Experiment No.

1
Aim: To find mass moment of inertia (M.I.) and position of center of gravity of a
given connecting rod by compound pendulum method. Check the value of M.I.
using Trifilar suspension pendulum.
Procedure:
I. In figure 1 is shown the connecting rod suspension from the small-end
bearing support. The periodic times T1 and T2 (in seconds) of the connecting
rod as compound pendulum with points of suspension on large and small
end bearings respectively are given by the following expressions:
1/2
𝐾2 +𝑎2
T1 = 2π[
𝑎𝑔
]
1/2
𝐾2 + (𝐿−𝑎)2
T2 = 2π[ ]
(𝐿−𝑎) 𝑔
Where:
K is radius of gyration about axis through C.G. perpendicular to plane of
motion.
a is distance of C.G. from large-end bearing support.
L is distance between large and small end bearing supports.
g is acceleration due to Gravity.
From the above two equations K and a can be found.

Fig. 1. Schematic diagram to find C.G. Fig.2. Experimental Setup to find C.G.
 Fig. 3 Trifilar Suspension Pendulum

II. Find the periodic time of the plate by giving small oscillations. Put the
connecting rod on the plate such that C.G. of the connecting rod coincides
with that of the plate. Again find the periodic time for small oscillations. Let
T3 and T4 be the periodic times found for plate without and with connecting
rod respectively then:
2𝜋 𝐽 𝑙
T3 =
𝑟
√𝑚1 𝑔
1

2𝜋 𝐽 𝑙
T4 =
𝑟
√𝑚2 𝑔
2
Where:
l is length of suspension wire(equal for three).
r is radial distance of the points of suspension of plate from its center.
m1 is mass of the plate.
m2 is mass of the plate and connecting rod.
J1 is M.I. of the plate about its axis.
J2 is M.I. of the plate and the connecting rod about the axis of the plate.
Find the M.I. of the connecting rod from the second method and compare with
that obtained by 1st method.