 12
3 3
100  20 20  100
 
12 12
3 6
 66.67  10  1.67  10

2 Rectangle 20 x 60 = 20/2 = 10 20 + 60 /2 12 x 103 120 x 103 60 x 103 3 x 106 3 3

bd db
–2 1200 = 50 I gx  I gy 
12 12
3 3
20  60 60  20
 
12 12
3 3
 360  10  40  10
2 2
∑a = 3200 ∑ax ∑ax ∑ay = ∑ay = ∑Igx = ∑Igy =
= 112 x 103 =5.12 x 106 80 x 103 3.2 x 106 426.67x 103 1.71 x 106

G. Ravindra Kumar, Associate Prof, Govt Engineering College, Chamarajanagar Page 34 of 46

 MODULE – IV CENTROIDS AND MOMENTS OF INERTIA OF ENGINEERING
SECTIONS

Problem:
Find the moment of inertia of a hollow section shown
in fig about an axis passing through its centre of 100 mm
150 mm
gravity and parallel to X – X axis

300 mm
Solution:
Divide the given section into 2 components as shown
in fig.
Consider reference axis 1-1 at the bottom
most edge of component 1.
200 mm

100 mm
150 mm

2 300 mm

1 1

200 mm
Sl Component Area – C.D Moment of Moment of MI about its
No (a mm2) from the area the moment centroidal
1-1 axis about 1 -1 of area axis - Igx -
(y) – axis about 1-1 mm4
mm (ay – mm3) axis
(aY2 –
mm4)
1 Rectangle 200 x 300 = 300/2 = 9 x 106 1.35 x 109 3
bd
component 60,000 150 I gx 
–1 12
3
200  300

12
6
 450  10

2 Deduct  d
2 200 3.53 x 106 706.86 x 106  d
4
circle
component – 4 64
2 2 4
  150   150
 
4 64
3 6
 17.68  10  24.85  10

∑a =77.68 ∑ay = ∑Igx =

x 103 12.53 x 474.85 x
103 106

G. Ravindra Kumar, Associate Prof, Govt Engineering College, Chamarajanagar Page 35 of 46

 MODULE – IV CENTROIDS AND MOMENTS OF INERTIA OF ENGINEERING
SECTIONS
Problem: June/ July 2016 – 14 marks 14 CIV
30 mm 50 mm
13/23 
Determine the second moment of area about
the horizontal centroidal axis as shown in fig. Also 30 mm
find radius of gyration.
Solution:
40 mm
The given section is divided into 3
components as shown in fig. 20
Consider reference axis 1-1 at the bottom most edge mm
20 20
of component 1.
30 mm 50 mm mm mm

30 mm 2

40 mm 1
3 20
1 1
mm
20 20
mm mm
Sl Component Area – C.D from Moment Moment MI about its
No (a mm2) 1-1 axis (y) of the of the centroidal axis -
– mm area moment Igx - mm4
about 1 of area
-1 axis about 1-1
(ay – axis (aY2
mm3) – mm4)
1 Rectangular 80 x 40 = 3200 40 64 x 103 1.28 x 106 3
 20 bd
component I gx 
-1 2 12
3
80  40

12
3
 426.67  10
2 Triangular 1 1 60 x 103 3 x 106 3
 bh  40  h  bh
component I gx 
-2 2 3 36
1 30 3
  80  30 40   50 80  30
2 3 
36
 1200
3
 60  10
3 Deduct: 2 0.424 x r - 5328.15 - 45.20 x - 0.11 x r4
Semi-circular  r = 0.424 x 20 103 = - 0.11 x 204

component - 2 = 8.48 = - 17600
3 3
  20

2
 628.32
∑a =3771.68 ∑ay = ∑ay2 = ∑Igx
118.67 x 4.23 x 106 = 469.07 x 103
103

G. Ravindra Kumar, Associate Prof, Govt Engineering College, Chamarajanagar Page 36 of 46

 MODULE – IV CENTROIDS AND MOMENTS OF INERTIA OF ENGINEERING
SECTIONS

Distance of centroid from reference axis 1 - 1

 ay 118.67  10 3
y   31.46 mm
a 3771 .69
I1-1  I gx  ay 2  469.07  10 3  4.23  10 6  4.70  10 6 mm4

I1-1  I xx  a y 2

 ay 
2
I xx  I1-1  4.70  10 6  3771 .69  31.46 2  967.04  10 3 mm 4

RADIUS OF GYRATION:
I xx 967.04  10 3
Radius of gyration k     16mm
a 3771 .69

Problem: June/ July 2016 – 10 marks 15

CIV 13/23 
100 mm
Find the moment of inertia of the region in
fig about horizontal axis 1-1 and also find the
1 1
radius of gyration about the same axis.
150 mm 100 mm

Solution:
Let us divide the given section into 3
2
components as shown in fig. 100 mm
3
Component No 1 – Triangle, 1
Component No 2 – Square and Component
1 1
No 3 – Quadrant.
150 mm 100 mm
Consider reference axis 1-1 at the bottom
most edge.

Sl Compone Area – C.D from Moment Moment MI about its

N nt (a mm2) 1-1 axis (y) of the of the centroidal axis
o – mm area moment - Igx - mm4
about 1 - of area
1 axis about 1-
(ay – 1 axis
mm3) (aY2 –
mm4)

G. Ravindra Kumar, Associate Prof, Govt Engineering College, Chamarajanagar Page 37 of 46

 MODULE – IV CENTROIDS AND MOMENTS OF INERTIA OF ENGINEERING
SECTIONS
1 Triangular 1 1 249.98 x 8.33x 106 3
 bh  h  bh
component 103 I gx 
-1 2 3 36
1 100 3
  150  100 150  100
2 3 
36
 7500  33.33
3
 4.17  10
2 Square 100 x 100 100/2 = 50 500 x 103 25 x 106 3
bd
component = 10 x 103 I gx 
–2 12
3
100  100

12
6
 8.33  10
3 Deduct 1 0.424 r = - 333 x - 14.12 x 4
  r
2  0.055r
Quadrant 4 0.424 x 100 103 106
component = 42.4 4
2  0.055  100
–3   100
  6
4  5.5  10
 7853.98
∑a = 9646.02 ∑ay = ∑ay2 = ∑Igx =
416.97 x 19.21 x 2.83 x 106
103 106

Distance of centroid from reference axis 1 - 1

 ay 416.97  10 3
y   43.32 mm
a 9626 .02
I1-1  I gx  ay 2  2.83  10 6  19.21  10 6  22.04  10 6 mm 4

I1-1  I xx  a y 2

 ay 
2
I xx  I1-1  22.04  10 6  9646.02  43.32 2  3.94  10 6 mm 4

RADIUS OF GYRATION:
I xx 3.94  10 6
Radius of gyration k     20.23 mm
a 9626 .02

G. Ravindra Kumar, Associate Prof, Govt Engineering College, Chamarajanagar Page 38 of 46

 MODULE – IV CENTROIDS AND MOMENTS OF INERTIA OF ENGINEERING
SECTIONS

Problem: Dec 2015/ Jan 2016 – 8 marks 

30 mm
Determine the moment of inertia and radii of
gyration of the area shown in fig about the base AB
and centroidal axis parallel to AB. 30 mm

30 mm
Solution:
20 mm

40 mm 40 mm

Sl Component Area – C.D from 1-1 Moment Moment MI about its

No (a mm2) axis (y) – mm of the of the centroidal
area moment axis - Igx -
about 1 of area mm4
-1 axis about 1-
(ay – 1 axis
mm3) (aY2 –
mm4)
1 Triangular 1 1 135 x 103 4.05 x 106 3
 bh  h bh
component I gx 
2 3 36
1 1 3
  100  90   90 100  90
2 3 
36
 4500  30
6
 2.025  10
3
2 Deduct: 20 x 30 30 + 30/2 - 27 x 10 -1.215 x 3
bd
Rectangular = - 600 = 45 106 I gx  
component 12
3
20  30

12
3
 45  10
∑a =3900 ∑ay = ∑ay2 = ∑Igx = 1.98
108 x 2.835 x x 106
103 106

Distance of centroid from base A - B.

 ay 108  10 3
y   27.69 mm
a 3900
I A-B  I gx  ay 2  1.98  10 6  2.835  10 6  4.815  10 6 mm4

I A - B  I xx  a y 2

 ay 
2
I xx  I A - B  4.815  10 6  3900  27.69 2  1.825  10 6 mm 4

G. Ravindra Kumar, Associate Prof, Govt Engineering College, Chamarajanagar Page 39 of 46

 MODULE – IV CENTROIDS AND MOMENTS OF INERTIA OF ENGINEERING
SECTIONS

RADIUS OF GYRATION:
IAB 4.815  10 6
Radius of gyration about base AB k A B     35.14 mm
a 3900
I XX 1.825  10 6
Radius of gyration about Centroidal axis X - X k XX     21.63 mm
a 3900

Problem: 
Determine the moment of inertia of the area shown in 30 mm
fig about the base AB.
30 mm
Solution:
30 mm

A 90 mm B

Sl Component Area – C.D from 1-1 Moment Moment MI about its

No (a mm2) axis (y) – mm of the of the centroidal
area moment axis - Igx -
about 1 of area mm4
-1 axis about 1-
(ay – 1 axis
mm3) (aY2 –
mm4)
1 Triangular 1 1 121.5 x 3.65 x 106 3
 bh  h bh
component 103 I gx 
2 3 36
1 1 3
  90  90   90 90  90
2 3 
36
 4050  30
6
 1.82  10
2 Deduct  d
2
30 - 31.81 x - 1.43 x  d
4
circle  30  103 106 
component 4 2 64
–2   30
2  45   30
4
  
4 64
 706.86 3
 39.76  10
∑a = 3343.14 ∑ay = ∑ay2 = ∑Igx = 1.78
89.69 x 2.22 x x 106
103 106

Distance of centroid from base A - B.

 ay 89.69  10 3
y   26.83 mm
a 3343.14
I A - B  I gx  ay 2  1.78  10 6  2.22  10 6  4.0  10 6 mm4

G. Ravindra Kumar, Associate Prof, Govt Engineering College, Chamarajanagar Page 40 of 46

 MODULE – IV CENTROIDS AND MOMENTS OF INERTIA OF ENGINEERING
SECTIONS

Problem:
Determine the moment of inertia of the shaded area
shown in fig about the X - X axis.
Solution: 80mm

X X
Sl Component MI about its
40mm
No centroidal axis – Ixx
- mm4 40mm
1 Triangular 3
bh
component I xx 
12
3
80  80

12
6
 3.41  10
2 Semi –  r
4
circular I xx 
component 8
4
  40

8
6
 1.01  10
3 Deduct:  d
4
Circular I xx  
component 64
4
  40

64
3
 125.66  10
∑Ixx =4.29 x 106

Problem: 
Determine the second moment of the area about the
horizontal centroidal axis as shown in fig. Also determine
radius of gyration.
80mm
Solution: 1
Divide the given section into 3 components as
shown in fig. X 3 X
Consider reference axis 1-1 at the bottom most 40mm
edge of the semi-circle. 2 40mm

1 1

G. Ravindra Kumar, Associate Prof, Govt Engineering College, Chamarajanagar Page 41 of 46

 MODULE – IV CENTROIDS AND MOMENTS OF INERTIA OF ENGINEERING
SECTIONS
Sl Component Area – C.D from 1-1 Moment Moment MI about its
No (a mm2) axis (y) – mm of the of the centroidal axis
area moment - Igx - mm4
about 1 of area
-1 axis about 1-1
(ay – axis (aY2 –
mm3) mm4)
1 Triangular bh h 213.34 x 14.22 x 106 3
 40  bh
component 103 I xx 
–1 2 3 12
80  80 80 3
 40  80  80
2 3 
12
 3200  66.67
6
 3.41  10
2 Semi – 2 57.91 x 1.33 x 106  r
4
 r  4r  103 I xx 
circular r  
component 2  3  8
–2 4
2  4  40    40
  40   40  
 
2  3  8
 2513.27  23.04 6
 1.01  10
6
3 Deduct: 2 - 50.27 x 2.01 x 10  d
4
 d
Circular   103 I xx  
component 4 64
–3 4
2   40
  40 
 40
4 64
 1256.63 3
 125.66  10
2
∑a = ∑ay = ∑ay = ∑Igx =4.29 x
4456.64 220.98 x 17.56 x 106
103 106

Distance of centroid from 1 - 1 axis

 ay 220.98  10 3
y   49.60 mm
a 4456.64
I1-1  I gx  ay 2  4.29  10 6  17.56  10 6  21.85  10 6 mm4

I1-1  I xx  a y 2

 ay 
2
I xx  I1-1  21.85  10 6  4456 .64  49.60 2  10.89  10 6 mm 4

RADIUS OF GYRATION:
I xx 10.89  10 6
Radius of gyration k     49.43mm
a 4456 .64

G. Ravindra Kumar, Associate Prof, Govt Engineering College, Chamarajanagar Page 42 of 46

 MODULE – IV CENTROIDS AND MOMENTS OF INERTIA OF ENGINEERING
SECTIONS

Problem: June / July 2015 – 12 marks  Y

Find the moment of inertia of the lamina shown in
fig about its horizontal (xx) centroidal axis
(unshaded area) 100 mm
40 mm
Solution:
Let us divide the given section into 3 20 mm
components as shown in fig. X
100 mm
Component No 1 – Triangle, Component No
2 – semicircle, Component No 3 – rectangle. Y

Consider reference axis 1-1 at the bottom most edge.

100 mm
2 40 mm
3

1
20 mm
1 1
100 mm

Sl Component Area – C.D from 1-1 Moment Moment MI about its

No (a mm2) axis (y) – mm of the of the centroidal axis
area moment - Igx -
about 1 of area mm4
-1 axis about 1-
(ay – 1 axis
mm3) (aY2 –
mm4)
1 Triangular 1 1 166.67 x 5.56 x 106 3
 bh  h bh
component 103 I gx 
–1 2 3 36
1 1 3
  100  100   100 100  100
2 3 
36
 5000  33.33
6
 2.78  10
2 Semi – 2 196.35 x 9.82x 106  r
4
 r
circular 103 I xx 
component 2 8
–2 4
2 = 50   50
  50 
 8
2
 3927 6
 2.45  10
6
3 Deduct: 20 x 40 = 50 - 40 x -2 x 10 3
bd
Rectangular = - 800 103 I gx  
component 12
–3 3
20  40
 
12
3
 106.67  10
∑a =8127 ∑ay = ∑ay2 = ∑Igx = 5.12
323.02 13.38 x x 106
x 103 106

G. Ravindra Kumar, Associate Prof, Govt Engineering College, Chamarajanagar Page 43 of 46

 MODULE – IV CENTROIDS AND MOMENTS OF INERTIA OF ENGINEERING
SECTIONS

Distance of centroid from 1 - 1 axis

 ay 323.02  10 3
y   39.75 mm
a 8127
I1-1  I gx  ay 2  5.12  10 6  13.38  10 6  18.5  10 6 mm4

I1 -1  I xx  a y 2

 ay 
2
I xx  I1 -1  18.5  10 6  8127  39.75 2  5.66  10 6 mm 4

Problem: Dec 07 / Jan 08 - 06 Civ 13 / 23

Determine the second moment of the area about the horizontal centroidal axis as
shown in fig. Also determine radius of gyration.

G. Ravindra Kumar, Associate Prof, Govt Engineering College, Chamarajanagar Page 44 of 46

 MODULE – IV CENTROIDS AND MOMENTS OF INERTIA OF ENGINEERING
SECTIONS

Problem: June/ July 2017 – 10 marks  100 mm

For the cross section shown in fig, calculate the MI

10mm
about the centroidal axis parallel to top edge. Also
determine the radius of gyration. 15 mm
35 mm
Solution: 80mm

Divide the given section into 3 components as shown

25 mm
in fig.
Consider reference axis 1-1 at the bottom most edge of the
section. 100 mm
25 mm
80mm

10mm

15 mm
80mm 35 mm

25 mm
1 1

25 mm
Sl Component Area – C.D from Moment of Moment
80mm MI about its
No (a mm2) 1-1 axis (y) the area of the centroidal axis
– mm about 1 -1 moment - Igx - mm4
axis of area
(ay – mm3) about 1-1
axis (aY2 –
mm4)
1 Square 25 x 25 d 7812.5 97.66 x 103 3
component = 625 bd
2 I xx 
–1 12
25 3
 25  25
2 
12
 12.5
3
 32.55  10
3
2 Rectangular 15 x 35 22.31 x 10 948.28 x 3
component = 525 d 103 bd
25  I xx 
–2 2 12
35 3
15  35
 25  
2 12
 42.5 3
 53.60  10
3 6
3 Rectangular 100 x 10 65 x 10 4.23 x 10 3
component = 1000
d bd
25  35  I xx 
–3 2 12
10 3
 60  100  10

2 12
 65  8333.33
∑a = 2150 ∑ay = ∑ay2 = ∑Igx = 94.48 x
95.12 x 5.28 x 106 103
103

G. Ravindra Kumar, Associate Prof, Govt Engineering College, Chamarajanagar Page 45 of 46

 MODULE – IV CENTROIDS AND MOMENTS OF INERTIA OF ENGINEERING
SECTIONS

Distance of centroid from 1 - 1 axis

 ay 95.12  10 3
y   44.24 mm
a 2150
I1-1  I gx  ay 2  94.48  10 3  5.28  10 6  5.37  10 6 mm 4

I1-1  I xx  a y 2

 ay 
2
I xx  I1-1  5.37  10 6  2150  44.24 2  1.16  10 6 mm 4

RADIUS OF GYRATION:
I xx 1.16  10 6
Radius of gyration k     23.23mm
a 2150

G. Ravindra Kumar, Associate Prof, Govt Engineering College, Chamarajanagar Page 46 of 46