Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman

CHAPTER 2a: FORCE VECTORS

Prepared by KS Woon @
2013,ohb 2014

Chapter Outline
1. Scalars and Vectors
2. Vector Operations
3. Vector Addition of Forces
4. Addition of a System of Coplanar Forces
5. Cartesian Vectors
6. Addition and Subtraction of Cartesian Vectors
7. Position Vectors
8. Force Vector Directed along a Line
9. Dot Product
10. Cross Product

2.1 Scalars and Vectors

Scalar
A quantity characterized by a positive or negative
number.
Indicated by letters in italic such as A.
e.g. Mass, volume and length.

2.1 Scalars and Vectors

Vector
A quantity that has magnitude and direction,
e.g. position, force and moment
r
Represent by a letter with an arrow over it, A
r
Magnitude is designated as A
In this subject, vector is presented as A and its
magnitude (positive quantity) as A

2.2 Vector Operations

Multiplication and Division of a Vector by a Scalar
- Product of vector A and scalar a = aA
- Magnitude = aA
- Law of multiplication applies e.g. A/a = ( 1/a ) A, a0

2.2 Vector Operations

Vector Addition
- Addition of two vectors A and B gives a resultant
vector R by the parallelogram law.
- Resultant of R can be found by triangle construction.

2.2 Vector Operations

Vector Addition

- Hence, R = A + B = B + A
- Special case: Vectors A and B are collinear (both
have the same line of action)

2.2 Vector Operations

Vector Subtraction
- The resultant of the difference between two vectors
A and B of the same type may be expressed as:
R = A B = A + ( - B )
- Rules of Vector Addition Applies.

2.3 Vector Addition of Forces

2.3.1 Finding a Resultant Force
Parallelogram law is carried out to find the resultant
force

Resultant,
FR = ( F1 + F2 )

2.3 Vector Addition of Forces

Procedure for Analysis
a)Parallelogram Law
Make a sketch using the parallelogram law
2 components forces add to form the resultant force
Resultant force is shown by the diagonal of the
parallelogram
The components is shown by the sides of the
parallelogram

2.3 Vector Addition of Forces

Procedure for Analysis
b)Trigonometry
Redraw half portion of the parallelogram
Magnitude of the resultant force can be determined
by the law of cosines.
Direction of the resultant force, and magnitude of
the two components can be determined by the law
of sines.

Example 2.1
The screw eye is subjected to two forces, F1 and F2.
Determine the magnitude and direction of the resultant
force.

Solution
Parallelogram Law
Unknown: magnitude of FR and angle

Solution
Trigonometry
Law of Cosines

(100 N )2 + (150 N )2 2(100 N )(150 N ) cos115o

10000 + 22500 30000( 0.4226 ) = 212.6 N = 213 N

FR =
=

Law of Sines
150 N 212.6 N
=
sin sin 115o
150 N
sin =
(0.9063)
212.6 N
= 39.8o

Example (add on)

The device is used for surgical replacement of the knee
joint. If the force acting along the leg is 360 N, determine
its components along the x and y axes.

2.3 Vector Addition of Forces

Self Reading..
More examples and practices can be found in:
Hibbeler, R. C. (2004) Engineering mechanics
statics. 13th ed. Pearson Prentice Hall, Chapter 2

2.4 Addition of a System of Coplanar Forces

Scalar Notation
x and y axes are designated positive and negative
Components of forces expressed as algebraic
scalars

F = Fx + Fy
Fx = F cos and Fy = F sin

2.4 Addition of a System of Coplanar Forces

Cartesian Vector Notation
Cartesian unit vectors i and j are used to designate
the x and y directions
Unit vectors i and j have dimensionless magnitude
of unity ( = 1 )
Magnitude is always a positive quantity,
represented by scalars Fx and Fy

F = Fx i + Fy j

2.4 Addition of a System of Coplanar Forces

Coplanar Force Resultants
To determine resultant of several coplanar forces:
Resolve force into x and y components
Addition of the respective components using scalar
algebra
Resultant force is found using the parallelogram
law
Cartesian vector notation:
F1 = F1x i + F1 y j
F2 = F2 xi + F2 y j
F3 = F3 xi F3 y j

2.4 Addition of a System of Coplanar Forces

Coplanar Force Resultants
Vector resultant is therefore

FR = F1 + F2 + F3

= (FRx )i + (FRy ) j

If scalar notation are used

FRx = F1x F2 x + F3 x
FRy = F1 y + F2 y F3 y

2.4 Addition of a System of Coplanar Forces

Coplanar Force Resultants
In all cases we have

FRx = Fx
FRy = Fy

* Take note of sign conventions

Magnitude of FR can be found by Pythagorean Theorem

FR = F + F
2
Rx

2
Ry

and = tan

-1

FRy
FRx

Example 2.5
Determine x and y components of F1 and F2 acting on the
boom. Express each force as a Cartesian vector.

Solution
Scalar Notation:

F1x = 200 sin 30o N = 100 N = 100 N

F1 y = 200 cos 30o N = 173N = 173N
Hence, from the slope triangle, we have
5
12

= tan1

Solution
By similar triangles we have
12
F2 x = 260 = 240 N
13

5
F2 y = 260 = 100 N
13
Scalar Notation: F = 240 N
2x

F2 y = 100 N = 100 N
Cartesian Vector Notation:

F1 = { 100i + 173 j}N

F2 = {240i 100 j}N

Example 2.6
The link is subjected to two forces F1 and F2. Determine
the magnitude and orientation of the resultant force.

Solution I
Scalar Notation:
FRx = Fx :
FRx = 600 cos 30o N 400 sin 45o N
= 236.8 N
FRy = Fy :
FRy = 600 sin 30o N + 400 cos 45o N
= 582.8 N

Solution I
Resultant Force

FR =

(236.8 N )2 + (582.8 N )2

= 629 N
From vector addition, direction angle is

582.8 N

236.8 N

= tan 1
= 67.9o

Solution II
Cartesian Vector Notation:
F1 = { 600cos30i + 600sin30j } N
F2 = { -400sin45i + 400cos45j } N
Thus,
FR = F1 + F2
= (600cos30N - 400sin45N)i
+ (600sin30N + 400cos45N)j
= {236.8i + 582.8j}N
The magnitude and direction of FR are determined in the
same manner as before.

Example (add on)

Calculate the magnitude of FA and its direction , so that
the resultant force is directed along the positive x axis
and has a magnitude of 1250 N.

2.5 Cartesian Vectors

Right-Handed Coordinate System:
A rectangular or Cartesian coordinate system is said
to be right-handed provided:
Thumb of right hand points in the direction of the
positive z axis
z-axis for the 2D problem would be perpendicular,
directed out of the page.

2.5 Cartesian Vectors

Rectangular Components of a Vector:
A vector A may have one, two or three rectangular
components along the x, y and z axes, depending on
orientation
By two successive application of the parallelogram law
A = A + Az
A = Ax + Ay
Combing the equations,
A can be expressed as:

A = Ax + Ay + Az

2.5 Cartesian Vectors

Unit Vector:
Direction of A can be specified using unit vectors, i,
j ,k to designate the directions of x, y, z axes
respectively.
Unit vector has a magnitude of 1.
The positive Cartesian unit vectors are shown in
figure below.

2.5 Cartesian Vectors

Cartesian Vector Representations:
3 components of A act in the positive i, j and k
directions
A = Axi + Ayj + AZk
*Note the magnitude and direction
of each components are separated,
easing vector algebraic operations.

2.5 Cartesian Vectors

Magnitude of a Cartesian Vector:
From the colored triangle, A =
From the shaded triangle, A' =
Combining the equations
gives magnitude of A.

A = Ax2 + Ay2 + Az2

A'2 + Az2
Ax2 + Ay2

2.5 Cartesian Vectors

Direction of a Cartesian Vector:
Orientation of A is defined as the coordinate
direction angles , and measured between the
tail of A and the positive x, y and z axes.
0
0 , and 180
The direction cosines of A is:

Ax
cos =
A

cos =

Az
cos =
A

Ay
A

2.5 Cartesian Vectors

Direction of a Cartesian Vector:
Angles , and can be determined by the
inverse cosines.
Given that,
A = Axi + Ayj + Azk
then, unit vector UA in the direction of A:
uA = A /A = 1 = (Ax/A)i + (Ay/A)j + (AZ/A)k
where

A = Ax2 + Ay2 + Az2

A = vector quantities
A = vector magnitude

2.5 Cartesian Vectors

Direction of a Cartesian Vector:
uA can also be expressed as:
uA = cosi + cosj + cosk
Since A =

Ax2 + Ay2 + Az2

and uA = 1, we have

cos + cos + cos = 1

2

A as expressed in Cartesian vector form is:

A = AuA
= Acosi + Acosj + Acosk
= Axi + Ayj + AZk

2.6 Addition and Subtraction of Cartesian Vectors

Concurrent Force Systems:

Force resultant is the vector sum of all the forces in
the system.
A = Axi + Ayj + Azk
B = Bxi + Byj + Bzk
Therefore,
R=A+B
= (Ax + Bx)i + (Ay + By)j + (Az + Bz)k

If

Hence, FR = F = Fxi + Fyj + Fzk

Example 2.8
Express the force F as Cartesian vector.

Solution
Since two angles are specified, the third angle is found by
cos 2 + cos 2 + cos 2 = 1
cos 2 + cos 2 60 o + cos 2 45o = 1
2
2
cos = 1 (0.5) (0.707 ) =0.5

Two possibilities exit, namely

= cos 1 (0.5)= 60 o

= cos 1 ( 0.5) = 120o

Solution
By inspection, = 60 since Fx is in the +x direction
Given F = 200N
F = Fcosi + Fcosj + Fcosk
= (200cos60N)i + (200cos60N)j
+ (200cos45N)k
k
= {100.0i + 100.0j + 141.4k}N
Checking:

F = Fx2 + Fy2 + Fz2

=

(100.0) + (100.0) + (141.4)

2

= 200 N

Example (add on)

Determine the magnitude of F2 and its coordinate
direction angles so that the resultant force, FR acts along
the positive y axis with a magnitude of 800 N.

Self Reading..
More examples and practices can be found in:
Hibbeler, R. C. (2004) Engineering mechanics
statics. 13th ed. Pearson Prentice Hall, Chapter 2

2.7 Position Vectors

x,y,z Coordinates
Right-handed coordinate system
Positive z axis points upwards, measuring the height of
an object or the altitude of a point
Points are measured relative
to the origin, O.

2.7 Position Vectors

Position Vector
Position vector r is defined as a fixed vector which
locates a point in space relative to another point.
E.g. r = xi + yj + zk

2.7 Position Vectors

Position Vector
Vector addition gives rA + r = rB
Solving
r = rB rA = (xB xA)i + (yB yA)j + (zB zA)k
or r = (xB xA)i + (yB yA)j + (zB z
A)k

2.7 Position Vectors

Length and direction of cable AB can be found by

measuring A and B using the x, y, z axes
Position vector r can be established
Magnitude r represent the length of cable
Angles, , and represent the direction of the cable
Unit vector, u = r/r

Example 2.12
An elastic rubber band is attached to points A and B.
Determine its length and its direction measured from A
towards B.

Solution
Position vector
r = [-2m 1m]i + [2m 0]j + [3m (-3m)]k
= {-3i + 2j + 6k}m
Magnitude = length of the rubber band

r=

( 3) + (2) + (6)
2

= 7m

Unit vector in the director of r

u = r /r
= -3/7i + 2/7j + 6/7k

Solution

= cos-1(-3/7) = 115
= cos-1(2/7) = 73.4
= cos-1(6/7) = 31.0

2.8 Force Vector Directed along a Line

In 3D problems, direction of F is specified by 2 points,

through which its line of action lies
F can be formulated as a Cartesian vector:
F = F u = F (r/r)
r

Note that F has units of forces (N)

unlike r, with units of length (m)

2.8 Force Vector Directed along a Line

Force F acting along the chain can be presented as a

Cartesian vector by
- Establish x, y, z axes
- Form a position vector r along length of chain
Unit vector, u = r/r
r that defines the direction of both
the chain and the force
We get F = Fu

Example 2.13
The man pulls on the cord with a force of 350N.
Represent this force acting on the support A, as a
Cartesian vector and determine its direction.

Solution
End points of the cord are A (0m, 0m, 7.5m) and
B (3m, -2m, 1.5m)
r = (3m 0m)i + (-2m 0m)j + (1.5m 7.5m)k
= {3i 2j 6k}m
Magnitude = length of cord AB
r=

(3m )2 + ( 2m )2 + ( 6m )2

Unit vector,
u = r /r
= 3/7i - 2/7j - 6/7k

= 7m

Solution
Force F has a magnitude of 350N, direction specified by
u.
F = Fu
= 350N(3/7i - 2/7j - 6/7k)
= {150i - 100j - 300k} N
= cos-1(3/7) = 64.6
= cos-1(-2/7) = 107
= cos-1(-6/7) = 149

Example (add on)

The tower is held in place by 3 cables. If the force of each
cable acting on the tower is shown, determine the
magnitude & coordinate direction angles , , of the
resultant force. Take x = 20 m, y = 15 m.

2.9 Dot Product

Dot product of vectors A and B is written as AB

(Read A dot B)
Define the magnitudes of A and B and the angle
between their tails
AB = AB cos
where 0 180
Referred to as scalar product of vectors as result is a
scalar

2.9 Dot Product

Laws of Operation
1. Commutative law
AB = BA
2. Multiplication by a scalar
a(AB) = (aA)B = A(aB) = (AB)a
3. Distribution law
A(B + D) = (AB) + (AD)

2.9 Dot Product

Cartesian Vector Formulation
- Dot product of Cartesian unit vectors
ii = (1)(1)cos0 = 1;
ij = (1)(1)cos90 = 0
- Similarly
ii = 1 jj = 1 kk = 1;
ij = 0 ik = 0 jk = 0
- If AB in 3D cartesian:
AB = (Axi + Ayj + Azk) (Bxi + Byj + Bzk)
= AxBx (ii) + AxBy (ij) + AxBz (ik)
+ AyBx (ji) + AyBy (jj) + AyBz (jk)
+ AzBx (ki) + AzBy (kj) + AzBz (kk)

2.9 Dot Product

Cartesian Vector Formulation
Dot product of 2 vectors A and B
AB = AxBx + AyBy + AzBz

Applications:
The angle formed between two vectors or
intersecting lines.
= cos-1 [(AB)/(AB)] 0 180

The components of a vector parallel and

perpendicular to a line.
Aa = A cos = Au

Example 2.17
The frame is subjected to a horizontal force F = {300j} N.
Determine the components of this force parallel and
perpendicular to the member AB.

Solution
Since
r
r
r
r
r
2i + 6 j + 3k
r
u B = rB =
rB
(2)2 + (6)2 + (3)2
r
r
r
= 0.286i + 0.857 j + 0.429k
Thus
r
r
FAB = F cos
r
rr
r
r
r
= F .u B = (300 j ) (0.286i + 0.857 j + 0.429k )
= (0)(0.286) + (300)(0.857) + (0)(0.429)
= 257.1N

Solution
Since result is a positive scalar, FAB has the same sense
of
as uB. Express in Cartesian form
r direction
r
r
FAB = FAB u AB

r
r
r
= (257.1N )(0.286i + 0.857 j + 0.429k )
r
r
r
= {73.5i + 220 j + 110k }N

Perpendicular component
r
r
r
r r
r
r
r
r
r
F = F FAB = 300 j (73.5i + 220 j + 110k ) = {73.5i + 80 j 110k }N

Solution
Magnitude can be determined from F or from
Pythagorean Theorem,
r
F =
=

r2 r
F FAB

(300 N )2 (257.1N )2

= 155 N

Example (add on)

Calculate the magnitude and angle of the projected
component of the force along the pipe AO.

2.10 Cross Product

Cross product of two vectors A and B yields C, which
is written as
C=AXB

Magnitude
Magnitude of C is the product of
the magnitudes of A and B
For angle , 0 180
C = AB sin

2.10 Cross Product

Direction
Vector C has a direction that is perpendicular to the
plane containing A and B such that C is specified by
the right hand rule
Expressing vector C when magnitude and direction are
known as:
Unit vector of C
direction
C = A X B = (AB sin)uC
Scalar for
magnitude of C

2.10 Cross Product

Laws of Operations
1. Commutative law is not valid
AXBBXA
Rather,
AXB=-BXA
Cross product A X B yields a
vector opposite in direction to C
B X A = -C

2.10 Cross Product

Laws of Operations
2. Multiplication by a Scalar
a( A X B ) = (aA) X B = A X (aB) = ( A X B )a
3. Distributive Law
AX(B+D)=(AXB)+(AXD)
Proper order of the cross product must be maintained
since they are not commutative

2.10 Cross Product

Cartesian Vector Formulation
Use C = AB sin on pair of Cartesian unit vectors
A more compact determinant in the form as:

r
i

r r
A B = Ax
Bx

r
j

r
k

Ay
By

Az
Bz

The application of using cross product to calculate

moment of a force will be discussed in Topic 4.

QUIZ
1. Which one of the following is a scalar quantity?
A) Force B) Position C) Mass D) Velocity
2. For vector addition, you have to use ______ law.
A) Newtons Second
B) the arithmetic
C) Pascals
D) the parallelogram

QUIZ
3. Can you resolve a 2-D vector along two directions,
which are not at 90 to each other?
A) Yes, but not uniquely.
B) No.
C) Yes, uniquely.
4. Can you resolve a 2-D vector along three directions
(say at 0, 60, and 120)?
A) Yes, but not uniquely.
B) No.
C) Yes, uniquely.

QUIZ
5. Resolve F along x and y axes and write it in vector
form. F = { ___________ } N
y
x
A) 80 cos (30) i 80 sin (30) j
B) 80 sin (30) i + 80 cos (30) j
30
C) 80 sin (30) i 80 cos (30) j
F = 80 N
D) 80 cos (30) i + 80 sin (30) j
6. Determine the magnitude of the resultant (F1 + F2)
force in N when F1={ 10i + 20j }N and F2={ 20i + 20j }
N.
A) 30 N
B) 40 N
C) 50 N
D) 60 N
E) 70 N

QUIZ
7. Vector algebra, as we are going to use it, is based on
a ___________ coordinate system.
A) Euclidean B) Left-handed
C) Greek
D) Right-handed
E) Egyptian
8. The symbols , , and designate the __________ of
a 3-D Cartesian vector.
A) Unit vectors
B) Coordinate direction angles
C) Greek societies
D) X, Y and Z components

QUIZ
9. What is not true about an unit vector, uA ?
A) It is dimensionless.
B) Its magnitude is one.
C) It always points in the direction of positive X- axis.
D) It always points in the direction of vector A.
10. If F = {10 i + 10 j + 10 k} N and
G = {20 i + 20 j + 20 k } N, then F + G = { ____ } N
A) 10 i + 10 j + 10 k
B) 30 i + 20 j + 30 k
C) 10 i 10 j 10 k
D) 30 i + 30 j + 30 k

QUIZ
11. A position vector, rPQ, is obtained by
A) Coordinates of Q minus coordinates of P
B) Coordinates of P minus coordinates of Q
C) Coordinates of Q minus coordinates of the origin
D) Coordinates of the origin minus coordinates of P
12. A force of magnitude F, directed along a unit vector U, is given
by F = ______ .
A) F (U)
B) U / F
C) F / U
D) F + U
E) F U

QUIZ
13. P and Q are two points in a 3-D space. How are the
position vectors rPQ and rQP related?
A) rPQ = rQP B) rPQ = - rQP
C) rPQ = 1/rQP D) rPQ = 2 rQP
14. If F and r are force vector and position vectors,
respectively, in SI units, what are the units of the
expression (r * (F / F)) ?
A) Newton
B) Dimensionless
C) Meter
D) Newton - Meter
E) The expression is algebraically illegal.

QUIZ
15. Two points in 3 D space have coordinates of P (1,
2, 3) and Q (4, 5, 6) meters. The position vector rQP is
given by
A) {3 i + 3 j + 3 k} m
B) { 3 i 3 j 3 k} m
C) {5 i + 7 j + 9 k} m
D) { 3 i + 3 j + 3 k} m
E) {4 i + 5 j + 6 k} m
16. Force vector, F, directed along a line PQ is given by
A) (F/ F) rPQ
B) rPQ/rPQ
C) F(rPQ/rPQ)
D) F(rPQ/rPQ)

QUIZ
17. The dot product of two vectors P and Q is defined as
P
A) P Q cos
B) P Q sin

C) P Q tan
D) P Q sec
Q

18. The dot product of two vectors results in a _________

quantity.
A) Scalar
B) Vector
C) Complex
D) Zero

QUIZ
19. If a dot product of two non-zero vectors is 0, then the two vectors
must be _____________ to each other.
A) Parallel (pointing in the same direction)
B) Parallel (pointing in the opposite direction)
C) Perpendicular
D) Cannot be determined.
20. If a dot product of two non-zero vectors equals -1, then the
vectors must be ________ to each other.
A) Parallel (pointing in the same direction)
B) Parallel (pointing in the opposite direction)
C) Perpendicular
D) Cannot be determined.

QUIZ
1. The dot product can be used to find all of the following
except ____ .
A) sum of two vectors
B) angle between two vectors
C) component of a vector parallel to another line
D) component of a vector perpendicular to another line
2. Find the dot product of the two vectors P and Q.
P = {5 i + 2 j + 3 k} m
Q = {-2 i + 5 j + 4 k} m
A) -12 m
B) 12 m
C) 12 m2
D) -12 m2
E) 10 m2

Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman

CHAPTER 2b: MOMENTS OF INERTIA

Prepared by KS Woon @ 2013,

ohb_201405

Chapter Outline
1. Definitions of Moments of Inertia for Areas
2. Parallel-Axis Theorem for an Area
3. Moments of Inertia for Composite Areas

10.1 Definition of Moments of Inertia for Areas

Centroid for an area is determined by the first moment

of an area about an axis.
Second moment of an area is referred as the moment
of inertia.
Moment of inertia of an area originates whenever one
relates the normal stress, or force per unit area

10.1 Definition of Moments of Inertia for Areas

Moment of Inertia
Consider area A lying in the x-y plane
By definition, moments of inertia of the differential
plane area dA about the x and y axes
dI x = y 2dA dI y = x 2dA
For entire area, moments of
inertia are given by
I x = y 2 dA
A

I y = x 2dA
A

10.1 Definition of Moments of Inertia for Areas

Moment of Inertia
Formulate the second moment of dA about the pole O
or z axis
This is known as the polar axis
dJ O = r 2 dA

where r is perpendicular from the pole (z axis) to the

element dA
Polar moment of inertia for entire area,

J O = r 2 dA = I x + I y
A

10.2 Parallel Axis Theorem for an Area

For moment of inertia of an area known about an axis

passing through its centroid, determine the moment of
inertia of area about a corresponding parallel axis
using the parallel axis theorem
Consider moment of inertia of the shaded area
A differential element dA is
located at an arbitrary distance y
from the centroidal x axis

10.2 Parallel Axis Theorem for an Area

The fixed distance between the parallel x and x axes

is defined as dy
For moment of inertia of dA about x axis
dI x = ( y '+ d y ) dA
2

For entire area

I x = ( y '+ d y ) dA
2

= y '2 dA + 2d y y ' dA + d y2 dA
A

First integral represent the moment of inertia of the

area about the centroidal axis

10.2 Parallel Axis Theorem for an Area

Second integral = 0 since x passes through the areas

centroid C
y' dA = y dA = 0; y = 0

Third integral represents the total area A

I x = I x + Ad y2

Similarly
I y = I y + Ad x2

For polar moment of inertia about an axis

perpendicular to the x-y plane and passing through
pole O (z axis)
J O = J C + Ad 2

Example 10.1
Determine the moment of inertia for the rectangular area
with respect to (a) the centroidal x axis, (b) the axis xb
passing through the base of the rectangular, and (c) the
pole or z axis perpendicular to the x-y plane and
passing through the centroid C.

Solution
Part (a)
Differential element chosen, distance y from x axis.
Since dA = b dy,
h/2
h/2
1 3
2
2
2
I x = y ' dA = y ' (bdy ' ) = y ' dy = bh
A
h / 2
h / 2
12
Part (b)
By applying parallel axis theorem,
2

1 3
h 1 3
I xb = I x + Ad = bh + bh = bh
12
3
2
2

Solution
Part (c)
For polar moment of inertia about point C,

1 3
I y ' = hb
12
1
J C = I x + I y ' = bh(h 2 + b 2 )
12

10.4 Moments of Inertia for Composite Areas

Composite area consist of a series of connected

simpler parts or shapes
Moment of inertia of the composite area = algebraic
sum of the moments of inertia of all its parts

Procedure for Analysis

Composite Parts
Divide area into its composite parts and indicate the
centroid of each part to the reference axis
Parallel Axis Theorem
Moment of inertia of each part is determined about its
centroidal axis

10.4 Moments of Inertia for Composite Areas

Procedure for Analysis
Parallel Axis Theorem
When centroidal axis does not coincide with the
reference axis, the parallel axis theorem is used
Summation
Moment of inertia of the entire area about the
reference axis is determined by summing the results
of its composite parts

Example 10.4
Compute the moment of inertia of the composite area
about the x axis.

Solution
Composite Parts
Composite area obtained by subtracting the circle from
the rectangle.
Centroid of each area is located in the figure below.

Solution
Parallel Axis Theorem
Circle

I x = I x ' + Ad y2

( )

1
4
2
2
= (25) + (25) (75) = 11.4 106 mm 4
4
Rectangle
I x = I x ' + Ad y2
=

( )

1
(100)(150)3 + (100)(150)(75)2 = 112.5 106 mm 4
12

Solution
Summation
For moment of inertia for the composite area,

( )

( )

I x = 11.4 106 + 112.5 106

( )

= 101 106 mm 4

Example (add on)

Locate the centroid, x of the cross-section area. Then,
determine the moment of inertia of the area about the
centroidal y axis.

QUIZ
1. The definition of the Moment of Inertia for an area
involves an integral of the form
A) x dA.
B) x2 dA.
C) x2 dm.
D) m dA.
2. Select the SI units for the Moment of Inertia for an area.
A) m3
B) m4
C) kgm2
D) kgm3

QUIZ
3. A pipe is subjected to a bending moment as shown.
Which property of the pipe will result in lower stress
(assuming a constant cross-sectional area)?
M
y
A) Smaller Ix
B) Smaller Iy
x
C) Larger Ix
D) Larger Iy

Pipe section

4. In the figure to the right, what is the differential moment

y
of inertia of the element with
y=x3
respect to the y-axis (dIy)?
A) x2 ydx
B) (1/12)x3dy
x,y
C) y2 x dy
D) (1/3)ydy
x

QUIZ
5. The parallel-axis theorem for an area is applied
between
A) An axis passing through its centroid and any
corresponding parallel axis.
B) Any two parallel axis.
C) Two horizontal axes only.
D) Two vertical axes only.

6. The moment of inertia of a composite area equals the

____ of the MoI of all of its parts.
A)
B)
C)
D)

Vector sum
Algebraic sum (addition or subtraction)
Addition
Product

QUIZ
7. For the area A, we know the centroids (C) location,
area, distances between the four parallel axes, and the
MoI about axis 1. We can determine the MoI about axis 2
by applying the parallel axis theorem ___ .
A) Directly between the axes 1 and 2.
Axis
B) Between axes 1 and 3 and
A
then between the axes 3 and 2.
4
d3
C
C) Between axes 1 and 4 and
3

d2
then axes 4 and 2.
2
d1
D) None of the above.
1

QUIZ
8. For the same case, consider the MoI about each of the
four axes. About which axis will the MoI be the smallest
number?
A)
Axis 1
Axis
A
B)
Axis 2
4
d3
C
C)
Axis 3
3

d2
2
D)
Axis 4
d1
1
E)
Can not tell.

QUIZ
A=10 cm2

9. For the given area, the moment of

inertia about axis 1 is 200 cm4 .
What is the MoI about axis 3?
A)
90 cm4
B) 110 cm4
C)
60 cm4
D) 40 cm4

d2

C
C

3
2

d1

d1 = d2 = 2 cm

10. The moment of inertia of the rectangle about

the x-axis equals
A)
8 cm4.
B) 56 cm4 .
2cm
C)
24 cm4 .
D) 26 cm4 .
2cm

3cm