Centroid of Plane Figures

Objective: To understand significance of centroid ofplane area (lamina) and determine

its location for a given composite plane figure.

4.1 Introduction
We use and come across various types of shapes, laminae, grills/composite bars/wires
in the constructions, machines and mechanisms for different purposes.
Specific shape is chosen for cross section of a beam, column and other structural
member. One of the most important geometric property of the shapes is center of gravity
or centroid. Determination of C.G. of a composite figure or body is very essential for
strength of materials, fluid mechanics studies.

4.2 Basic Concepts

A given shape is considered to be lying in x-y plane. The reference axes and origin are
shown either as per our convenience or as given.
The element' or component' is length or area and is treated to be a force or vector (as
each and every particle is attracted by earth, i.e. force of gravity). The integral J x dA is

known as 'first moment of the area about (or with respect to) y axis'. Similarly J y dL is

known as 'first moment of the length about x axis'. Gravitational forces on particles is a
system of 'distributed forces' over the body under consideration.

4.3 Centroid and Center of Gravity

Center of gravity is the point where weight of the body can be assumed to be acting,
i.e. point of application of earth's gravitational force. Projection of center of gravity on
vertical plane for two dimensional bodies is termed as centroid of the body or figure. Thus
term centroid is often used for linear segments and plane figures or laminae, and term
center of gravity is often related to volumes (three dimensional bodies).
Varignon's theorem of moments is applied for determining centroids of composite
figures and linear segments.
(4-1)

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ECE&EM 4-2 Centroid of Plane Figures

If weight of body W comprises of elements of weights W j , VvS,... etc. we have relation

W = Wi + W 2 + ...
For obtaining co-ordinates x and y of centroid (these are measured from Y axis and X
axis respectively), consider moments of weights about Y and X axes respectively, i.e. apply
V.T.M. about Y and X axes respectively.
xW = xi Wi +X2W2 + ....
If density of material p ( k g / m 3 ) , gravitational acceleration g ( m / s 2 ) and thickness of
body V are same, [W can be expressed as W = (pgb) (area) since W = pg x volume]
We get, x-A = X1A1+X2A2 +
_ J(x-dA) £(xdA)
Hence x = =
{ (dA) I(dA)

Here the product (x • A) is known as 'first moment of area'.

c. .. . _ J <y • dA > I ( y d A)

For taking first moments of areas some basic figures should be known, (of course,
these can be obtained by integration as illustrated through the solved problems). Some
important points should be remembered while obtaining co-ordinates of centroids of areas.

4.4 Important Points to be Remembered

Few hints and basics about centroid should be remembered while determining position
of centroid of composite figures (areas).
1) Centroid always lies on the axis or axes of symmetry, if any.
2) It is not necessary that centroid must be on the composite figure (it may lie in
hollow portion).
3) Area portion is 'subtracted' when it is removed or cut.
4) If freely suspended, equilibrium position is achieved when centroid is vertically
below or above the point of suspension. Refer Fig. 4.1.
5) If area or length is on opposite side of origin, centroidal distance is negative.
(Do not get confused between 'negative area' and 'negative centroidal distance'.)
6) Divide the given figure in the most convenient manner and show all
distances/lengths etc. clearly to avoid mistakes.

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ECE&EM 4-3 Centroid of Plane Figures

G_0
Hinge
rh^r Hinge or pin

(a) G lies below O (b) G coincides with O (c) G lies above O

Fig. 4.1 Freely suspended objects

4.5 Centroids of Common Plane Figures

Triangle, rectangle and circle (or its part) are regular basic shapes for which centroids
are given in the table 4.1 below.

Sr.
No.
Description and area Figure X y
-
1. Rectangle x b d
A=b.d 2 2

~r
4k G d

-a J1 _
2
- ! H
2. Triangle b h
5 3
A= ^ b .h • * -i
/ i \ r
h
G
/ iiv \ :
b/2
-' b/2
H1

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ECE&EM 4-4 Centroid of Plane Figures

Sr.
Description and area Figure
No.

3. Right angled triangle

b
A = ^ bh H
T

i
H

4. Circular sector 2( Rsina Zero

A = aR2 H a )

Quarter circle 4R 4R
3n 3*

7t
u=
4

6. Semicircle Zero 4R
3a
2

2
J

Table 4.1 Basic Plane Figures

4.6 Method of Integration

By applying Varignon's theorem of moments (V.T.M.) and considering very small
elemental area, we will obtain formulas for the basic shapes given in the tables 4.1. This
mathematical procedure followed right from very basic or fundamental equation or law is
known as 'derivation from the first principles.'

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ECE&EM 4-5 Centroid of Plane Figures

4.6.1 Rectangular Area

Consider a rectangle of size b x d as shown in the
Fig. 4.2. Though we know directly that area = b.d, the
area also can be obtained by considering a vertical strip
of thickness dx.
Area of strip dA = (dx) d
b
For complete rectangle, A = J d ( d x )
0 -X

= d[x]J

... d is a constant Fig. 4.2

= b.d
Now first moment of dA about Y axis = x.dA
= d (x.dx)
Apply V.T.M. about V axis.
b
A x = d J x dx
0

• • bdx = d
(b^
2
/
I
7y
Now refer Fig. 4.3 showing horizontal strip
. I0
of thickness dy so that area of strip = b-dy
b H
d
Ay - b j y- dy Fig. 4.3
0
(by applying V.T.M. about X axis.)
d^
b*d*y = b
/

Note : Same vertical strip (used for x) can also be used for y.

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4.6.2 Right Angled Triangular Area

For the triangle of base V and height 'h'
as shown in Fig. 4.4, consider vertical strip of
thickness dx and height 'hi' at distance x
from origin O.

dA = h]dx

• • A = | hi-dx
0

From similar triangles, we have =

hx
Hence dA = -p- dx Fig. 4.4
b

A
• / G)o y
x dx

= hfb2
- b|T

A = I bh

Now consider first moment of the strip about Y axis and apply V.T.M
b
A x = J xdA
0

^ bh x ^ 1 x 2 dx
" J
0
h
^ bh x
b 3

Now consider first moment of the same strip about X axis. (Alternatively, a new
horizontal strip also can be considered). Apply V.T.M. also.

Ibhy = fnUldA
0

Y £ i I dx
- f t Ueb A b
0

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ECE&EM 4-7 Centroid of Plane Figures

i.e. Ibhy ^ J x2 dx
2b
0
( u3
ill
2b2

Note : Depending on orientation of the triangle or measurement, understand the terms

'height' and 'base' carefully.

4.6.3 Sector of a Circle

Consider sector of a circle of radius R and angle
2 a as shown in Fig. 4.5. (Note that y = 0).

Area of very small elemental sector

= ^ R (R dO) ... treated as A

Centroidal distance for elemental sector from Y

~>x
axis COS0

a
2J R2
de sine a

^ _
x = o
cosG
(!M ] a
0
r R2
2j iLdO
Fig. 4.5
0

• m

Note : Again rad. for quartercircle and rad. f°r a semicircle can be
_ 4R
substituted, to obtain x (measured along axis of symmetry from the center).

4.7 Composite Figures

For any non-standard or composite figure, either mathematical method (integration)
can be used or given shape can be divided into basic/standard shapes and formulas given
in the tables can be applied. (This is incidently, the 'principle of superposition')

Formulas, x = Z (a-x) and

I (a) y " 1 ( a )

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ECE&EM 4-8 Centroid of Plane Figures

can be used for composite figure/lamina or plate of uniform thickness and density.
Remember to measure (calculate) distances at right angles to reference axes X and Y
which are either given in the problem or assumed by us as per our convenience.
Study the solved examples carefully

4.8 Solved Examples

)>!•• Example 4.1 : Determine centroid of the shaded area with reference apex.
( V T U , July - 2006)

Fig. 4.6
Solution : For the given Fig. 4.6, there is a vertical axis of symmetry. Hence we have to
find y only. [Question is not very clear due to wording 'with reference apex']. Given
shaded area = Triangle - Circle - Rectangle - Semicircle.
Assuming center of semicircle as origin, measure the centroidal y distances as shown
in the table below.
2 3
Component area a (mm ) Vertical (y) centroidal Product a.y (mm )
distances (mm)

^ (160) 240 = 19200 ^ (240) = 80 +1536000

2 160+ ~ = 180 - 226195.20

- -J(40) = - 1256.64

-(40) (60) = - 2400 80+^ = 100 - 240000

_ .1(40)2 = - 2513 27 4 40> - 42675.325

< = 1 6 98

£A= 13030.09 — 1027129.5

Table 4.2

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ECE&EM 4-9 Centroid of Plane Figures

Apply (Z A )y = I>-y)

.•. Distance from apex will be 161.17 mm.

4R
)>!•• Example 4.2 : For a semicircular lamina, obtain y = -=— with usual notations.
3n
<VTU, July - 2003)
Solution : Consider a semicircle of radius R (Refer Fig. 4.7).

Width of elemental strip as shown = 2 ^ R 2 - y 2

R R Area of strip = ^2-J R 2 - y 2 ) dy

•-X .'. First moment of strip about diameter

(2 / R 2 ^ ) ydy

v dA
Now use
J dA

Fig. 4.7
J (2A/R2-y2)ydy
•• y = 0
J ( i J W ^ y y
0
R
Numerator = -J (R2-y2)V2<-2y)dy
0
3/2 R
( R 2 -y2)
3/2
0

r 2 3 / 2
• - ! [ ° - ( )

R
Denominator = 2 J { j R 2 - y 2 ^ dy
0

Put y = R sin 0. Hence dy = R cos 0 d 0 and limits change from 0 to ^

*/2
Denominator = 2 J R cos 0 (R cos 6 dG)
0

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ECE&EM 4-10 Centroid of Plane Figures
n/2
2R 2 J cos2ede
0
n/2
cos 26 + 1
= 2R 2U d9
0 v

+ sin 2 6 TCR2
= R2 + 0
0

y = R2
TZ-zr-

»»•• Example 4.3 : Determine co-ordinates of centroid of shaded portion (the spandrel).
(VTU, July - 2006)
Y
A

IN
-•> X

a
Fig. 4.8

Solution : Consider vertical strip of area dA ydx as shown in Fig. 4.9.

n a
A s J ydx kJ x2dx
0 0

Now y2 m kx at point (a, b) gives

b_
k
a2
i i r o t w f n t n m :
>x a* ab
A =
*
HK
dx
i r

a2 T J

Fig. 4.9
Moment ef the elemental area about Y a*i§ = * (ydx),

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ECE&EM 4-11 Centroid of Plane Figures

Moment of entire area = J x ( k x 2 ) d x

o

k | x 3 dx
0

\ /

' b
V
x = or
ab

fy
Similarly moment of entire area about X axis = J (y dx)
\
0

k2
J x 4 dx
0

5^
2a4 { 5

ab 2
10
fab2N
10
t
»
t y = i

ap
"3

3b
• ff y 10

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ECE&EM 4-12 Centroid of Plane Figures

Example 4.4 : Prove that x = and y = /or the part of parabolic area bounded by X
axis, line x = a and parabola i / 2 = kx. [p\jf May - 1992]

Y
A *

I*

ii
i i
ij i
i

>x

x =a
Fig. 4.10

Solution : Consider vertical strip of thickness dx at distance x as shown in Fig. 4.11

Area of strip dA = y dx

• « Complete shaded area = J y dx

0

b2
Now y 2 = kx applied at y = b gives k =

A = J ( - / k x ) dx = / k j ^dx
0 0

A =
L 3 2
/ Jo
Putting value of k and simplifying,
2
A = — (ab)

Now consider moment of elemental area (strip)

about X axis.

Moment of strip = (y dx) ^

Fig. 4.11

a
1
For entire area, moment = J — y 2 dx
0
a
i
xdx
0

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ECE&EM 4-19 Centroid of Plane Figures

b2
2a 2
Moment of area about X axis
Now, y =
Total area

• 4

Similarly consider moment of strip about Y axis.

a
Moment for entire area = J (y dx) x
0
9

a
= yfkj xVxdx
0

1x5/2
= / k
[5/2_
0
2a 2 b

2a 2 b
5
x = or
2ab
3 J
)»•• Example : 4.5 : Determine x and y for quarter of an ellipse (in the first quadrant)
x2 +y
2 _
=1.
a2 fc2
x2 y2
Solution : Equation for the ellipse is
2 b2
For x = 0, y = b and y = 0, x = a.
* Assuming a > b quarter of ellipse will be as
shown.
Let x = a sin 0 and y = b cos 0

• • dx = (a cos 0) d0

and dy = ( - b s i n 0 ) d 0
• 1*114 tWIM|N|IMI
>x
M n
At x = a, 0 = 2 and
a
At y = b, 0 = 0.
Fig. 4.13

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ECE&EM 4-14 Centroid of Plane Figures

Hence for a vertical strip, (Fig. 4.12)

dA = y dx = ab cos 2 0 dG
ir/2
+ cos2G
A = J ab cos 2 0 d0 = ab dO
0

ab sin 2G -.n/2 abf k

A = 8+
0 T { l
nab
A =
~4~
Moment of strip about Y axis = x (y dx) = (ab sin 6 cosG) (a cosG dG)
71/2
• « Moment of entire area = J ( a 2 b s i n 0 cos 2 e ) de
o
n/2
= a 2 b j (sin© c o s 2 0) dG
0
n/2
a 2 b J C O S 2 6 ( - sinG) d0
0
n/2
cos3 G
= -a 2 b
0

= - a2b
HI
2b
Moment of entire area about Y axis =

x = V /
or
xrab

Moment of strip about X axis = (y dx) y

i 2 a
.*. Moment of entire area about X axis = J - y dx
0

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ECE&EM 4-15 Centroid of Plane Figures

b2ar
J cos 2 0 (a cosG d0)
0

ab2 r
cos 3 0 d 0
2 J
0

ab2p-l
... n = 3 (odd power)
2 [ 3

ab2

ab2
Moment about X axis =

ab2^

/
y = or
nab

)>»•• E x a m p l e 4 . 6 : Obtain centroidal distances from reference axes for the shaded area shown
in the Fig. 4.23. [PU, May - 1998 Old]

AY
1
i (a.b)

y = kx

(•n»«»«mi a au m i aam i aw * m w i m t « ^ « n ' »«t«

—>X

Fig. 4.13
»

b b
Solution : At point P, we get m = — and k = — . Let y . = m x and y 2 = k x 2 . Hence height
a a2

of elemental strip = y 1 - y 2 at a distance x as shown, in Fig. 4.14.

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ECE&EM 4-16 Centroid of Plane Figures
Y
Aa
A = J (yi-y2)dx=J (mx-kx2)dx
I
I•

! 0 o
I«
r•
3^
j:
\
1! / \

/
/ \
\
V1-V2 /
\
ba ba
m

ab
A =

Fig. 4.14

a
Moment of area about Y axis = J x ( y j - y 2 ) dx
0
a
J ( m x 2 - kx) dx
0
/ 3 \ 4>
m -k
/

a^b
... by putting values of m and k
12
\
fa b 2

12 j
or

/ N
+
Moment of area about X axis = J (Y]")^)^* yi y2

2 2 d x
= ^J (yi -y 2 )
0

= IJ (m2x2-k2x4)dx
0

1
2

2ab 2
30

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ECE&EM 4-19 Centroid of Plane Figures
\
2ab 2
30
/
y = ab
6

2b
y = t
• »

»»•• Example 4.7 : Locate the centroid of the section shoum in Fig. 4.15.
[Anna Univ., May-2005]

Rad. 10 cm
Quarter
circle

30 cm

H—20 cm
Fig. 4.15

Solution : Let A i = (20 x 30) = 600 cm 2

2
A2 = - = - 78.54 c m 2 and £ A = 521.46 c m 2 .

With respect to left bottom corner (Fig. 4.16).

20 3
*i = = 10 cm, y, = —0 = 15 cm

4(10)
x, = 20 -
3TC
Y
= 15.756 cm
4(10)
y 2 = 30 - ' M V A V . ' A

3TC
»*<•> >• < • > * • > A

.•VmU i i v i X v . v l i.v. A y X s v M v . i

= 25.756 cm \ * > > v :<v>.

* •
S x

" *
. ^ i v ^ - M s ' X - f i '

"
r-x-s

_ A i xi + A 2 x? i «iri . • «•..•• A . t , r> • * i

«V. SV.S'i*.'. SV.\*»\VV»,.1tiV.'. ^ . - . ' i V . S V . W ^
.».» i . r t a • v.* i • • i i • • • • C u • «.tj.i.*.< J
.i •
W . ' . v ,
I
y2
x = — h r — a
A i + A2 yi V A S V . ' i V A S V . S ' . V . y ^ . ' . « , V , S V V. V i 1 . ' . V / ^ ' . V . V ,
A W . V / . S V . ' . W / A V SVA V.". V.'

(600)(10)+(-78.54)(15.756) v >•
v.* ^ V A V i ' . V A V / . V i W . ' & i V M V . ' . V M y . ' .
v.* \ v . - \V.y .v.v.* v . - M v • *.v. v .
x-fc

x
(521.46) o
H
i

Fig. 4.17

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ECE&EM 4-18 Centroid of Plane Figures

_ _ A i yl+A2 y2
y =
A i + A2
( 6 0 0 ) ( 1 5 ) + ( - 78.54) (25.756)
(521.46)

)) Example 4.8 : Determine the centroid of area shown in Fig. 4.27 by taking moment of
area about the given aa-axis and bb-axis. [Anna Univ Dec.-2004]

12 cm
6 cm

12 cm

Fig. 4.17

Solution : Given axes means the origin is at right bottom corner of trapezeum at O as
shown in Fig. 4.18. There are three component areas - rectangle, triangle and semicircle.

6 cm

• X -X
U
1 1
6 cm 6 cm
cm

Fig. 4.18

A1 = ( 1 2 x 6 ) =72 c m 2

A2 = ^(12)(6) = 36cm2

71(6)
A3 = = 56.55 c m 2
ECE&EM 4-19 Centroid of Plane Figures

£ A = 164.55 c m 2

xi
12 * a 6
= t = 6 cm, Yi = o = 3 cm

x2 = 1 ( 1 2 ) ... for 'x' measurement, 12 cm is "h" and 6 cm is 'b'.

*2 = 4 cm
y2 = 6 + ^(6) ... now 'h' is 6 cm and 'b' is 12 cm

y2 = 8 cm

*3 = — = - 2.546 cm ... on opposite side of the origin.

ys = 6 cm due to symmetry for semicircle.

£ (A x) _ ( 7 2 ) ( 6 ) + ( 3 6 ) ( 4 ) + ( 5 6 . 5 5 ) ( - 2 . 5 4 6 )
v
A—~
I A 164.55

X == 2.625 cm i.e. to the left of the aa-axis

y =
I (A y)
I A
(72) ( 3 ) + ( 3 6 ) ( 8 ) + (56.55) ( 6 )
164.55

y == 5.125 cm i.e. above the bb-axis

)>»•• Example 4.9 : A semicircular area having radius 100 mm is located in the xy plane such
that its diametral edge coincides with the Y-axis. Determine X-coordinate of its centroid.
[Anna Univ., May-2003]

Solution : The area will be as shown in Fig. 4.19. Centroid of

the area lies on the horizontal axis of symmetry at a distance
4R
x =-=— from the Y-axis. (There is no relevance of X axis.)
371

i.e.

[Refer solved example 4.2 to get the same result from first
principles (by turning Fig.4.7 through 90° anticlockwise) if
required/asked.]

Fig. 4.19

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ECE&EM 4-20 Centroid of Plane Figures

)>!•• Example 4.10 : Determine the centroid of the cross sectional area of an unequal I-section
shown in Fig. 4.20. [Anna Univ., Dec.-2002]

20 cm
h H
5 cm

5 cm 15 cm

5 cm

b 30 cm
H

Fig. 4.20

Solution : As the reference axes are not given, we assume origin and X, Y axes as shown
in Fig. 4.21 i.e. x = 0 (or x = 15 cm from left or right bottom corner). Hence we have to
find only y where
_ A i y 2 + A 2 y 2 + A 3 y3
y Aj+A2+A3
20 cm
h H
A] = 3 0 x 5 =150 cm2
5 cm
A 2 = 1 5 x 5 =75 cm2
A 3 = 2 0 x 5 = 100 c m 2
£ A = 325 c m 2 5 cm 15 cm

yi = 2 = 2 5 c m

y2 15
= 5 + — - 12.5 cm
-X +X
y 3 = 5 + 15 + ^ = 22.5 30 cm
Fig. 4.21

(150)(2.5)+(75)(12.5)+(100)(22.5)
325

y = 10.962 cm

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ECE&EM 4-21 Centroid of Plane Figures

Example 4.11 Find the centroid of the shaded area shown in Fig. 4.22.
[Anna Univ., July-1999]
Y
1

27 mm 35 mm

40 mm

13 mm

X
h 47 mm 4* 35 mm H
Fig. 4.22

Solution : Area x and y are already given.

A i = 40 x (47 + 35) = 3280 m m 2

A 2 = - 3 5 x 1 3 = - 4 5 5 mm2

A 3 = - rc^ = -628.31 mm2 and £ A = 2196.69 m m 2

47 + 35 „ 40 „
xi = — - — = 41 mm, y i = — = 20 mm

35 13
X2 = 47 + — = 64.5 mm, y2 = — = 6.5 mm

„„ 4 ( 2 0 ) = 31.51 mm
X3 = 2 7 mm,

X (A.x)_(3280)(41)+(-455)(64.5)+(-628.31)(27)
2196.69
A —

L A

t • X = 40.14 mm

I (A y) ( 3280) ( 2 0 ) + ( - 4 5 5 ) ( 6 . 5 ) + ( - 628.31)( 31.51)

And y -
z*
XT —

2196.69

y = 19.50 mm

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ECE&EM 4-22 Centroid of Plane Figures

»»• Example 4.12 : Locate the centroid of the plane area shown in Fig. 4.23.
[Anna Univ., June-2001]

100 mm

25 mm

100 mm

50 mm
25 mm

150 mm
Fig. 4.23

Solution : Reference axes are not given. Assume left bottom corner as origin O and X
axis horizontal, Y axis vertical through O. There are three basic shapes square, triangle and
semicircle. Refer Fig.4.24 (cross marks show individual centroids).
Y
^ 50 100

100

Fig. 4.24

Let Ai = (150) 2 = 22500 m m 2 ,

A 2 = -i(50)(HX>)
- 2500 m m 2
-7i (50) 2
and A3 =

* -3927 mm2
Centroidal distance are :
xi = y i= 75 mm
50
X2 = -=- = 16.667 mm

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ECE&EM 4-23 Centroid of Plane Figures

*3 = 150 - ^ ^ = 128.779 mm
3 r.

y 2 = 150 - = H6.667 mm

and y3 = 7 5 mm
(22500)(75)+(-2500)(16.667)+(-3927)(128.779)
x =
22500 - 2500 - 3927

X = 70.934 mm

(22500)(75)- (-(- 2500)(116.667)+ ( - 3927)(75)

Y
16073

Y = 68.519 mm

Example 4.13 : Find the centroid of the shaded area shown in Fig. 4.25.
[Anna Univ., Dec.-1997]

30 mm

140 mm

60 mm

h 200 mm H

Fig. 4.25
Solution : There are four basic figures involved. Hence it is better to prepare tabular
form for convenience as shown below.

Sr. No. Area (mm 2 ) x (mm) y (mm) A.x (mm 3 ) A.y (mm 3 )

1 200x140= 28000 100 70 2800000 1960000

2 -(40)(60) = - 2400 40 - 432000 - 264000
2 0 0 - - ^ = 180 80 + ^ =110

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ECE&EM 4 - 24 Centroid of Plane Figures

3 30 «„ - 12000 - 136000
- ^ ( 3 0 X 8 0 ) = - 1200 6 0 + 3 ( 8 0 ) = 113 333
IT

4 — rt(30) 2 = - 2827 43 100 70 - 282743.34 - 197920.34

V
/ 21572 57 mm2 —
— 2073256 7 1362079.7

Table 4.3
I (A x) 2073256.7
Mow X =
I A 21572.57

x = 96.106 mm

And y =
Z (A y) 1362079.7
X A " 21572.57

V = 63.139 mm

>»•• Example 4.14 : Locate the centroid of area slwam Fig. 4.26 ivith respect to the cartesian
coordinate system shown. (VTU, Jan.-2003)

2m 2m 5m 1m

1m

6m

10m

Fig. 4.26
ECE&EM 4-25 Centroid of Plane Figures

Solution : Given figure (section of dam) comprises of rectangles and triangles

1.5 m

-X

2m 2m 5m 1 m

Fig. 4.27

Divide the section into triangle and rectangle as shown in Fig. 4.27

A, = 1920(6) = 6 m 2

x, = (2) = 1.333 m O is origin

Vi 3(6) = 2 m

A 2 = (2) (7.5) = 15 m 2
2 7.5
= 3.75 m
x2 = 2 + ^ = 3 m , y2 =

A 3 = i(5)(5) = 12.5 m 2
x 3 = 4+1 3 ! = 5.667 m

ya = 1 +[ 3 1 = 2.667 m

Aa = (1) (6) = 6 m 2

= 4 = 7 m, y4 = i - 0.5 m

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ECE&EM 4-26 Centroid of Plane Figures

Hence SA = Aj + A 2 + A 3 + A 4 = 39.5 m
A 1x1 + A2X2 + A 3 x 3 + A 4 X 4 _ 165.8333
X
A1 + A 2 + A 3 + A 4 39.5

or X = 4.198 m

A i y i + A 2Y2 + A 3 y 3 + A 4 y 4 104.583
And Y
A1+A2+A3+A4 39.5

or Y = 2.648 m

Hence centroid will be at G (x, y) as shown approximately.

)>»• Example 4.15 : For a trapezium of parallel sides 'a' and 'b' with height 'h', show that

y= — xvhere a < ft.

{a+h A3 J
Solution : Let the trapezium be as shown. Divide it into a rectangle and two right angled
triangles. Let PU = c. Therefore TS = b - a - c. Individual centroids are shown by small
cross marks. (Refer Fig. 4.28).

A i = — ch, A 2 = ah and

A 3 = - ( b - a - c ) h with A . m H.
H
u
Also
1 H 1

y i = 3 ^ y2 ="2 and y3
U A
h
U

Consider moments about the base of

Fig. 4.28
trapezium.
( b - a - c ) h" h
[(i£)hl, . ('ch)(*)+<ah> +
3

(a + b) y = + 3a + b - a - c ]

y =
2a
a m
Example 4.16 : Determine the position of centroid for the lamina with a circular cutout
shown in Fig. 4.29. (VTU, July - 2003)

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ECE&EM 4-27 Centroid of Plane Figures

60 mm 60 mm

120 mm

Fig. 4.29

Solution : Let Ax = area of triangle = ^ (60) (120)

.\Aj = 3600 mm 2 , x, = ^ (120) = 40 mm and y, = 100 + ^ ( 6 0 ) = 120 mm

A 22 = Area of rectangle = (100) (120) = 12000 mm 2

x2 = 60 mm and y 2 = 50 mm
"(50) 2 2
A, = Area of semicircle = — - — = 3926.991 mm

4(50)
= 120 + ~3TT = 141.221 mm and y 3 = 50 mm
A 4 = Area of circular hole = n(20) 2 = 1256.637 mm :
A i x i + A 2X2 + A 3 x 3 - A 4x4
x = = 73.517 mm
I A
_ _ Aiyi+A2y2+A3y3~A4y4 _
y = = 63.793 mm
I A

Hence co-ordinates of centroid with respect to point A are (73.517, 63.793)

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ECE&EM 4-28 Centroid of Plane Figures

Example 4.17 : Locate the centroid of the shaded area shoivn in Fig. 4.30 with respect to
the axes shown (VTU, Jan.-2006)

Lx

Fig. 4.30

Solution : For the isosceles triangular hole, b = 20 mm, h = 30 mm.

A 3 = ^(20)(30) = 300 mm 2 and X3 = 30 mm

Assume base of triangle at 40 mm level (from top) as appears in the Figure

1
y 3 = 50 +—(30) = 60 mm
J

n(50)
Let A 2 = area of quarter circle (cut out) =

A2 = - 1963.5 mm 2

x2 = 90 - ^S^- = 68.78 mm
3K
4(50)
and y2 = ~~3TT = 21.22 mm

Lastly, A1 = area of square = 8100 mm

and = yi = 45 mm
I A = A 1 - A 2 - A 3 = 5836.5 mm2

• • X = A1X1-A2X2-A3X3
2>

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ECE&EM 4-29 Centroid of Plane Figures
8100(45) - (1963.5)(68.78) - (300)(60)
5836.5

8100(45) - (1963.5X21.22) - (300) - (60)

Also y =
5836.5

Example 4.18 : A metal plate having uniform thickness is shown in the figure,
Determine the position of its centre of gravity with reference to point O.

T
500

350

Fig. 4.31
Solution : Given figure can be divided into components square OACE - triangle OAF -
square BCDG + quarter circle.
A B C A i = (1000) (1000) = 1 x 10 6 m m 2

A 2 = \ (650) (1000) = 0.325 x 10 6 m m 2

D A 3 = (500) 2 = 0 . 2 5 0 x 1 0 6 m m 2

A4 = |(500) 2 = 0 . 1 9 6 x l 0 6 m m 2

. O
Fig. 4.32

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ECE&EM 4-30 Centroid of Plane Figures

Hence table 4.4 shown below.

Area A (mm2) x (mm) y (mm) A.x(mm3) A. y(mm3)

1*10 6 500 500 500x10 6 500 x 106

- 0.325 x 10® ^(1000) - 70.417 x10® - 108.333 x106

I (650)

- 0.25 x106 500+ 500 . 5 - 187.5 x10® - 187.5 x106

2 °°

0.196 x106 500 4

500+ < f ° > 139.592 x106 139.592 x106
<3 It

i 0.621 x106 — — 381.675 x106 343.759 x10®

Table 4.4
gives

I>y
y = ^TT gives

y = 553.6 mm

"Example. 4-19 : • Detom'ne location of centroid of shaded portion of lamina with respect
to origin O. [PU, May - 1994]

axis

T
50
mm R = 25 mm

50
mm
JL
X axis

R = 50 mm

Fig. 4.33

Solution : Shaded area comprises of : rectangle + triangle -f semicircle - circle.

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 «

ECE&EM 4-31 Centroid of Plane Figures

Area A (mm 2 ) x (mm) y (mm) A.x(mm3) A.y(mm3)

200x50 = 10000 100 25 1*10® 0.25 *10 6

SO
^ (100) (50)=2500 1 0 0 + ^ 9 = 133.333 50+66.667 0.333 xlO 6 0.167 x106
4

2
^(50) = 3926.99 150 « . 2 1 . 2 2 1 0.589 x10® - 0.083 x106

2
-JI(25) = - 1963.5 150 25 - 0.295 x106 - 0.049 x106

I 14463.49 — — 1.628 x106 0.284 x106

Table 4.5
Note that 'y' for semicircle being below X axis, is negative

x = Z 1.628 xlO 6
A x

I > 14463.49

• • x = 112.55 mm

l A y 0.284xl06
• •
y = 14463.49
2 >

• •
y = 19.65 mm

Example 4.20 : Determine co-ordinates of center of circle to be cut from a plate such
that centroid of remaining plate ivill coincide with the center of circle itself.IPU, May-19951

200 mm

300
150 mm
»X
400 mm

Fig. 4.34

Solution : If (x, y) are co-ordinates of centroid of the shaded portion, center of circle will
also have same co-ordinates.

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ECE&EM 4-32 Centroid of Plane Figures
2 3 3
Area A (mm ) x (mm) y (mm) A.x (mm ) A. y ( m m )

Rectangle
200 150 24x10 6 18 X106
400 x 300 = 12000

Triangle
200 + 1 (200)
-^(200) (150) 150+ ^(150) =250 - 5 xlO 6 - 3 75 x106
= 333.333
= - 15000

Circle -^(200) 2
X Y - 31415.927 X - 31415.927 y
= - 31415.927

z 73584.07 — —
19 x106 -
31415.927 x
14.25 x 10® —
31415.927 y

Table 4.6
Now „X .= i a _ 19xl06-31415.927 x
Z A X = 7358407

Also _ _ Z A y __ 14.25xl06-31415.927y
y ~ glVCS y 73584.07

» 4

Example 4.21 : A metal piece of uniform thickness is placed on horizontal surface as

shoivn. Find distance 'd' so that the piece will just be prevented from tipping. Diameter of
the hole is 0.5 m. [PU, Dec. - 1995]

0.5 m

1.3 m

1.2 m

Fig. 4.35

Solution : Tipping may occur about point O as shown in Fig. 4.36. Therefore the moments
of portions to the left of O and to the right of O must be same.

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ECE&EM 4-33 Centroid of Plane Figures
4m 2m L.H.S. moment = (4x 0.3) (2) = 2.4 m 3

! d i
0.5 m R.H.S. moment = (2x 1.8) (1)
-G* 8x1.3

1.3 m . 2 + 1 x0.8 J x 0.5 x 0.5 j d

Equating the moments, we get

1.2 m
Fig. 4.36

Example 4.22 : Locate centroid of the lamina

R = 12 cm

Fig. 4.37
Solution : Prepare table for components.
OB = 12 cm Hence OC = 10.392 cm

2 3 3
Area A (cm ) x (cm) y (cm) A x (cm ) A y(cm )

^(10.392)x(6) l(6) = 2
|(10.392) = 6928 62.352 215.987
= 31.176

3 Sin30 x(12)x(sin3a>)
MS)
2
*(12)
6 498.833. 288.020
i P

= 75.398 = 3.82
= 6.616

106.574 — — 561.185 504.01

Table 4.7

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ECE&EM 4-34 Centroid of Plane Figures

» • x = 5.27 cm

and

Example 4.23 : For a general lamina in the form of triangle OAB as shown, show that
x - ^Ar1 where x = distance of centroid of the triangle from Y axis. (refer Fig. 4.38)

X axis

Fig. 4.38
1 1
Solution : Let height of two right angled triangles A D = h and A i = ah, A 2 (L-a)h

be their areas. Area of given triangle = i L h. Consider moments about Y axis.

L H ) (X)

Lx = ^
nm +
(L-a) h

(L-a)r3a+(L-a)
3 +
(L-a)

2a2 -a
(L+ 2a)

2az+L2+2aL-aL-2a2

L (a + L)
3
a +L
• « X =

)) Example 4.24 : A plate of uniform thickness is formed by attaching one rectangular and
one semicircular plates as shown. Determine 'b' in terms of V so that 'C will be centroid of
the plate.

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ECE&EM 4-35 Centroid of Plane Figures

2a

Fig. 4.39

Solution : Moments of areas to the left and right of 'C' must be same
(a)2
* (2 ab)

or b = 0.816 a
" 2 " r 2

Example 4.25 : A metal piece as shown must hove its center of gravity at point G.
Determine dimension 'a' for this purpose.

60 mm

60 mm

120 mm
Fig. 4.40

Solution : Just like previous problem, equate moments of portions to the left and right
of G.
n (60) 4x60 \
(120)2 [ m . 120-
\ (a) (120) 3n J
20 a 2 = 864000 - 534584.01

a = 128.34 mm

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ECE&EM 4-36 Centroid of Plane Figures

»*•• Example 4.26 : A metal piece of uniform thickness is to he suspended in the position
shown. Determine length L

/ / / / / / /
O
String

12 cm
30 cm

Fig. 4.41

Solution : Let the reference axes and origin be as shown in Fig. 4.42. As 'G' lies below O
i.e. on the line OA extended, from the geometry of figure,

Y
A

»X

Fig. 4.42

We get, x + L = 12 + 30
i.e. L = 42 - x
Consider V.T.M. about Y axis.

"k(12) 2 _ (30) (24) 30

^ + i(30)(24) V
A——
2
12 —
3it )
+ 12 +

Solving, we get x = 16.176 cm

L = 25.824 cm

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ECE&EM 4-38 Centroid of Plane Figures

_ _ Z A x _ 3280500
/ Now x =
I A 32382.075

x = 101.306 mm
_ _ £ A y _5013219.4
Also y =
I A ~ 32382.075

y = 154.815 mm
For hung position, (refer Fig. 4.44) we
have

tan 6 =
360-y
4 •

tan B = 0.494

Fig. 4.44

4.9 Chapter Summary

• Centroid is an important geometric property of a plane figure and its position
with respect to some reference lines (axes) can be obtained in the form of
coordinates (x,y). By considering elemental strip, area and coordinates can be
obtained by integration.

• Varignon's theorem of moments is used to find these coordinates (x,y) by using

formulas.
A ) x = A\ x\ +A2 X2+
( 2 > ) y = A i -yi + A 2 -y2+
• Centroid lies on axes or axis of symmetry. For freely suspended lamina, centroid
lies, vertically below point of suspension (for equilibrium position).

• Composite plane figure should be divided into basic regular figures such as
rectangle, triangle, circle etc.

• Area is taken negative for a hole or removed / cut portion while centroidal
distance is negative if it is measured on opposite side of reference X or Y axis.

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ECE&EM 4-40 Centroid of Plane Figures
50

100 mm

100
I
I
I
I
i 100 mm
i
i
i

200
Fig. CP-4

[PU, May 19931 [Ans.: x = - 107.8 mm, y = 64.4 mm]

__
a 2a __

4. For shaded area, show that x = ^ and y = —

-

|PU, May-1999]

i m i a m i i >»<•«« • im i i i i i i n i u i m i i M i i M i i i
• X
Fig. CP-5

5. For shaded areas shown, find y

30 mm

30 Hole
10 mm radius

30 mm
X ^ X X

60 60
20 mm

100 mm

[PU, Dec-1998] [PU, Dec-2003]

[Ans.: 27.69 mm) [Ans.: 16.72 mm]
Fig. CP-6

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ECE&EM 4-41 Centroid of Plane Figures

6. For a composite figure shown, find V if centroid of the figure is to coincide with centroid of
rectangle ABCD [PU, Dec-2002]

r
B

40 mm
20 mm
D
a

40 mm 20 mm
Fig. CP-7
[Ans.: a = 30.228 mm]
7. Determine co-ordinates of centroid of plane as shown. [PU, Dec-1998 Old]
Y
I
30

—^ X

All dimensions in mm

Fig. CP-8
[Ans.: x = 29.96 mm, y = 30.27 mm]

8. Find angle made by line AB when lamina shown below is freely suspended from A.
Y Y
4 4
i i
.i

E _ MNIIM*

a a
[Ans. : 44.64°] [Ans. : 16°]
Fig. CP-9

•••
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