CHAPTER

2
CENTROID AND MOMENT OF INERTIA

Under this topic first we will see how to find the areas of given figures and the volumes of given
solids. Then the terms centre of gravity and centroids are explained. Though the title of this topic
do not indicate the centroid of line segment, that term is also explained, since the centroid of line
segment will be useful in finding the surface area and volume of solids using theorems of Pappus
and Guldinus. Then the term first moment of area is explained and the method of finding centroid
of plane areas and volumes is illustrated. After explaining the term second moment of area, the
method of finding moment of inertia of plane figures about x-x or y-y axis is illustrated. The term
product moment of inertia is defined and the mehtod of finding principal moment of inertia is
presented. At the end the method of finding mass moment of inertia is presented.

2.1 DETERMINATION OF AREAS AND VOLUMES

In the school education methods of finding areas and volumes of simple cases are taught by
many methods. Here we will see the general approach which is common to all cases i.e. by the
method of integration. In this method the expression for an elemental area will be written then
suitable integrations are carried out so as to take care of entire surface/volume. This method is
illustrated with standard cases below, first for finding the areas and latter for finding the
volumes:

A: Area of Standard Figures y

(i) Area of a rectangle dx

d/2 dy
Let the size of rectangle be b × d as shown in Fig. 2.1. dA is an
elemental area of side dx × dy. O x

z z z
b2 d2 d/2
Area of rectangle, A = dA = dx dy
−b 2 −d 2 b/2 b/2

b2 d2 Fig. 2.1
= x −b 2
y −d 2

= bd.
70
 CENTROID AND MOMENT OF INERTIA 71

If we take element as shown in Fig. 2.2,

z z
d2 d2 d/2 dy
y
A= dA = b ⋅ dy
−d 2 −d 2
d/2
d2
= b y −d 2 b
= bd Fig. 2.2

(ii) Area of a triangle of base width ‘b’ height ‘h’. Referring to

Fig. 2.3, let the element be selected as shown by hatched y
lines h
dy
y b
Then dA = b′dy = b dy
h

z z
h h
b
y
A = dA = b dy Fig. 2.3
0 0
h
h
b  y2  bh
=   =
h  2  2
0
(iii) Area of a circle
Consider the elemental area dA = rdθdr as shown in Fig. 2.4. Now,
dA = rdθ dr
r varies from O to R and θ varies from O to 2π
y

zz
2π R
∴ A= rdθ dr
0 0

z LMN OP
2π R
r2 dr
dθ
Q
= rd
2 r d
0 0
x

z
R
2π 2 O
R
= dθ
0 2
R2 2π
= θ 0
2
R2
. 2 π = πR
2 Fig. 2.4
=
2
In the above derivation, if we take variation of θ from 0 to π, we get the area of semicircle as
πR 2 πR 2
and if the limit is from 0 to π / 2 the area of quarter of a circle is obtained as .
2 4
72 ENGINEERING MECHANICS

(iv) Area of a sector of a circle

Area of a sector of a circle with included angle 2α shown in Fig. 2.5 is to be determined. The
elemental area is as shown in the figure
dA = rdθ . dr y
θ varies from –α to αand r varies from O to R

z zz
α R
∴ A= dA = r dθ dr
−α 0 R dr

z LMN OPQ z
R r rdG
α α
r2 R2 dG
= dθ = dθ 0
2 2 O a
−α 0 −α

L R θOP
= M
2 α

=
R2
a f
2α = R α
2

N2 Q −α
2
(v) Area of a parabolic spandrel Fig. 2.5
Two types of parabolic curves are possible
(a) y = kx2
(b) y2 = kx

Case a: This curve is shown in Fig. 2.6.

The area of the element
dA = y dx
= kx2 dx
y

z z
a a
∴ A= dA = 2
kx dx
0 0 2

Lx O
y = kx
a h
= kM P
3 3
ka
=
N3Q 0
3 x x=a
x

We know, when x = a, y = h dx
h Fig. 2.6
i.e., h = ka2 or k =
a2
ka 3 h a3 1 1
∴ A= = 2 = ha = rd the area of rectangle of size a × h
3 a 3 3 3
Case b: In this case y2 = kx
Referring to Fig. 2.7
dA = y dx = kx dx

z z
a a
A= y dx = kx dx
0 0
 CENTROID AND MOMENT OF INERTIA 73

LM 2 OP a
2 32
y

N
k x3 2
Q =
2
= k a y = kx
3 0 3
We know that, when x = a, y = h
h
h2
∴ h2 = ka or k=
a x x=a
h 2
Hence A= . . a3 2 dx
a 3 Fig. 2.7
2 2
i.e., A= ha = rd the area of rectangle of size a × h
3 3
(vi) Surface area of a cone
Consider the cone shown in Fig. 2.8. Now,
x
y= R
h
Surface area of the element,
dl
x
dA = 2π y dl = 2π R dl R
h y
a
x dx x dx
= 2π R
h sin α

∴
2 πR x2 LM OP h
h

N Q
A=
h sin α 2 0 Fig. 2.8
πRh
= = π Rl
sin α
(vii) Surface area of a sphere
Consider the sphere of radius R shown in Fig. 2.9. The element considered is the parallel
circle at distance y from the diametral axis of sphere.
dS = 2π x Rdθ
= 2π R cos θ Rdθ, since x = R cos θ

z
π2

∴ S = 2π R2 cos θ dθ
−π 2 dy x
Rd
2 π2 d
= 2π R sin θ −π 2
y

= 4π R2

Fig. 2.9
 74 ENGINEERING MECHANICS

B: Volume of Standard Solids

(i) Volume of a parallelpiped.
Let the size of the parallelpiped be a × b × c. The volume of the element is
dV = dx dy dz

zzz
abc
V= dx dy dz
000
a b c
= x 0
y 0
z 0
= abc
(ii) Volume of a cone:
Referring to Fig. 2.8
x2 2 x
dV = πy2 . dx = π 2
R dx , since y = R
h h

LM x OP
z
h
π h
π 3
2
x dx =
2 2

N3Q
V= R R
h2 0 h2 0

π 2 h πR h 3 2
= 2
R =
h 3 3
(iii) Volume of a sphere
Referring to Fig. 2.9
dV = π x2 dy
But x2 + y2 = R2
i.e., x 2 = R2 – y2
∴ dV = π (R 2 – y2)dy

z ej
R
V= π R2 − y 2 dy
−R

L y OP
= π MR y −
2
3 R

MN 3 PQ −R

L R| a− Rf U|OP
= π MR ⋅ R −
3
− S− R − V|P
3
R
MN
2 3
3 |T 3 WQ
L 1 1O 4 π R
= π R M1 − + 1 − P =
N 3 3Q 3
3 3

The surface areas and volumes of solids of revolutions like cone, spheres may be easily found
using theorems of Pappus and Guldinus. This will be taken up latter in this chapter, since it needs
the term centroid of generating lines.
 CENTROID AND MOMENT OF INERTIA 75

2.2 CENTRE OF GRAVITY AND CENTROIDS

Consider the suspended body shown in Fig. 2.10a. The self weight of various parts of this body
are acting vertically downward. The only upward force is the force T in the string. To satisfy the
equilibrium condition the resultant weight of the body W must act along the line of string 1–1.
Now, if the position is changed and the body is suspended again (Fig. 2.10b), it will reach
equilibrium condition in a particular position. Let the line of action of the resultant weight be 2–
2 intersecting 1–1 at G. It is obvious that if the body is suspended in any other position, the line
of action of resultant weight W passes through G. This point is called the centre of gravity of the
body. Thus centre of gravity can be defined as the point through which the resultant of force of gravity of
the body acts.

T T

1 1 2

w1
G
W

1
2
1
W = å w1 W = å w1

1(a) (b)

Fig. 2.10
The above method of locating centre of gravity is the prac-
tical method. If one desires to locating centre of gravity of a
body analytically, it is to be noted that the resultant of weight
of various portions of the body is to be determined. For this G
W
Varignon’s theorem, which states the moment of resultant Wi
force is equal to the sum of moments of component forces,
yi yc
can be used. O x
Referring to Fig. 2.11, let Wi be the weight of an element in zi
zc
the given body. W be the total weight of the body. Let the xi
coordinates of the element be xi, yi, zi and that of centroid G xc
z
be xc, yc, zc. Since W is the resultant of Wi forces,
Fig. 2.11
W = W1 + W2 + W3 . . .
= ΣWi
and Wxc = W1x1 + W2x2 + W3x3 + . . .
∴ Wxc = ΣWixi = Ü xdw U|
Similarly, Wyc = ΣWiyi = Ü ydw V| Eqn. (2.1)
and Wz c = ΣWizc = Ü zdw W
 76 ENGINEERING MECHANICS

If M is the mass of the body and mi that of the element, then

W Wi
M= and mi = , hence we get
g g
Mxc = Σmixi = z xidm U|
Myc = Σmiyi = z yidm V| Eqn. (2.2)
and Mzc = Σmizi = zidm z W
If the body is made up of uniform material of unit weight g, then we know Wi = Uig, where U
represents volume, then equation 2.1 reduces to
Vxc = ΣVixi = z xdV U|
Vyc = ΣViyi = z ydV V| Eqn. (2.3)
Vzc = ΣVizi= zdV z W
If the body is a flat plate of uniform thickness, in x-y plane, Wi = g Ait (Ref Fig. 2.12). Hence
equation 2.1 reduces to
Axc = ΣAixi = z x dA UV
Ayc = ΣAiyi = z y dA W Eqn. (2.4)

xc Wi
z dL
yc (xi, yc)

Wi =  A dL

Fig. 2.12 Fig. 2.13

If the body is a wire of uniform cross section in plane x, y (Ref. Fig. 2.13) the equation 2.1
reduces to
Lxc = Σ Lixi = z x dL UV
Lyc = Σ Liyi = y dL z W Eqn. (2.5)
The term centre of gravity is used only when the gravitational forces (weights) are considered.
This term is applicable to solids. Equations 2.2 in which only masses are used the point obtained
is termed as centre of mass. The central points obtained for volumes, surfaces and line segments
(obtained by eqns. 2.3, 2.4 and 2.5) are termed as centroids.

2.3 CENTROID OF A LINE

Centroid of a line can be determined using equation 2.5. dx
G
Method of finding the centroid of a line for some standard O x
x
cases is illustrated below:
L
(i) Centroid of a straight line:
Selecting the x-coordinate along the line (Fig. 2.14)
Fig. 2.14
 CENTROID AND MOMENT OF INERTIA 77

LM x OP
z
L 2 L
L2
x dx = =
N2Q
Lxc =
0 0
2
L
∴ xc =
2
Thus the centroid lies at midpoint of a straight line, whatever be the orientation of line (Ref.
Fig. 2.15).
y y

G
G
O x G
L L cos
L 2
2 L
2 sin
L 2
x
O
Fig. 2.15
(ii) Centroid of an Arc of a Circle
Referring to Fig. 2.16,
L = Length of arc = R 2α
dL = Rdθ
Hence from eqn. 2.5
Rd

z
α x
d
xcL = xdL 
−α

O x


z
α
i.e., xc R 2α = R cos θ . Rdθ
−α
α
= R2 sin θ −α
(i)

R 2 × 2 sin α R sin α
∴ xc = =
2 Rα α

z z
α α Fig. 2.16
and yc L y dL = R sin θ . Rdθ
−α −α
α
= R2 − cos θ −α
(ii)
=0
∴ yc = 0
From equation (i) and (ii) we can get the centroid of semicircle shown in Fig. 2.17 by
putting α = π/2 and for quarter of a circle shown in Fig. 2.18 by putting α varying from zero to
π/2.
 78 ENGINEERING MECHANICS

G
R R
G

Fig. 2.17 Fig. 2.18

2R
For semicircle xc =
π
yc = 0
For quarter of a circle,
2R
xc =
π
2R
yc =
π
(iii) Centroid of composite line segments:
The results obtained for standard cases may be used for various segments and then the
equations 2.5 in the form
xcL = ΣLixi
ycL = ΣLiyi
may be used to get centroid xc and yc. If the line segments is in space the expression
zcL = ΣLizi may also be used. The method is illustrated with few examples below:

Example 2.1 Determine the centroid of the wire shown in Fig. 2.19.
D
y

G3
30
0
m
m
45° C

G2 200 mm

G1
A B k

600 mm

Fig. 2.19
 CENTROID AND MOMENT OF INERTIA 79

Solution. The wire is divided into three segments AB, BC and CD. Taking A as origin the coordi-
nates of the centroids of AB, BC and CD are
G1(300, 0); G2(600, 100) and G3(600 – 150 cos 45°; 200 + 150 sin 45°)
i.e. G3(493.93, 306.07)
L1 = 600 mm, L2 = 200 mm, L3 = 300 mm
∴ Total length L = 600 + 200 + 300 = 1100 mm
∴ From the eqn. Lxc = ΣLixi, we get
1100 xc = L1x1 + L2x2 + L3x3
= 600 × 300 + 200 × 600 + 300 × 493.93
∴ xc = 407.44 mm Ans.
Now, Lyc = ΣLiyi
1100 yc = 600 × 0 + 200 × 100 + 300 × 306.07
yc = 101.66 mm Ans.

Example 2.2 Locate the centroid of the uniform wire bent as shown in Fig. 2.20.
G2
D
250
G1 150 G3
A B 30°
C
400 mm
All dimensions in mm

Fig. 2.20

Solution. The composite figure is divided into 3 simple figures and taking A as origin coordinates
of their centroids noted as shown below:
AB—a straight line
L1 = 400 mm, G1 (200, 0)
BC—a semicircle
FG 2 × 150 IJ
L2 = 150 π = 471.24,
H
G 2 475 ,
π K
i.e., G2 (475, 92.49)
CD—a straight line
250
L3 = 250; x3 = 400 + 300 + cos 30° = 808.25 mm
2
y3 = 125 sin 30 = 62.5 mm
∴ Total length L = L1 + L2 + L3 = 1121.24 mm
∴ Lxc = ΣLixi gives
1121.24 xc = 400 × 200 + 471.24 × 475 + 250 × 808.25
xc = 451.20 mm Ans.
Lyc = ΣLiyi gives
 80 ENGINEERING MECHANICS

1121.24 yc = 400 × 0 + 471.24 × 95.49 + 250 × 62.5

yc = 54.07 mm Ans.

Example 2.3 Locate the centroid of uniform wire shown in Fig. 2.21. Note: portion AB is in x-z
plane, BC in y-z plane and CD in x-y plane. AB and BC are semi circular in shape.
z

r = 140
y
10
0 B C 45°
r=

A
x
D
Fig. 2.21

Solution. The length and the centroid of portions AB, BC and CD are as shown in table below:

Table 2.1

Portion Li xi yi zi

2 × 100
AB 100π 100 0
π
2 × 140
BC 140π 0 140
π
CD 300 300 sin 45° 280 + 300 cos 45°
= 492.13 0

∴ L = 100π + 140π + 300 = 1053.98 mm

From eqn. Lxc = ΣLixi, we get
1053.98 xc = 100π × 100 + 140π × 0 + 300 × 300 sin 45°
xc = 90.19 mm Ans.
Similarly, 1053.98 yc = 100π × 0 + 140π × 140 + 300 × 492.13
yc = 198.50 mm Ans.
200 2 × 140
and 1053.98 zc = 100π × + 140π × + 300 × 0
π π
z c = 56.17 mm Ans.

2.4 FIRST MOMENT OF AREA AND CENTROID

From equation 2.1, we have

xc =
∑ W i xi , yc =
∑ Wi y i and zc =
∑ W i zi
W W W
 CENTROID AND MOMENT OF INERTIA 81

From the above equation we can make the statement that distance of centre of gravity of a
body from an axis is obtained by dividing moment of the gravitational forces acting on the
body, about the axis, by the total weight of the body. Similarly from equation 2.4, we have,

xc =
∑ Ai xi , yc =
∑ Ai y i
A A
By terming ΣAix: as the moment of area about the axis, we can say centroid of plane area from
any axis is equal to moment of area about the axis divided by the total area. The moment of area
ΣAix: is termed as first moment of area also just to differentiate this from the term ΣAix E , which
will be dealt latter. It may be noted that since the moment of area about an axis divided by total
area gives the distance of the centroid from that axis, the moment of area is zero about any
centroidal axis.

Difference between Centre of Gravity and Centroid

From the above discussion we can draw the following differences between centre of gravity and
centroid:
(1) The term centre of gravity applies to bodies with weight, and centroid applies to lines, plane
areas and volumes.
(2) Centre of gravity of a body is a point through which the resultant gravitational force (weight)
acts for any orientation of the body whereas centroid is a point in a line plane area volume
such that the moment of area about any axis through that point is zero.

Use of Axis of Symmetry

Centroid of an area lies on the axis of symmetry if it exits. This is useful theorem to locate the
centroid of an area. Y
This theorem can be proved as follows: Axis of
Consider the area shown in Fig. 2.22. In this figure y-y is the axis symmetry
of symmetry. From eqn. 2.4, the distance of centroid from this axis is x x
given by:
O X
∑ Ai xi
A
Consider the two elemental areas shown in Fig. 2.22, which are
equal in size and are equidistant from the axis, but on either side.
Now the sum of moments of these areas cancel each other since the
areas and distances are the same, but signs of distances are opposite. Fig. 2.22
Similarly, we can go on considering an area on one side of symmet-
ric axis and corresponding image area on the other side, and prove that total moments of area
(ΣAixi) about the symmetric axis is zero. Hence the distance of centroid from the symmetric axis
is zero, i.e. centroid always lies on symmetric axis.
Making use of the symmetry we can conclude that:
(1) Centroid of a circle is its centre (Fig. 2.23);
b d
(2) Centroid of a rectangle of sides b and d is at distance and from the corner as shown
2 2
in Fig. 2.24.
 82 ENGINEERING MECHANICS

b
b/2

G G
d

d/2

Fig. 2.23 Fig. 2.24

Determination of Centroid of Simple Figures From First Principle

For simple figures like triangle and semicircle, we can write general expression for the elemental
area and its distance from an axis. Then equations 2.4

—
y =
z ydA
A

A
—
x =
z xdA

The location of the centroid using the above equations may be considered as finding centroid
from first principles. Now, let us find centroid of some standard figures from first principles.
Centroid of a Triangle
Consider the triangle ABC of base width b and height h as shown in Fig. 2.25. Let us locate the
distance of centroid from the base. Let b1 be the width of elemental strip of thickness dy at a
distance y from the base. Since DAEF and DABC are similar triangles, we can write:
b1 h−y
= A
b h
FG h − y IJ b = FG 1 − y IJ b dy
b1 =
H h K H hK E F
h
∴ Area of the element b1
y
= dA = b1dy
FG yIJ B

H K
C
= 1− b dy b
h
Fig. 2.25
1
Area of the triangle A = bh
2
∴ From eqn. 2.4

—
y =
Movement of area
Total area
=
z ydA
A

z
h
FG y IJ
Now,
H
∫ ydA = y 1 − h b dy
0
K
 CENTROID AND MOMENT OF INERTIA 83

z FGH I
h
y2
=
0
y−
h JK
b dy

L y y OP
= bM −
2 3 h

MN 2 3h PQ 0
2
bh
=

z
6
ydA bh 2 1
∴
—
y = = ×
A 6 1
bh
2
— h
∴ y =
3
h 2h
Thus the centroid of a triangle is at a distance from the base (or from the apex) of
3 3
the triangle where h is the height of the triangle.
Centroid of a Semicircle
Consider the semicircle of radius R as shown in Fig. 2.26. Due to symmetry centroid must lie on y
axis. Let its distance from diametral axis be y . To find y , consider an element at a distance r
from the centre O of the semicircle, radial width being dr and bound by radii at θ and θ + dθ.
Area of element = r dθdr.
Its moment about diametral axis x is given by: Y

rdθ × dr × r sin θ = r2 sin θ dr dθ

∴ Total moment of area about diametral axis,

Lr O
zz sin θ dr dθ = z M P
πR π 3 R

sin θ dθ
2 dq
N3Q
r
r dr
00 0 0
3 q
R π
− cos θ 0
= O X
3 R
R3 2R
3
= 1+ 1 = Fig. 2.26
3 3
1 2
Area of semicircle A = πR
2
2R 3
Moment of area 3
∴
—
y = =
Total area 1 2
πR
2
4R
=
3π
4R
Thus, the centroid of the circle is at a distance from the diametral axis.
3π
 84 ENGINEERING MECHANICS

Centroid of Sector of a Circle

Consider the sector of a circle of angle 2α as shown in Fig. 2.27. Due to symmetry, centroid lies
on x axis. To find its distance from the centre O, consider the elemental area shown.
Area of the element = rdθ dr
Its moment about y axis
= rdθ × dr × r cos θ Y

= r cos θ drdθ
2 dr

∴ Total moment of area about y axis

r

zz
d
α R

= r cos θ drdθ
2
O
2 G X
−α 0 

Lr O
= M P
3 R

sin θ
α

N3Q 0
−α R

R3
= 2 sin α
3
Total area of the sector Fig. 2.27

zz
α R
= rdrdθ
−α 0

z LMN OP
α R
r2
dθ
Q
=
−α 2 0

2
R α
= θ −α
2
= R 2α
\ The distance of centroid from centre O
Moment of area about y axis
=
Area of the figure

2R 3
sin α
3 2R
= = sin α
R α2
3α

Centroid of Parabolic Spandrel

Consider the parabolic spandrel shown in Fig. 2.28. Height of the element at a distance x from
O is y = kx2
 CENTROID AND MOMENT OF INERTIA 85

Width of element = dx
∴ Area of the element = kx2dx

z
a
∴ Total area of spandrel = kx 2dx
0

LM kx OP 3 a
=
ka 3
N3Q
= Y 2 h
0
3 y = kx

Moment of area about y axis

– –
G(x, y)

z
a
O
= kx 2 dx × x x X
dx
0 a

z
a
= kx 3 dx Fig. 2.28
0

L kx OP
= M
4 a

N4Q 0
4
ka
=
4

z
α
Moment of area about x axis = dAy 2
0

LM k x OP
z z 2 5 a
a a
kx 2 k2x4
=2
dx =
N2×5 Q
= kx dx
0 2 0 2 0

k 2 a5
=
10
ka 4 ka 3 3a
∴ x = ÷ =
4 3 4
2 5 3
k a ka 3
y = ÷ = ka 2
10 3 10
From the Fig. 2.28, at x = a, y =h
h
∴ h = ka2 or k =
a2
3 h 3h
∴ y = × a2 =
10 a 2 10
FG 3a , 3h IJ
Thus, centroid of spandrel is
H 4 10 K
Centroids of some common figures are shown in Table 2.2.
 86 ENGINEERING MECHANICS

Table 2.2. Centroid of Some Common Figures

Shape Figure N O Area

h bh
Triangle h G —
3 2

x
b

4R πR2
Semicircle G r 0
3π 2
x
y

G 4R 4R πR2
Quarter circle
x 3π 3π 4
R
y
2R
Sector of a circle G x sin a 0 αR 2
2 3α

h 3h 4ah
Parabola G 0
5 3
x
2a

3a 3h 2ah
Semi parabola
8 5 3

h 3a 3h ah
Parabolic spandrel
G 4 10 3
x
a

Centroid of Composite Sections

So far, the discussion was confined to locating the centroid of simple figures like rectangle,
triangle, circle, semicircle, etc. In engineering practice, use of sections which are built up of many
simple sections is very common. Such sections may be called as built-up sections or composite
sections. To locate the centroid of composite sections, one need not go for the first principle
(method of integration). The given composite section can be split into suitable simple figures and
then the centroid of each simple figure can be found by inspection or using the standard formulae
listed in Table 2.2. Assuming the area of the simple figure as concentrated at its centroid, its
moment about an axis can be found by multiplying the area with distance of its centroid from the
 CENTROID AND MOMENT OF INERTIA 87

reference axis. After determining moment of each area about reference axis, the distance of
centroid from the axis is obtained by dividing total moment of area by total area of the composite
section.

Example 2.4 Locate the centroid of the T-section shown in

100
the Fig. 2.29. O
X
Solution. Selecting the axis as shown in Fig. 2.29, we can A1 g1 20
–
say due to symmetry centroid lies on y axis, i.e. x = 0. y
Now the given T-section may be divided into two rectan-
G
gles A1 and A2 each of size 100 × 20 and 20 × 100. The
centroid of A1 and A2 are g1(0, 10) and g2(0, 70) respectively.
∴ The distance of centroid from top is given by: g2
100

100 × 20 × 10 + 20 × 100 × 70 A2
y =
100 × 20 + 20 × 100
= 40 mm
Hence, centroid of T-section is on the symmetric axis at a 20

distance 40 mm from the top. Ans. Y

All dimensions in mm
Example 2.5 Find the centroid of the unequal angle 200 × Fig. 2.29
150 × 12 mm, shown in Fig. 2.30.
Solution. The given composite figure can be divided into two rectangles:
A1 = 150 × 12 = 1800 mm2
A2 = (200 – 12) × 12 = 2256 mm2
Total area A = A1 + A2 = 4056 mm2
Selecting the reference axis x and y as shown in Fig. 2.30. The centroid of A1 is g1 (75, 6)
and that of A2 is:
LM 1
a fOPQ 150
N
g 2 6 , 12 +
2
200 − 12 O
–
x
12 X
i.e., g2 (6, 106) –
y g1
A1
Movement about y axis G
∴ x =
Total area
A1 x1 + A2 x2 200 g2
=
A
1800 × 75 + 2256 × 6 A2
= = 36.62 mm
4056
Movement about x axis
y =
Total area 12
A1 y 1 + A2 y 2 Y
= All dimensions in mm
A
1800 × 6 + 2256 × 106 Fig. 2.30
= = 61.62 mm
4056
— —
Thus, the centroid is at x = 36.62 mm and y = 61.62 mm as shown in the figure Ans.
 88 ENGINEERING MECHANICS

Example 2.6 Locate the centroid of the I-section shown in Fig. 2.31.
Y
100

20 A1 g1

20
A2
100 g2
G

–
y

30 A3 g3

X
O
150
All dimensions in mm

Fig. 2.31
Solution. Selecting the co-ordinate system as shown in Fig. 2.31, due to symmetry centroid must
lie on y axis,
i.e., x =0
Now, the composite section may be split into three rectangles
A1 = 100 × 20 = 2000 mm2
Centroid of A1 from the origin is:
20
y1 = 30 + 100 + = 140 mm
2
Similarly A2 = 100 × 20 = 2000 mm2
100
y2 = 30 + = 80 mm
2
A3 = 150 × 30 = 4500 mm2, and
30
y3 = = 15 mm
2
A y + A2 y 2 + A3 y 3
∴ y = 1 1
A
2000 + 140 + 2000 × 80 + 4500 × 15
=
2000 + 2000 + 4500
= 59.71 mm
Thus, the centroid is on the symmetric axis at a distance 59.71 mm from the bottom as shown in
Fig. 2.31. Ans.