Chapter 10

The design of these structural members requires calculation of their cross-

sectional moment of inertia. In this chapter we will discuss how this is done.
Moments of Inertia

CHAPTER OBJECTIVES
■ To develop a method for determining the moment of inertia for
an area.
■ To introduce the product of inertia and show how to determine
the maximum and minimum moments of inertia for an area.
■ To discuss the mass moment of inertia.

10.1 Definition of Moments of Inertia

for Areas
Whenever a distributed loading acts perpendicular to an area and its
intensity varies linearly, the computation of the moment of the loading
distribution about an axis will involve a quantity called the moment of
inertia of the area. For example, consider the plate in Fig. 10–1, which is
subjected to a fluid pressure p. As discussed in Sec. 9.5, this pressure p varies
linearly with depth, such that p = gy, where g is the specific weight of the
fluid. Thus, the force acting on the differential area dA of the plate is
dF = p dA = (g y)dA. The moment of this force about the x axis is therefore
dM = y dF = gy2dA, and so integrating dM over the entire area of the plate
2 2
yields M = g 1 y dA. The integral 1 y dA is called the moment of inertia Ix z
of the area about the x axis. Integrals of this form often arise in formulas
used in fluid mechanics, mechanics of materials, structural mechanics, and
mechanical design, and so the engineer needs to be familiar with the y x
methods used for their computation. p ⫽ gy dA
y
dF

Fig. 10–1
 516 CHAPTER 10 MOMENTS OF INERTIA

Moment of Inertia. By definition, the moments of inertia of a

differential area dA about the x and y axes are dIx = y2 dA and
dIy = x2 dA, respectively, Fig. 10–2. For the entire area A the moments of
inertia are determined by integration; i.e.,

2
y
Ix = y dA
LA
(10–1)
2
Iy = x dA
LA
A

We can also formulate this quantity for dA about the “pole” O or z axis,
x Fig. 10–2. This is referred to as the polar moment of inertia. It is defined as
dA
dJO = r2 dA, where r is the perpendicular distance from the pole (z axis)
to the element dA. For the entire area the polar moment of inertia is
r y

JO = r2 dA = Ix + Iy (10–2)
LA
x
O

Fig. 10–2 This relation between JO and Ix, Iy is possible since r2 = x2 + y2,
Fig. 10–2.
From the above formulations it is seen that Ix, Iy, and JO will always be
positive since they involve the product of distance squared and area.
Furthermore, the units for moment of inertia involve length raised to the
fourth power, e.g., m4, mm4, or ft4, in.4.

10.2 Parallel-Axis Theorem for an Area

The parallel-axis theorem can be used to find the moment of inertia of an
y y⬘ area about any axis that is parallel to an axis passing through the centroid
and about which the moment of inertia is known. To develop this theorem,
x¿ we will consider finding the moment of inertia of the shaded area shown
in Fig. 10–3 about the x axis. To start, we choose a differential element dA
located at an arbitrary distance y⬘ from the centroidal x⬘ axis. If the distance
dA
between the parallel x and x⬘ axes is dy, then the moment of inertia of dA
y¿
10 about the x axis is dIx = (y⬘ + dy)2 dA. For the entire area,
dx x¿
C
Ix = (y⬘ + dy)2 dA
d dy LA

x = y⬘2 dA + 2dy y⬘ dA + d2y dA

O LA LA LA
Fig. 10–3
 10.3 RADIUS OF GYRATION OF AN AREA 517

The first integral represents the moment of inertia of the area about the
centroidal axis, Ix⬘. The second integral is zero since the x⬘ axis passes
through the area’s centroid C; i.e., 1 y⬘ dA = y⬘ 1 dA = 0 since y⬘ = 0.
Since the third integral represents the total area A, the final result is
therefore

Ix = Ix⬘ + Ad2y (10–3)

A similar expression can be written for Iy; i.e.,

Iy = Iy⬘ + Ad2x (10–4)

And finally, for the polar moment of inertia, since JC = Ix⬘ + Iy⬘ and
d2 = d2x + d2y , we have

JO = JC + Ad2 (10–5) In order to predict the strength and

deflection of this beam, it is necessary to
calculate the moment of inertia of the
The form of each of these three equations states that the moment of beam’s cross-sectional area.
inertia for an area about an axis is equal to its moment of inertia about a
parallel axis passing through the area’s centroid plus the product of the
area and the square of the perpendicular distance between the axes.

10.3 Radius of Gyration of an Area

The radius of gyration of an area about an axis has units of length and is
a quantity that is often used for the design of columns in structural
mechanics. Provided the areas and moments of inertia are known, the
radii of gyration are determined from the formulas

Ix
kx =
DA

Iy
ky = (10–6) 10
DA

JO
kO =
DA

The form of these equations is easily remembered since it is similar to

that for finding the moment of inertia for a differential area about an
axis. For example, Ix = k2x A; whereas for a differential area, dIx = y2 dA.
 518 CHAPTER 10 MOMENTS OF INERTIA

y
y
x
(x, y)

y ⫽ f(x) y ⫽ f(x)
dA (x, y)
dy y
dA
x y

x x
dx

(a) (b)

Fig. 10–4

Procedure for Analysis

In most cases the moment of inertia can be determined using a
single integration. The following procedure shows two ways in which
this can be done.
• If the curve defining the boundary of the area is expressed as
y = f(x), then select a rectangular differential element such that it
has a finite length and differential width.
• The element should be located so that it intersects the curve at
the arbitrary point (x, y).

Case 1.
• Orient the element so that its length is parallel to the axis about
which the moment of inertia is computed. This situation occurs
when the rectangular element shown in Fig. 10–4a is used to
determine Ix for the area. Here the entire element is at a distance y
2
from the x axis since it has a thickness dy. Thus Ix = 1 y dA. To find
Iy, the element is oriented as shown in Fig. 10–4b. This element lies
2
at the same distance x from the y axis so that Iy = 1 x dA.
Case 2.
• The length of the element can be oriented perpendicular to the
axis about which the moment of inertia is computed; however,
10 Eq. 10–1 does not apply since all points on the element will not lie
at the same moment-arm distance from the axis. For example, if
the rectangular element in Fig. 10–4a is used to determine Iy, it
will first be necessary to calculate the moment of inertia of the
element about an axis parallel to the y axis that passes through
the element’s centroid, and then determine the moment of inertia
of the element about the y axis using the parallel-axis theorem.
Integration of this result will yield Iy. See Examples 10.2 and 10.3.
 10.3 RADIUS OF GYRATION OF AN AREA 519

EXAMPLE 10.1
Determine the moment of inertia for the rectangular area shown in y¿
Fig. 10–5 with respect to (a) the centroidal x⬘ axis, (b) the axis xb passing
through the base of the rectangle, and (c) the pole or z⬘ axis
perpendicular to the x⬘9y⬘ plane and passing through the centroid C.
dy¿
h
2
SOLUTION (CASE 1) y¿
Part (a). The differential element shown in Fig. 10–5 is chosen for x¿
C
integration. Because of its location and orientation, the entire element
is at a distance y⬘ from the x⬘ axis. Here it is necessary to integrate from
h
y⬘ = -h>2 to y⬘ = h>2. Since dA = b dy⬘, then 2

h>2 h>2 xb
Ix⬘ = y=2 dA = y=2(b dy⬘) = b y=2 dy= b b
LA L-h>2 L-h>2 2 2
1 3 Fig. 10–5
Ix⬘ = bh Ans.
12

Part (b). The moment of inertia about an axis passing through the
base of the rectangle can be obtained by using the above result of
part (a) and applying the parallel-axis theorem, Eq. 10–3.

Ixb = Ix⬘ + Ad2y

1 3 h 2 1
= bh + bha b = bh3 Ans.
12 2 3

Part (c). To obtain the polar moment of inertia about point C, we

must first obtain Iy⬘, which may be found by interchanging the
dimensions b and h in the result of part (a), i.e.,

1 3
Iy⬘ = hb 10
12

Using Eq. 10–2, the polar moment of inertia about C is therefore

1
JC = Ix⬘ + Iy⬘ = bh(h2 + b2) Ans.
12
 520 CHAPTER 10 MOMENTS OF INERTIA

EXAMPLE 10.2
y Determine the moment of inertia for the shaded area shown in
y2 ⫽ 400x Fig. 10–6a about the x axis.

SOLUTION I (CASE 1)
x A differential element of area that is parallel to the x axis, as shown in
(100 – x) dy Fig. 10–6a, is chosen for integration. Since this element has a thickness
dy and intersects the curve at the arbitrary point (x, y), its area is
dA = (100 - x) dy. Furthermore, the element lies at the same distance y
y 200 mm from the x axis. Hence, integrating with respect to y, from y = 0 to
y = 200 mm, yields
200 mm
x
Ix = y2 dA = y2(100 - x) dy
100 mm LA L0
200 mm 200 mm
(a) y2 y4
= y2 a 100 - b dy = a 100y2 - b dy
L0 400 L0 400

= 107(106) mm4 Ans.

SOLUTION II (CASE 2)
y A differential element parallel to the y axis, as shown in Fig. 10–6b, is
chosen for integration. It intersects the curve at the arbitrary point
y2 ⫽ 400x
(x, y). In this case, all points of the element do not lie at the same
distance from the x axis, and therefore the parallel-axis theorem must
be used to determine the moment of inertia of the element with respect
to this axis. For a rectangle having a base b and height h, the moment
200 mm of inertia about its centroidal axis has been determined in part (a) of
Example 10.1. There it was found that Ix⬘ = 12 1
bh3. For the differential
y x¿ element shown in Fig. 10–6b, b = dx and h = y, and thus dIx⬘ = 12 1
dx y3.
苲
Since the centroid of the element is y = y>2 from the x axis, the
y
y~ ⫽ –– moment of inertia of the element about this axis is
2

x 1 y 2 1
x dx dIx = dIx⬘ + dA 苲
y2 = dx y3 + y dx a b = y3 dx
12 2 3
100 mm
10
(This result can also be concluded from part (b) of Example 10.1.)
(b) Integrating with respect to x, from x = 0 to x = 100 mm, yields
Fig. 10–6 100 mm 100 mm
1 3 1
Ix = dIx = y dx = (400x)3>2 dx
L L0 3 L0 3

= 107(106) mm4 Ans.

 526 CHAPTER 10 MOMENTS OF INERTIA

10.4 Moments of Inertia for

Composite Areas
A composite area consists of a series of connected “simpler” parts or
shapes, such as rectangles, triangles, and circles. Provided the moment of
inertia of each of these parts is known or can be determined about a
common axis, then the moment of inertia for the composite area about
this axis equals the algebraic sum of the moments of inertia of all its parts.

Procedure for Analysis

The moment of inertia for a composite area about a reference axis

can be determined using the following procedure.
Composite Parts.
• Using a sketch, divide the area into its composite parts and
indicate the perpendicular distance from the centroid of each
part to the reference axis.
Parallel-Axis Theorem.
• If the centroidal axis for each part does not coincide with the
reference axis, the parallel-axis theorem, I = I + Ad2, should be
used to determine the moment of inertia of the part about the
reference axis. For the calculation of I , use the table on the inside
back cover.
Summation.
• The moment of inertia of the entire area about the reference axis
is determined by summing the results of its composite parts about
this axis.
• If a composite part has a “hole”, its moment of inertia is found by
“subtracting” the moment of inertia of the hole from the moment
of inertia of the entire part including the hole.

10

For design or analysis of this T-beam,

engineers must be able to locate the
centroid of its cross-sectional area,
and then find the moment of inertia
of this area about the centroidal axis.
 10.4 MOMENTS OF INERTIA FOR COMPOSITE AREAS 527

EXAMPLE 10.4
Determine the moment of inertia of the area shown in Fig. 10–8a about
the x axis.

100 mm
100 mm

75 mm 25 mm
25 mm 75 mm

–
75 mm 75 mm

x x

(a) (b)
Fig. 10–8

SOLUTION
Composite Parts. The area can be obtained by subtracting the circle
from the rectangle shown in Fig. 10–8b. The centroid of each area is
located in the figure.
Parallel-Axis Theorem. The moments of inertia about the x axis
are determined using the parallel-axis theorem and the geometric
properties formulae for circular and rectangular areas Ix = 14pr4;
Ix = 12
1
bh3, found on the inside back cover.

Circle

Ix = Ix= + Ad2y
1
= p(25)4 + p(25)2(75)2 = 11.4(106) mm4
4

Rectangle

Ix = Ix= + Ad2y
1
= (100)(150)3 + (100)(150)(75)2 = 112.5(106) mm4 10
12

Summation. The moment of inertia for the area is therefore

Ix = -11.4(106) + 112.5(106)
= 101(106) mm4 Ans.
 528 CHAPTER 10 MOMENTS OF INERTIA

EXAMPLE 10.5
y Determine the moments of inertia for the cross-sectional area of the
100 mm member shown in Fig. 10–9a about the x and y centroidal axes.

400 mm
SOLUTION
C x Composite Parts. The cross section can be subdivided into the three
400 mm
rectangular areas A, B, and D shown in Fig. 10–9b. For the calculation,
100 mm
the centroid of each of these rectangles is located in the figure.

100 mm
600 mm Parallel-Axis Theorem. From the table on the inside back cover, or
(a) Example 10.1, the moment of inertia of a rectangle about its centroidal
axis is I = 12
1
bh3. Hence, using the parallel-axis theorem for rectangles A
and D, the calculations are as follows:

Rectangles A and D
y
100 mm
1
200 mm Ix = Ix⬘ + Ad2y = (100)(300)3 + (100)(300)(200)2
12
A
300 mm = 1.425(109) mm4
250 mm
1
B x Iy = Iy⬘ + Ad2x = (300)(100)3 + (100)(300)(250)2
12
250 mm 300 mm = 1.90(109) mm4
200 mm D

100 mm Rectangle B

(b) 1
Ix = (600)(100)3 = 0.05(109) mm4
Fig. 10–9
12
1
Iy = (100)(600)3 = 1.80(109) mm4
12

Summation. The moments of inertia for the entire cross section

are thus
10
Ix = 2[1.425(109)] + 0.05(109)
= 2.90(109) mm4 Ans.
Iy = 2[1.90(10 )] + 1.80(10 )
9 9

= 5.60(109) mm4 Ans.

 10.4 MOMENTS OF INERTIA FOR COMPOSITE AREAS 529

FUNDAMENTAL PROBLEMS
F10–5. Determine the moment of inertia of the beam’s F10–7. Determine the moment of inertia of the cross-
cross-sectional area about the centroidal x and y axes. sectional area of the channel with respect to the y axis.

y
y

50 mm

200 mm
50 mm
50 mm x x
300 mm

200 mm

50 mm
150 mm 150 mm
50 mm 200 mm

F10–5 F10–7

F10–8. Determine the moment of inertia of the cross-

F10–6. Determine the moment of inertia of the beam’s sectional area of the T-beam with respect to the x⬘ axis
cross-sectional area about the centroidal x and y axes. passing through the centroid of the cross section.

30 mm
y

30 mm
10

200 mm x 150 mm
x¿
30 mm
y
30 mm
300 mm
30 mm 30 mm 150 mm

F10–6 F10–8
 530 CHAPTER 10 MOMENTS OF INERTIA

PROBLEMS
10–25. Determine the moment of inertia of the composite *10–28. Determine the moment of inertia of the beam’s
area about the x axis. cross-sectional area about the x axis.

10–26. Determine the moment of inertia of the composite

area about the y axis.

y
a ⫺ x)
y ⫽ ( ––
2
3 in. 6 in.
a a

3 in.
x

3 in.
a a
x

Probs. 10–25/26
Prob. 10–28

10–27. Determine the radius of gyration kx for the column’s

cross-sectional area. 10–29. Locate the centroid y of the channel’s cross-
sectional area, and then determine the moment of inertia
with respect to the x⬘ axis passing through the centroid.

200 mm 2 in.
50 mm 100 mm
10 200 mm 12 in. 2 in.
200 mm _
200 mm y
x 50 mm x¿

C 2 in.
x¿
4 in.

Prob. 10–27 Prob. 10–29

 10.4 MOMENTS OF INERTIA FOR COMPOSITE AREAS 531

10–30. Determine the distance x to the centroid of the
beam’s cross-sectional area, then find the moment of inertia
about the y⬘ axis.
10–31. Determine the moment of inertia of the beam’s
cross-sectional area about the x⬘ axis.
10–34. Determine the moment of inertia of the beam’s
cross-sectional area about the y axis.
10–35. Determine y, which locates the centroidal axis x⬘
for the cross-sectional area of the T-beam, and then find the
moment of inertia about the x⬘ axis.

y y¿
y
–x

150 mm
40 mm 50 mm 150 mm

40 mm
C x¿ x¿
40 mm 250 mm
C
x¿
40 mm
x _
y
120 mm
40 mm
25 mm x
Probs. 10–30/31 25 mm

Probs. 10–34/35

*10–32. Determine the moment of inertia of the shaded

area about the x axis.

10–33. Determine the moment of inertia of the shaded *10–36. Determine the moment of inertia Ix of the shaded
area about the y axis. area about the x axis.

10–37. Determine the moment of inertia Iy of the shaded

area about the y axis.
y

y
6 in. 3 in.

10
6 in.
u
x
x
u

6 in.
r

Probs. 10–32/33 Probs. 10–36/37

 532 CHAPTER 10 MOMENTS OF INERTIA

10–38. The beam is constructed from the two channels
and two cover plates. If each channel has a cross-sectional
area of Ac = 11.8 in2 and a moment of inertia about a
horizontal axis passing through its own centroid, Cc, of
(I x)Cc = 349 in4, determine the moment of inertia of the
beam about the x axis.
10–39. The beam is constructed from the two channels
and two cover plates. If each channel has a cross-sectional
area of Ac = 11.8 in2 and a moment of inertia about a
vertical axis passing through its own centroid, Cc, of
( I y)Cc = 9.23 in4 , determine the moment of inertia of the
beam about the y axis.
y
1 in.
10–42. Determine the moment of inertia of the beam’s
cross-sectional area about the x axis.
10–43. Determine the moment of inertia of the beam’s
cross-sectional area about the y axis.
*10–44. Determine the distance y to the centroid C of the
beam’s cross-sectional area and then compute the moment
of inertia Ix⬘ about the x⬘ axis.
10–45. Determine the distance x to the centroid C of the
beam’s cross-sectional area and then compute the moment
of inertia Iy⬘ about the y⬘ axis.
y y¿
30 mm

30 mm
70 mm
10 in. _
1.28 in. 140 mm x
C
Cc _
30 mm
10 in. x y
x¿

30 mm 170 mm
1 in. 6 in.
x
6 in.
Probs. 10–42/43/44/45
Probs. 10–38/39
10–46. Determine the distance y to the centroid for the
beam’s cross-sectional area; then determine the moment of
*10–40. Locate the centroid y of the composite area, then inertia about the x⬘ axis.
determine the moment of intertia of this area about the
10–47. Determine the moment of inertia of the beam’s
centroidal x⬘ axis.
cross-sectional area about the y axis.
10–41. Determine the moment of inertia of the composite y
area about the centroidal y axis. 25 mm 25 mm
y

100 mm
C x'
3 in. _
y
10 25 mm
x
x¿
75 mm 75 mm
1 in. 1 in. 50 mm 50 mm
5 in. y 100 mm
2 in.
x
3 in. 3 in.
25 mm

Probs. 10–40/41 Probs. 10–46/47

 10.4 MOMENTS OF INERTIA FOR COMPOSITE AREAS 533

*10–48. Determine the moment of inertia of the area 10–51. Determine the moment of inertia of the beam’s
about the x axis. cross-sectional area with respect to the x⬘ centroidal axis.
Neglect the size of all the rivet heads, R, for the calculation.
10–49. Determine the moment of inertia of the area about Handbook values for the area, moment of inertia, and
the y axis. location of the centroid C of one of the angles are listed in
the figure.

y
R

3 in. 3 in.
15 mm
275 mm
x¿

6 in.

(Ia)xa ⫽ 1.32(106) mm4

C
2 in. xa
Aa ⫽ 1.36(103) mm2 28 mm
4 in.
20 mm

x 75 mm

Probs. 10–48/49 Prob. 10–51

*10–52. Determine the moment of inertia of the

parallelogram about the x⬘ axis, which passes through the
centroid C of the area.

10–53. Determine the moment of inertia of the

10–50. Locate the centroid y of the cross section and parallelogram about the y⬘ axis, which passes through the
determine the moment of inertia of the section about the centroid C of the area.
x⬘ axis.

y y¿

10

0.4 m x¿
–y C
a x¿
0.05 m
u
x
0.3 m
0.2 m 0.2 m 0.2 m 0.2 m b

Prob. 10–50 Probs. 10–52/53

 534 CHAPTER 10 MOMENTS OF INERTIA

*10.5 Product of Inertia for an Area

It will be shown in the next section that the property of an area, called the
product of inertia, is required in order to determine the maximum and
y minimum moments of inertia for the area. These maximum and minimum
values are important properties needed for designing structural and
x
mechanical members such as beams, columns, and shafts.
The product of inertia of the area in Fig. 10–10 with respect to the x and
A
y axes is defined as
dA

y
Ixy = xy dA (10–7)
LA
x

Fig. 10–10
The effectiveness of this beam to resist
bending can be determined once its
moments of inertia and its product of
inertia are known.
If the element of area chosen has a differential size in two directions, as
shown in Fig. 10–10, a double integration must be performed to evaluate
Ixy. Most often, however, it is easier to choose an element having a
differential size or thickness in only one direction in which case the
evaluation requires only a single integration (see Example 10.6).
Like the moment of inertia, the product of inertia has units of length
raised to the fourth power, e.g., m4, mm4 or ft4, in4. However, since x or y
may be negative, the product of inertia may either be positive, negative,
or zero, depending on the location and orientation of the coordinate
axes. For example, the product of inertia Ixy for an area will be zero if
either the x or y axis is an axis of symmetry for the area, as in Fig. 10–11.
Here every element dA located at point (x, y) has a corresponding
element dA located at (x, -y). Since the products of inertia for these
elements are, respectively, xy dA and -xy dA, the algebraic sum or
integration of all the elements that are chosen in this way will cancel
each other. Consequently, the product of inertia for the total area
becomes zero. It also follows from the definition of Ixy that the “sign” of
this quantity depends on the quadrant where the area is located. As
shown in Fig. 10–12, if the area is rotated from one quadrant to another,
the sign of Ixy will change.

y
10

dA y
y x
dA

Fig. 10–11
 10.5 PRODUCT OF INERTIA FOR AN AREA 535

Ixy   xy dA x x Ixy  xy dA

y y

y y

x x
Ixy  xy dA Ixy   xy dA

Fig. 10–12

y y¿
Parallel-Axis Theorem. Consider the shaded area shown in
Fig. 10–13, where x⬘ and y⬘ represent a set of axes passing through the
centroid of the area, and x and y represent a corresponding set of parallel x¿
axes. Since the product of inertia of dA with respect to the x and y axes is
dIxy = (x⬘ + dx) (y⬘ + dy) dA, then for the entire area,
dA y¿
x¿
C

dy
Ixy = (x⬘ + dx)(y⬘ + dy) dA
LA x
dx
= x⬘y⬘ dA + dx y⬘ dA + dy x⬘ dA + dxdy dA
LA LA LA LA
Fig. 10–13

The first term on the right represents the product of inertia for the
area with respect to the centroidal axes, Ix⬘y⬘. The integrals in the second
and third terms are zero since the moments of the area are taken about
the centroidal axis. Realizing that the fourth integral represents the
entire area A, the parallel-axis theorem for the product of inertia
becomes
10

Ixy = Ix⬘y⬘ + Adxdy (10–8)

It is important that the algebraic signs for dx and dy be maintained

when applying this equation.
 536 CHAPTER 10 MOMENTS OF INERTIA

EXAMPLE 10.6
y Determine the product of inertia Ixy for the triangle shown in
Fig. 10–14a.

SOLUTION I
A differential element that has a thickness dx, as shown in Fig. 10–14b,
h has an area dA = y dx. The product of inertia of this element with
respect to the x and y axes is determined using the parallel-axis
theorem.
x
dIxy = dIx⬘y⬘ + dA 苲
x苲y
b
where 苲 x and 苲y locate the centroid of the element or the origin of the
(a) x⬘, y⬘ axes. (See Fig. 10–13.) Since dIx⬘y⬘ = 0, due to symmetry, and
苲
x = x, 苲 y = y>2, then
y
y h h
dIxy = 0 + (y dx)xa b = a x dxb xa xb
h
2 b 2b
y⫽ x
b h2 3
= 2 x dx
(x, y)
2b
h
Integrating with respect to x from x = 0 to x = b yields
y ~~
(x, y)
b
x h2 b2h2
dx Ixy = x3
dx = Ans.
2b2 L0 8
b
SOLUTION II
(b) The differential element that has a thickness dy, as shown in
Fig. 10–14c, can also be used. Its area is dA = (b - x) dy. The centroid
y is located at point 苲 x = x + (b - x)>2 = (b + x)>2, 苲 y = y, so the
product of inertia of the element becomes

dIxy = dIx⬘y⬘ + dA x苲 苲
h
y⫽ x y
b
b + x
= 0 + (b - x) dya by
~ ~ dy h 2
x (x, y)
(x, y) b b + (b>h)y 1 b2
10 = ab - yb dyc d y = ya b2 - 2 y2 b dy
(b ⫺ x) y h 2 2 h
x

b Integrating with respect to y from y = 0 to y = h yields

h
(c) 1 b2 b2h2
Ixy = ya b2 - 2 y2 b dy = Ans.
2 L0 h 8
Fig. 10–14
 10.5 PRODUCT OF INERTIA FOR AN AREA 537

EXAMPLE 10.7
Determine the product of inertia for the cross-sectional area of the
member shown in Fig. 10–15a, about the x and y centroidal axes.
y
y 100 mm
100 mm 200 mm
A
400 mm 300 mm 250 mm

x B x
C

100 mm 400 mm
250 mm 300 mm
200 mm D
100 mm 100 mm
600 mm
(a) (b)
Fig. 10–15
SOLUTION
As in Example 10.5, the cross section can be subdivided into three
composite rectangular areas A, B, and D, Fig. 10–15b. The coordinates
for the centroid of each of these rectangles are shown in the figure.
Due to symmetry, the product of inertia of each rectangle is zero about
a set of x⬘, y⬘ axes that passes through the centroid of each rectangle.
Using the parallel-axis theorem, we have
Rectangle A
Ixy = Ix⬘y⬘ + Adxdy
= 0 + (300)(100)( -250)(200) = -1.50(109) mm4
Rectangle B
Ixy = Ix⬘y⬘ + Adxdy
= 0 + 0 = 0
Rectangle D
Ixy = Ix⬘y⬘ + Adxdy
= 0 + (300)(100)(250)( -200) = -1.50(109) mm4 10
The product of inertia for the entire cross section is therefore
Ixy = -1.50(109) + 0 - 1.50(109) = -3.00(109) mm4 Ans.

NOTE: This negative result is due to the fact that rectangles A and D
have centroids located with negative x and negative y coordinates,
respectively.
 538 CHAPTER 10 MOMENTS OF INERTIA

*10.6 Moments of Inertia for an Area

about Inclined Axes
y In structural and mechanical design, it is sometimes necessary to calculate
v
the moments and product of inertia Iu, Iv, and Iuv for an area with respect
dA to a set of inclined u and v axes when the values for u, Ix, Iy, and Ixy are
known. To do this we will use transformation equations which relate the
A v
y cos θ x, y and u, v coordinates. From Fig. 10–16, these equations are
θ u
y
θ
x sin θ u = x cos u + y sin u
θ x v = y cos u - x sin u
O x y sin θ

x cos θ With these equations, the moments and product of inertia of dA about
u the u and v axes become

Fig. 10–16 dIu = v2 dA = (y cos u - x sin u)2 dA

dIv = u2 dA = (x cos u + y sin u)2 dA
dIuv = uv dA = (x cos u + y sin u)(y cos u - x sin u) dA

Expanding each expression and integrating, realizing that Ix = 1 y2 dA,

Iy = 1 x2 dA, and Ixy = 1 xy dA, we obtain

Iu = Ix cos2 u + Iy sin2 u - 2Ixy sin u cos u

Iv = Ix sin2 u + Iy cos2 u + 2Ixy sin u cos u
Iuv = Ix sin u cos u - Iy sin u cos u + Ixy(cos2 u - sin2 u)

Using the trigonometric identities sin 2u = 2 sin u cos u and cos 2u

= cos2 u - sin2 u we can simplify the above expressions, in which case

Ix + Iy Ix - Iy
Iu = + cos 2u - Ixy sin 2u
2 2
Ix + Iy Ix - Iy
Iv = - cos 2u + Ixy sin 2u (10–9)
2 2
Ix - Iy
10 Iuv = sin 2u + Ixy cos 2u
2

Notice that if the first and second equations are added together, we can
show that the polar moment of inertia about the z axis passing through
point O is, as expected, independent of the orientation of the u and v
axes; i.e.,

JO = Iu + Iv = Ix + Iy
 10.6 MOMENTS OF INERTIA FOR AN AREA ABOUT INCLINED AXES 539

Principal Moments of Inertia. Equations 10–9 show that Iu, Iv,

and Iuv depend on the angle of inclination, u, of the u, v axes. We will now
determine the orientation of these axes about which the moments of
inertia for the area are maximum and minimum. This particular set of axes
is called the principal axes of the area, and the corresponding moments
of inertia with respect to these axes are called the principal moments of
inertia. In general, there is a set of principal axes for every chosen
origin O. However, for structural and mechanical design, the origin O is
located at the centroid of the area.
The angle which defines the orientation of the principal axes can be
found by differentiating the first of Eqs. 10–9 with respect to u and setting
the result equal to zero. Thus,

dIu Ix - Iy
= -2a b sin 2u - 2Ixy cos 2u = 0
du 2

Therefore, at u = up,

-Ixy
tan 2up = (10–10)
(Ix - Iy)>2

The two roots up1 and up2 of this equation are 90° apart, and so they each
specify the inclination of one of the principal axes. In order to substitute
them into Eq. 10–9, we must first find the sine and cosine of 2up1 and 2up2. ( )
Ix ⫺ Iy
2
This can be done using these ratios from the triangles shown in Fig. 10–17,
2up2
which are based on Eq. 10–10. Ixy
Substituting each of the sine and cosine ratios into the first or second
2up1 ⫺Ixy
of Eqs. 10–9 and simplifying, we obtain

Ix + Iy Ix - Iy
⫺( )Ix ⫺ Iy
2
( )
2
2 Ix ⫺ Iy
Imax = { a b + I2xy (10–11) ⫹ I xy
2
2
min 2 C 2
Fig. 10–17 10

Depending on the sign chosen, this result gives the maximum or minimum
moment of inertia for the area. Furthermore, if the above trigonometric
relations for up1 and up2 are substituted into the third of Eqs. 10–9, it can
be shown that Iuv = 0; that is, the product of inertia with respect to the
principal axes is zero. Since it was indicated in Sec. 10.6 that the product
of inertia is zero with respect to any symmetrical axis, it therefore follows
that any symmetrical axis represents a principal axis of inertia for the area.
 540 CHAPTER 10 MOMENTS OF INERTIA

EXAMPLE 10.8
y Determine the principal moments of inertia and the orientation of
100 mm the principal axes for the cross-sectional area of the member shown in
Fig. 10–18a with respect to an axis passing through the centroid.
400 mm
SOLUTION
x
The moments and product of inertia of the cross section with respect
C
to the x, y axes have been determined in Examples 10.5 and 10.7.
100 mm 400 mm
The results are

Ix = 2.90(109) mm4 Iy = 5.60(109) mm4 Ixy = -3.00(109) mm4

100 mm
600 mm Using Eq. 10–10, the angles of inclination of the principal axes u and
(a) v are
-Ixy -[-3.00(109)]
y tan 2up = = = -2.22
u
(Ix - Iy)>2 [2.90(109) - 5.60(109)]>2
2up = -65.8 and 114.2
v
up1  57.1 Thus, by inspection of Fig. 10–18b,

up2 = -32.9 and up1 = 57.1 Ans.

x

C The principal moments of inertia with respect to these axes are

up  32.9
determined from Eq. 10–11. Hence,
2

(b)
Ix + Iy Ix - Iy 2
min =
I max { a b + I2xy
2 C 2
Fig. 10–18
2.90(109) + 5.60(109)
=
2
2.90(109) - 5.60(109) 2
{ c d + [-3.00(109)]2
C 2

min = 4.25(10 ) { 3.29(10 )

I max 9 9

or

Imax = 7.54(109) mm4 Imin = 0.960(109) mm4 Ans.

10
NOTE: The maximum moment of inertia, Imax = 7.54(109) mm4, occurs
with respect to the u axis since by inspection most of the cross-sectional
area is farthest away from this axis. Or, stated in another manner, Imax
occurs about the u axis since this axis is located within {45 of
the y axis, which has the larger value of I (Iy 7 Ix). Also, this can be
concluded by substituting the data with u = 57.1 into the first of
Eqs. 10–9 and solving for Iu.
 10.7 MOHR’S CIRCLE FOR MOMENTS OF INERTIA 541

*10.7 Mohr’s Circle for Moments

of Inertia
Equations 10–9 to 10–11 have a graphical solution that is convenient to use
and generally easy to remember. Squaring the first and third of Eqs. 10–9
and adding, it is found that

Ix + Iy 2 Ix - Iy 2
a Iu - b + I2uv = a b + I2xy
2 2

Here Ix, Iy, and Ixy are known constants. Thus, the above equation may
be written in compact form as

(Iu - a)2 + I2uv = R2

When this equation is plotted on a set of axes that represent the

respective moment of inertia and the product of inertia, as shown in
Fig. 10–19, the resulting graph represents a circle of radius

Ix - Iy 2
R = a b + I2xy
C 2

and having its center located at point (a, 0), where a = (Ix + Iy)>2. The
circle so constructed is called Mohr’s circle, named after the German
engineer Otto Mohr (1835–1918).

y
v
2
Ix ⫺ Iy 2
Ixy R⫽ ⫹ Ixy
2
Axis for minor principal
Ix
moment of inertia, Imin
A
2up
1 Ixy

I
x O
P Ix ⫺ Iy
10
up
1
Imin 2
Ix ⫹ Iy
u
Axis for major principal 2
moment of inertia, Imax Imax

(a) (b)

Fig. 10–19
 542 CHAPTER 10 MOMENTS OF INERTIA

Procedure for Analysis

The main purpose in using Mohr’s circle here is to have a convenient

means for finding the principal moments of inertia for an area. The
following procedure provides a method for doing this.

Determine Ix, Iy, and Ixy.

y
v
• Establish the x, y axes and determine Ix, Iy, and Ixy, Fig. 10–19a.

Axis for minor principal Construct the Circle.

moment of inertia, Imin
• Construct a rectangular coordinate system such that the abscissa
represents the moment of inertia I, and the ordinate represents
the product of inertia Ixy, Fig. 10–19b.

• Determine the center of the circle, O, which is located at a

x
P up distance (Ix + Iy)>2 from the origin, and plot the reference point
1
A having coordinates (Ix, Ixy). Remember, Ix is always positive,
whereas Ixy can be either positive or negative.
u
Axis for major principal • Connect the reference point A with the center of the circle and
moment of inertia, Imax determine the distance OA by trigonometry. This distance
(a) represents the radius of the circle, Fig. 10–19b. Finally, draw
the circle.

2
Ix ⫺ Iy 2 Principal Moments of Inertia.
Ixy R⫽ ⫹ Ixy
2 • The points where the circle intersects the I axis give the values
Ix of the principal moments of inertia Imin and Imax. Notice that,
as expected, the product of inertia will be zero at these points,
A
Fig. 10–19b.
2up
1 Ixy

I Principal Axes.
O
Ix ⫺ Iy
• To find the orientation of the major principal axis, use trigonometry
to find the angle 2up1, measured from the radius OA to the positive
Imin 2
I axis, Fig. 10–19b. This angle represents twice the angle from the
Ix ⫹ Iy x axis to the axis of maximum moment of inertia Imax, Fig. 10–19a.
10
2 Both the angle on the circle, 2up1, and the angle up1 must be
Imax
measured in the same sense, as shown in Fig. 10–19. The axis for
(b) minimum moment of inertia Imin is perpendicular to the axis
for Imax.
Fig. 10–19 (Repeated)

Using trigonometry, the above procedure can be verified to be in

accordance with the equations developed in Sec. 10.6.
 562 CHAPTER 10 MOMENTS OF INERTIA

CHAPTER REVIEW
Area Moment of Inertia
The area moment of inertia represents
the second moment of the area about an
y
axis. It is frequently used in formulas Ix = y2 dA
related to the strength and stability of LA x
structural members or mechanical y ⫽ f(x)
elements.
y dA
If the area shape is irregular but can
be described mathematically, then a x
differential element must be selected dx
and integration over the entire area Iy = x2 dA
must be performed to determine the LA
moment of inertia.

Parallel-Axis Theorem A
If the moment of inertia for an area is
known about a centroidal axis, then its I
I = I + Ad2 C
moment of inertia about a parallel axis
can be determined using the parallel- d
axis theorem.
I

Composite Area
If an area is a composite of common
shapes, as found on the inside back cover,
then its moment of inertia is equal to the –
algebraic sum of the moments of inertia
of each of its parts.
x x

y y⬘
Product of Inertia
The product of inertia of an area is used in x¿
formulas to determine the orientation of
an axis about which the moment of inertia Ixy = xy dA
for the area is a maximum or minimum. LA dA
10 y¿

dx x¿
If the product of inertia for an area is C
Ixy = Ix⬘y⬘ + Adxdy
known with respect to its centroidal x⬘, y⬘
axes, then its value can be determined with d dy
respect to any x, y axes using the parallel-
axis theorem for the product of inertia.
x
O
 564 CHAPTER 10 MOMENTS OF INERTIA

REVIEW PROBLEMS
10–110. Determine the moment of inertia for the shaded *10–112. Determine the product of inertia of the shaded
area about the x axis. area with respect to the x and y axes.

1 3
y⫽ x 2 in.
32

1m
x y ⫽ x3

4 in. x
1m
Prob. 10–110
Prob. 10–112

10–111. Determine the area moment of inertia of the area

about the x axis. Then, using the parallel-axis theorem, find 10–113. Determine the area moment of inertia of the
the area moment of inertia about the x⬘ axis that passes triangular area about (a) the x axis, and (b) the centroidal
through the centroid C of the area. y = 120 mm. x⬘ axis.

y
200 mm

10

200 mm x¿ h
C
–y 1
x¿
y ⫽ ––– x2 C
200 –h3
x x
b

Prob. 10–111 Prob. 10–113

 REVIEW PROBLEMS 565

10–114. Determine the mass moment of inertia Ix of the 10–117. Determine the area moments of inertia Iu and Iv
body and express the result in terms of the total mass m of and the product of inertia Iuv for the semicircular area.
the body. The density is constant.

y
y ⫽ –ba x ⫹ b u
2b
30⬚
b
x
60 mm
30⬚
z x

Prob. 10–117
a

Prob. 10–114

10–118. Determine the area moment of inertia of the

beam’s cross-sectional area about the x axis which passes
through the centroid C.

10–119. Determine the area moment of inertia of the

beam’s cross-sectional area about the y axis which passes
10–115. Determine the area moment of inertia of the through the centroid C.
shaded area about the y axis.

*10–116. Determine the area moment of inertia of the

shaded area about the x axis.

y
d 10
2 60⬚
x
C
d 60⬚
4y ⫽ 4 ⫺ x2
2
1 ft
d d
x 2 2
2 ft

Probs. 10–115/116 Probs. 10–118/119