PHILIPPINE STATE COLLEGE OF AERONAUTICS

INSTITUTE OF ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY

AERONAUTICAL ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT
Learning Module 08: Centroid; Center of Mass; and Center of Gravity

LEARNING Module
8: Centroid; Center
of Mass; and
Center of Gravity

STATICS OF RIGID BODIES

Prepared by:
ENGR. AUGUSTINE E. BUENAVENTURA

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PHILIPPINE STATE COLLEGE OF AERONAUTICS
INSTITUTE OF ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY
AERONAUTICAL ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT
Learning Module 08: Centroid; Center of Mass; and Center of Gravity

TABLE OF CONTENTS
Title Page Time allotment
CENTER OF GRAVITY 5 10 mins
CENTER OF MASS 6 5 mins
CENTROID OF A BODY 6 10 mins
DETERMINATION OF CENTROID USING 24 mins
6
INTEGRATION
LEARNING ACTIVITY #1 11 45 mins
COMPOSITE BODIES 12 20 mins
LEARNING ACTIVITY #2 16 50 mins
TECHNICAL REPORT 8 17 60 mins
Formative Assessment: Online quiz on the topics of 90 mins
n/a
centroid; center of mass; and center of gravity

Video Links
Title Video Link
Center of Gravity and https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL5-rj23AEMNhhy-
Centroid qpKFNScNgfKI-Me6Bx
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KCwvoUTyqJg

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PHILIPPINE STATE COLLEGE OF AERONAUTICS
INSTITUTE OF ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY
AERONAUTICAL ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT
Learning Module 08: Centroid; Center of Mass; and Center of Gravity

TABLE OF REFERENCES
References No.
Hibbler. (2016). Engineering Mechanics, Statics. New Jersey: Pearson
1
Prentice Hall
Beer, Johnson, Maruzel, & Cornwell. (2010). Vector Mechanics for
2
Engineers: Statics. New York: McGraw-Hill.

List of Figures
Figures Reference
3,5,9 Hibbler. (2016). Engineering Mechanics, Statics. New Jersey:
Pearson Prentice Hall
1,2,4,6,7,8,10 Beer, Johnson, Maruzel, & Cornwell. (2010). Vector Mechanics for
Engineers: Statics. New York: McGraw-Hill.

List of Examples
Example Reference
1,3,4 Hibbler. (2016). Engineering Mechanics, Statics. New Jersey:
Pearson Prentice Hall
2,5 Beer, Johnson, Maruzel, & Cornwell. (2010). Vector Mechanics for
Engineers: Statics. New York: McGraw-Hill.

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PHILIPPINE STATE COLLEGE OF AERONAUTICS
INSTITUTE OF ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY
AERONAUTICAL ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT
Learning Module 08: Centroid; Center of Mass; and Center of Gravity

We have assumed so far that the attraction exerted by the earth on a rigid
body could be represented by a single force W. This force, called the force of gravity
or the weight of the body, was to be applied at the center of gravity of the body. The
action of the earth on a rigid body should thus be represented by a large number of
small forces distributed over the entire body. You will learn in this module, however,
that all of these small forces can be replaced by a single equivalent force W. You will
also learn how to determine the center of gravity, i.e., the point of application of the
resultant W, for bodies of various shapes.
LEARNING OUTCOMES

Course Learning Outcomes [CLO]

CLO 6. Determine centroids, center of Module Learning Outcomes [MLO]

mass and center of gravity of objects;
CLO 11. Accomplish tasks analysis of
problem at data.
CLO 12. Produce a systematic and
accurate solution for every problem so
that it can be solve in a limited amount MLO 2. Locate the center of gravity of a concept of center of gravity, center of
of time.
CLO 13. Demonstrate critical analysis in
the solution of a problem and
application to engineering
MLO 1. Locate centroid of areas and
volumes by integration and composite
method.
two and three-dimensional body.
Topic Learning Outcomes [TLO]
TLO 3. Employ understanding on the
mass, and centroid by determining the
location of centroid and center of gravity
for a body of arbitrary shape and one
composed of composite parts.

HONESTY CLAUSE

As individuals of the academic community, students are expected to understand and

uphold requirements of intellectual and educational integrity. The college assumes
as a simple and minimal standard of conduct in academic matters, that students be
truthful and that they submit credit of their personal efforts.

̅̅̅̅̅̅̅̅̅̅̅̅̅̅̅̅̅̅̅̅̅̅̅̅̅̅̅̅̅̅̅̅̅̅̅̅̅̅̅̅
𝑆𝑖𝑔𝑛𝑎𝑡𝑢𝑟𝑒 𝑜𝑣𝑒𝑟 𝑃𝑟𝑖𝑛𝑡𝑒𝑑 𝑁𝑎𝑚𝑒

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PHILIPPINE STATE COLLEGE OF AERONAUTICS
INSTITUTE OF ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY
AERONAUTICAL ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT
Learning Module 08: Centroid; Center of Mass; and Center of Gravity

CENTER OF GRAVITY OF A TWO-DIMENSIONAL BODY

Center of Gravity.
A body is made up of an infinite number of differential-size particles, so if the body is
located inside a gravitational field, then each of these particles will have a dW
weight. These weights would create a parallel force system, resulting in the total
weight of the body moving through a single point called the center of gravity, G*.
Let 's consider a plane horizontal plate first, Fig 1. The plate can be divided into n
small parts. The first element coordinates are denoted by x1 and y1, the second
element co-ordinates by x2 and y2, etc. The forces that the earth exerts on the plate
elements will be denoted, respectively, by ∆𝑊1 , ∆𝑊2 , . . . , ∆𝑊𝑛 . These forces or weights
are oriented toward the center of the earth, but can be assumed to be parallel for all

Figure 1: Center of gravity of a plate

practical purposes.
Hence their effect is a single force in the same direction. The magnitude W of this
force is achieved by adding elemental weights.
𝛴𝐹𝑧 ; 𝑊 = ∆𝑊1 + ∆𝑊2 + ⋯ + ∆𝑊𝑛

To obtain the coordinates of 𝑥̅ and 𝑦̅ of the point G where the resultant W should be
applied, we write that the W moments around y and x axes are equal to the sum of
the corresponding elemental weights moments,
𝛴𝑀𝑦 ; 𝑥̅ 𝑊 = 𝑥1 ∆𝑊1 + 𝑥2 ∆𝑊2 + ⋯ + 𝑥𝑛 ∆𝑊𝑛
𝛴𝑀𝑥 ; 𝑦̅W = y1 ∆𝑊1 + 𝑦2 ∆𝑊2 + ⋯ + 𝑦𝑛 ∆𝑊𝑛

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PHILIPPINE STATE COLLEGE OF AERONAUTICS
INSTITUTE OF ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY
AERONAUTICAL ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT
Learning Module 08: Centroid; Center of Mass; and Center of Gravity
If we now increase the number of elements into which the plate is divided and at the
same time reduce the size of each element, the following expressions are obtained

in the limit:

CENTER OF MASS OF A BODY.

To analyze a body's dynamic response or accelerated motion, it becomes important
to locate the center of mass (Cm) in the body, this location can be determined by
substituting 𝑑𝑊 = 𝑔 𝑑𝑚

CENTROIDS OF A BODY
Centroid of an Area.
If an area is in the x-y plane and is bounded by
the y = f (x) curve, Fig 2, its centroid will be in this
plane and can be calculated from integrals

If we use a rectangular strip for the differential

area element, these integrals can be evaluated by Figure 2a

a single integration
For example, if a vertical strip is used, the area of
the element is 𝒅𝑨 = 𝒚 𝒅𝒙, and its centroid is located
𝒚
̃ = 𝒙 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒚
at 𝒙 ̃= .
𝟐

Figure 2b

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PHILIPPINE STATE COLLEGE OF AERONAUTICS
INSTITUTE OF ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY
AERONAUTICAL ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT
Learning Module 08: Centroid; Center of Mass; and Center of Gravity

If we consider a horizontal strip, then 𝒅𝑨 = 𝒙 𝒅𝒚,

𝒙
and its centroid is located at 𝒙̃ = 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒚 ̃ = 𝒚.
𝟐
Centroid of a Line.
If a line segment (or rod) is inside the x-y plane and
can be represented with a thin y = f(x) curve, then its
centroid is determined from

Figure 2c

Here the Pythagorean theorem gives the length of the differential variable, 𝑑𝐿 =
√(𝑑𝑥)2 + (𝑑𝑦)2 , which can also be written in the form

𝑑𝑥 2 2 𝑑𝑦 2
𝑑𝐿 = √( ) 𝑑𝑥 + ( ) 𝑑𝑥 2
𝑑𝑥 𝑑𝑥

𝑑𝑦 2
= (√1 + ( ) ) 𝑑𝑥
𝑑𝑥

Or

𝑑𝑥 2 2 𝑑𝑦 2 2
𝑑𝐿 = √( ) 𝑑𝑦 + ( ) 𝑑𝑦
𝑑𝑦 𝑑𝑦

𝑑𝑥 2
= (√( ) + 1) 𝑑𝑦
𝑑𝑦

Either one of these expressions can be used; however, the one that results in a
simpler integration should be chosen for application
FIRST MOMENTS OF AREAS AND LINES
The integral of ∫ 𝑥 𝑑𝐴 is known as the first moment of area with respect to the y axis
and is denoted by 𝑄𝑦 . Likewise, the integral ∫ 𝑦 𝑑𝐴 defines the first moment of area

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PHILIPPINE STATE COLLEGE OF AERONAUTICS
INSTITUTE OF ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY
AERONAUTICAL ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT
Learning Module 08: Centroid; Center of Mass; and Center of Gravity
with respect to the x axis and is denoted by 𝑄𝑥 , we write
We note that the first moments of area A can be expressed as the products of the

area and its centroid coordinates:

EXAMPLE 1
Locate the centroid of the area shown.
Solution I
Differential Element.
A differential element of thickness dx is
shown. The element intersects the curve at the
arbitrary point (𝑥, 𝑦), and so its height 𝑦
Area and Moment Arms.
The area of the element is 𝒅𝑨 = 𝒚 𝒅𝒙
𝒚
̃ = 𝒙 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒚
Its centroid is located at 𝒙 ̃=
𝟐

Figure 3

Integrations.

Solution II

Differential Element. The differential element of thickness dy.

The element intersects the curve at the arbitrary point (x, y),
and so it has a length (1 - x).

Area and Moment Arms.

The area of the element is dA = (1 - x) dy,
𝟏−𝒙 𝟏+𝒙
̃=𝒙+
and its centroid is located at 𝒙 = 𝟐 , 𝒚̃=𝒚
𝟐

Figure 3
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PHILIPPINE STATE COLLEGE OF AERONAUTICS
INSTITUTE OF ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY
AERONAUTICAL ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT
Learning Module 08: Centroid; Center of Mass; and Center of Gravity

Integrations
EXAMPLE 2
Determine by direct integration the location of the
centroid of a parabolic spandrel.

SOLUTION

Figure 4
Determination of the Constant k.
The value of 𝑘 is determined by substituting 𝑥 = 𝑎
and 𝑦 = 𝑏 into the given equation. We have
𝒃
𝒃 = 𝒌𝒂𝟐 or 𝒌 = . The equation of the curve is
𝒂𝟐
thus
𝒃 𝟐 𝒂 𝟏
𝒚= 𝟐
𝒙 𝒐𝒓 𝒙 = 𝟏 𝒚𝟐
𝒂
𝒃𝟐
Vertical Differential Element.
We choose the differential element shown and find the total area of the figure.

The first moment of the differential element with respect to the 𝑦 axis is 𝑥̃ 𝑑𝐴; hence,
the first moment of the entire area with respect to this axis is

Since 𝑄𝑦 = 𝑥̃ 𝐴, we have

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PHILIPPINE STATE COLLEGE OF AERONAUTICS
INSTITUTE OF ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY
AERONAUTICAL ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT
Learning Module 08: Centroid; Center of Mass; and Center of Gravity

Likewise, the first moment of the differential element with respect to the x axis
is 𝑦 𝑑𝐴, and the first moment of the entire area is

Since 𝑄𝑥 = 𝑦̃𝐴, we have

EXAMPLE 3

Locate the centroid of the rod bent into the shape of a

parabolic arc

Solution
Area and Moment Arms

𝑑𝑥 2
𝑑𝐿 = (√( ) + 1) 𝑑𝑦
𝑑𝑦

𝒅𝒙
Since 𝒙 = 𝒚𝟐 , then = 𝟐𝒚
𝒅𝒚

Figure 5
𝑑𝐿 = (√(2𝑦)2 + 1) 𝑑𝑦

As shown the centroid of the element is located at 𝑥̃ = 𝑥, and 𝑦̃ = 𝑦

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PHILIPPINE STATE COLLEGE OF AERONAUTICS
INSTITUTE OF ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY
AERONAUTICAL ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT
Learning Module 08: Centroid; Center of Mass; and Center of Gravity

Integrations.
LEARNING ACTIVITY #1
Solve the following problem systematically and box the final answer with its
appropriate units. Write the question and the complete solution on the prescribed
format. Submit your scanned work on the provided link on Google Classroom.

1. Determine the centroid (𝑥̃, 𝑦̃) of the shaded area.

2. Determine the centroid (𝑥̃, 𝑦̃) of the shaded area.

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PHILIPPINE STATE COLLEGE OF AERONAUTICS
INSTITUTE OF ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY
AERONAUTICAL ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT
Learning Module 08: Centroid; Center of Mass; and Center of Gravity
3. Determine the centroid y of the shaded area.

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PHILIPPINE STATE COLLEGE OF AERONAUTICS
INSTITUTE OF ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY
AERONAUTICAL ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT
Learning Module 08: Centroid; Center of Mass; and Center of Gravity

COMPOSITE BODIES
A composite body consists of a series of "simpler" shaped bodies connected, which
can be rectangular, triangular, semicircular, etc. Such a body can also be divided
into its component parts and, if the weight and position of the center of gravity of
each of these parts are established, the need for integration to determine the center
of gravity of the whole body can be removed.

Where,
𝑥̅ , 𝑦̅, 𝑧̅ Represents the center of gravity coordinates G of the composite
structure.
𝑥̃, 𝑦̃, 𝑧̃ Represents the center of gravity co-ordinates for each composite
part of the body.
𝛴𝑊 Is the sum of the weights of all the composite body parts, or simply
the total body weight.

Figure 6: Centroid of a Composite Area

If the plate is homogeneous and thick, the center of gravity coincides with the center
C of its area..

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 PHILIPPINE STATE COLLEGE OF AERONAUTICS
INSTITUTE OF ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY
AERONAUTICAL ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT
Learning Module 08: Centroid; Center of Mass; and Center of Gravity

Figure 7: Centroids of Common Shapes of areas

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 PHILIPPINE STATE COLLEGE OF AERONAUTICS
INSTITUTE OF ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY
AERONAUTICAL ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT
Learning Module 08: Centroid; Center of Mass; and Center of Gravity

Figure 8: Centroid of Common Shapes of lines

EXAMPLE 4

Locate the centroid of the plate area shown in Fig. 9.

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PHILIPPINE STATE COLLEGE OF AERONAUTICS
INSTITUTE OF ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY
AERONAUTICAL ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT
Learning Module 08: Centroid; Center of Mass; and Center of Gravity
Figure 9

EXAMPLE 5

For the plane area shown, determine (a) the first

moments with respect to the x and y axes, (b) the
location of the centroid.

SOLUTION
Components of Area.
The area is obtained by adding a rectangle, a Figure 10
triangle, and a semicircle and by then subtracting a
circle. Using the coordinate axes shown, the area and the coordinates of the centroid
of each of the component areas are determined and entered in the table below. The
area of the circle is indicated as negative, since it is to be subtracted from the other
areas.

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PHILIPPINE STATE COLLEGE OF AERONAUTICS
INSTITUTE OF ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY
AERONAUTICAL ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT
Learning Module 08: Centroid; Center of Mass; and Center of Gravity

First Moments of the Area.

𝑄𝑥 = 𝛴𝑦̅𝐴 = 506.2 × 103 𝑚𝑚3

𝑄𝑦 = 𝛴𝑥̅ 𝐴 = 757.7 × 103 𝑚𝑚3
Location of Centroid.

𝛴𝑥̅ 𝐴 (757.7 × 103 𝑚𝑚3 )

𝑋̅ = = = 54.8 𝑚𝑚
𝛴𝐴 13.828 × 103 𝑚𝑚3
𝛴𝑦̅𝐴 506.2 × 103 𝑚𝑚3
𝑌̅ = = = 36.6 𝑚𝑚
𝛴𝐴 13.828 × 103 𝑚𝑚2
LEARNING ACTIVITY #2
Solve the following problem systematically and box the final answer with its
appropriate units. Write the question and the complete solution (Use the tabular
form) on the prescribed format. Submit your scanned work on the provided link on
Google Classroom
.

1. Locate the centroid y of the beam’s cross-sectional area.

2. Locate the centroid (x, y) of the cross-sectional area.

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PHILIPPINE STATE COLLEGE OF AERONAUTICS
INSTITUTE OF ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY
AERONAUTICAL ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT
Learning Module 08: Centroid; Center of Mass; and Center of Gravity

3. Locate the centroid (x, y) of this figure

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PHILIPPINE STATE COLLEGE OF AERONAUTICS
INSTITUTE OF ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY
AERONAUTICAL ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT
Learning Module 08: Centroid; Center of Mass; and Center of Gravity
TECHNICAL REPORT 8: Centroid, Center of Mass; and Center of Gravity
Solve the following problem systematically and box the final answer with its
appropriate units. Write the question and the complete solution on the prescribed
format. Submit your scanned work on the provided link on Google Classroom.

1. Determine by direct integration the centroid of the area shown. Express your
answer in terms of a and b.

2. Determine by direct integration the centroid of the area shown. Express your
answer in terms of a and b.

3. Locate the centroid of the plane area shown.

4. Locate the centroid of the plane area shown.

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PHILIPPINE STATE COLLEGE OF AERONAUTICS
INSTITUTE OF ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY
AERONAUTICAL ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT
Learning Module 08: Centroid; Center of Mass; and Center of Gravity

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