ENGINEERING PROGRAMME

LAB 5:Mass Moment Of Inertia

GROUP MEMBERS MATRICULATION

MAHEER ABDULWAHID I22023607

JOSHUA PHIRI I23023852
WASIR JAMAL ABID I23023836
MOHAMMAD SHAFIQ I23025262

DATE OF SUBMISSION: 7TH NOV 2023

INSTRUCTORS NAME: LIM JIN WEI

EGR 2214
ENGINEERING STATICS

Faculty of Engineering and

Quantity Surveying (FEQS)
Title :
EXPERIMENT 5
Experimental Determination and Comparison of Moment of Inertia and Radius of Gyration for
Rectangular Bar, Ring, and Cylinder.

Aim :
To determine the moment of inertia and radius of gyration of a rectangular bar, ring and cylinder
and compare experimental and theoretical results.

Apparatus :
Apparatus Model LS-2108, stopwatch, weighing scale, measuring tape, 3 lengths of steel wire,
bar, ring and cylinder.
Introduction & Theory:
The fundamental aspect of mechanics, especially in the study of rotational motion, involves
determining the moments of inertia and radii of gyration for various objects. This experiment
focuses on determining the moment of inertia and radius of gyration for three distinct objects: a
rectangular bar, a ring, and a cylinder. Subsequently, a comparison between the experimental
findings and theoretical calculations is conducted to assess the experiment's accuracy. The
experiment utilizes a torsional pendulum apparatus to measure the oscillation period when each
object experiences a twisting force. By analyzing the oscillation period and other pertinent
parameters, the moment of inertia and radius of gyration for each object are determined.

The moment of inertia is a physical property of a rigid body that quantifies its resistance to
rotational motion around a specified axis. It relies on the body's mass distribution and the axis of
rotation. In contrast, the radius of gyration is a simplified means of expressing a body's moment
of inertia, reducing the calculation to a single point. The radius of gyration is contingent on the
body's mass distribution and the axis of rotation, but it is independent of the body's actual shape
and size.
Procedure :

PartA
1. Measure and record the length of rope L, center distance=r, mass of rectangular bar, M
and dimensions of bar a, b and l .
2. Connect the bar with eye bolts with negligible mass onto the wires with the clips
provided (with a facing up).
3. Twist the bar horizontally to put it into oscillation about its vertical axis to a simple
harmonic motion.
4. Leave the bar until it oscillates in a steady state.
5. Record the time in seconds taken for 20 , 30, 40, 50, and 60 oscillations respectively.
6. Repeat the experiment with b facing up.

PartB
1. Measure and record the length of rope L, mean radius of ring =R, r1 = outer radius, r2
=inner radius and mass of ring, M.
2. Connect the ring with eye-bolts with negligible mass onto the wires with the clips
provided.
3. Twist the ring horizontally to put it into oscillation about its vertical axis to a simple
harmonic motion.
4. Leave the ring until it oscillates in a steady state.
5. Record the time in seconds taken for 20 , 30, 40, 50, and 60 oscillations respectively.

PartC
1. Obtain or measure values of length of rope L, center distance of cylinder r, mass of ring
M, length of cylinder l, and radius of cylinder R.
2. Connect the cylinder with eye-bolts with negligible mass onto the wires with the clips
provided.
3. Twist the cylinder horizontally to put it into oscillation about its vertical axis to a simple
harmonic motion.
4. Leave the cylinder until it oscillates in a steady state.
5. Record the time in seconds taken for 20 , 30, 40, 50, and 60 oscillations respectively.
Results:
Part A

a= 0.04m

b= 0.025m

l= 0.94m

L= 0.24m

r= 0.117m

weight= 1.66kg
With a facing up

Oscillation Period (s)

i. ii. iii. avg Time for 1

oscillation

20 56 58 55 56.3 2.82

30 82 83 78 81.0 2.70

40 105 106 102 104.3 2.61

50 129 129 125 127.7 2.55

60 150 153 148 150.3 2.51

Average Time for 1 oscillation = 2.64s

With b facing up

Oscillation Period (s)

i. ii. iii. avg Time for 1

oscillation

20 54 55 53 54.0 2.70

30 79 80 78 79.0 2.63

40 103 104 102 103.0 2.58

50 126 127 125 126.0 2.52

60 149 151 149 149.7 2.49

Average Time for 1 oscillation = 2.58s

Part B

0.08
r1=
m
0.05
r2=
6m
0.02
l=
45m
wei 1.98
ght= kg
Osci P
llati er
on io
d
(s
)
i. i iii a Ti
i . v me
. g for
1
osci
llati
on
20 55 5 62 5 2.83
3 6
.
7
30 82 7 87 8 2.73
7 2
.
0
40 10 1 11 1 2.63
3 0 1 0
1 5
 .
0
1
1 2
12 13
50 2 7 2.55
6 4
3 .
7
1
1 5
14 15
60 4 0 2.51
8 7
6 .
3
Average Time
for 1
oscillation =
2.65s

PartC

R= 0.07
95m

l= 0.03
m

weig 4.76
ht= kg

Osci Pe
llati ri
on od
(s)
 i. i iii a Ti
i . v me
. g for
1
osci
llati
on

4
4 3
20 41 45 2.15
3 .
0

6
6 3
30 60 66 2.10
3 .
0

8
8 2
40 79 86 2.06
2 .
3

1
1 0
10
50 97 0 1 2.02
5
1 .
0

60 11 1 12 1 2.00
6 2 4 2
0 0
.
0

Average Time
for 1
oscillation =
2.07s
Calculation & Discussion :
Part A
With a facing up
Experiment value

𝐼𝐿 𝐼
t = 2π 2 k= 𝑀
𝑀𝑔𝑟

0.1640
2.64 = 2π
𝐼(0.24) = 1.66
2
(1.66)(9.81)(0.117)

2
= 0.3143m
I= 0.1640 kg𝑚
Theory value
2 2
𝐼
I= 𝑀(𝑎 + 𝑙 )
12
k= 𝑀

2 2
0.1225
1.66(0.04 + 0.94 ) =
= 12
1.66

= 0.2716m
2
= 0.1225 kg𝑚

% of error
0.1640−0.1225 0.3143−0.2716
% error of I = 0.1225 x 100% % error of k = x 100%
0.2716

= 33.88% = 15.72%

It can be seen from the results that the average time of one
oscillation is 2.64s and the measured length, width, height, length of the
rope and weight of the bar. From this, the radius of gyration and moment
of inertia and the of the experimental bar can be calculated with the
following formula.

𝐼𝐿 𝐼
t = 2π 2 and k = 𝑀
𝑀𝑔𝑟
 By calculation, the radius of gyration is 0.3143m and the moment
2
of inertia is 0.1640 kg𝑚 . The theoretical radius of gyration and
moment of inertia should be calculated through the formula.
2 2
𝐼
𝑀(𝑎 + 𝑙 )
I= 12 and k = 𝑀

By calculation, the radius of gyration is 0.2716m and the moment

2
of inertia is 0.1225 kg𝑚 .Which have 15.72% error and 33.88% error
respectively.
The experimental value will differ from the theoretical value
because of some factors such as parallax error. To avoid the parallax
error, our eyes must be perpendicular to the reading of the scale of the
meter rule. Besides, there may also be random errors due to
environmental influences on the weight of the scale. To avoid random
errors, repeated measurements can be taken. Beside, measurement
error will occur because it will not twist it to the exact location as the
previous location.
With b facing up
Experiment value

𝐼𝐿 𝐼
t = 2π 2 k= 𝑀
𝑀𝑔𝑟

0.1566
2.58 = 2π
𝐼(0.24)
2
= 1.66
(1.66)(9.81)(0.117)

2 = 0.3072m
I= 0.1566 kg𝑚
Theory value
2 2
𝐼
I= 𝑀(𝑏 + 𝑙 )
12
k= 𝑀

2 2
0.1223
1.66(0.025 + 0.94 ) =
= 12
1.66

= 0.2715m
2
= 0.1223 kg𝑚
% of error
0.1566−0.1223 0.3072−0.2715
% error of I = 0.1223 x 100% % error of k = 0.2715
x 100%

= 28.05% = 13.15%
 It can be seen from the results that the average time of one
oscillation is 2.58s and the measured length, width, height, length of the
rope and weight of the bar. From this, the radius of gyration and moment
of inertia and the of the experimental bar can be calculated with the
following formula.

𝐼𝐿 𝐼
t = 2π 2 and k = 𝑀
𝑀𝑔𝑟

By calculation, the radius of gyration is 0.3072m and the moment

2
of inertia is 0.1566 kg𝑚 . The theoretical radius of gyration and
moment of inertia should be calculated through the formula.
2 2
𝐼
𝑀(𝑏 + 𝑙 )
I= 12 and k = 𝑀

By calculation, the radius of gyration is 0.2715m and the moment

2
of inertia is 0.1223 kg𝑚 .Which have 13.15% error and 28.05% error
respectively.
The experimental value will differ from the theoretical value
because of some factors such as parallax error. To avoid the parallax
error, our eyes must be perpendicular to the reading of the scale of the
meter rule. Besides, there may also be random errors due to
environmental influences on the weight of the scale. To avoid random
errors, repeated measurements can be taken. Beside, measurement
error will occur because it will not twist it to the exact location as the
previous location.
Part B
Experiment value
(𝑟 + 𝑟 )
1 2
R= 2

0.08 + 0.056
= 2

= 0.068m

𝐼𝐿 𝐼
t = 2π k=
𝑀𝑔𝑟
2 𝑀

𝐼(0.24) 0.06657
2.58 = 2π 2
= 1.98
(1.98)(9.81)(0.068)

2 = 0.1833m
I= 0.06657 kg𝑚
Theory value
v = πh(𝑟 2 2
𝑀
+ 𝑟 ) ρ=
1 2
2 2 𝑉
= π(0.0245)(
1.98
0. 08 − 0. 056 )(100) =
0.02512
3 3
= 0.02512𝑚 = 78.82kg/𝑚

πρ𝑙(𝑟 4 4
+𝑟 ) 𝐼
I=
1 2 k= 𝑀
2
0.09441
= =
4 4 1.98
π(78.82)(0.0245)(0.08 −0.056 )(1000)
2 = 0.2184m
2
= 0.09441 kg𝑚
% of error
0.09441−0.06657 0.3072−0.2715
% error of I = 0.09441 x 100% % error of k = 0.2715 x 100%

= 29.48% = 16.07%
 First, use the following formula to find the R of the ring.
(𝑟 + 𝑟 )
1 2
R= 2

R is found to be 0.068m. It can be seen from the results that the

average time of one oscillation is 2.58s and the measured length of the
rope and weight of the ring. From this, the radius of gyration and
moment of inertia and the of the experimental bar can be calculated
with the following formula.

𝐼𝐿 𝐼
t = 2π 2 and k = 𝑀
𝑀𝑔𝑟

By calculation, the radius of gyration is 0.1833m and the moment

2
of inertia is 0.06657 kg𝑚 . The theoretical radius of gyration and
moment of inertia should be calculated by the volume of the hollow
cylinder and then find the density of the ring by the below formula.
v = πh(𝑟 2 2
and ρ = 𝑀
+ 𝑟 )
1 2 𝑉

3
By calculation, the volume is 0.02512𝑚 and the density of the
3
hollow cylinder is 78.82kg/𝑚 . Then, the theoretical radius of gyration
and moment of inertia should be calculated through the formula.
πρ𝑙(𝑟 4 4
+𝑟 )
1 2 𝐼
I= 2
and k = 𝑀

By calculation, the radius of gyration is 0.2184m and the moment

2
of inertia is 0.09441 kg𝑚 .Which have 16.07% of errors and 29.48% of
errors respectively.
The experimental value will differ from the theoretical value
because of some factors such as parallax error. To avoid the parallax
error, our eyes must be perpendicular to the reading of the scale of the
meter rule. Besides, there may also be random errors due to
environmental influences on the weight of the scale. To avoid random
errors, repeated measurements can be taken. Moreover, measurement
error will occur because it will not twist it to the exact location as the
previous location.
Part C
Experiment value

𝐼𝐿 𝐼
t = 2π 2 k= 𝑀
𝑀𝑔𝑟

0.1335
2.07 = 2π
𝐼(0.24)
2
= 4.96
(4.76)(9.81)(0.0795)

2 = 0.1675m
I= 0.1335 kg𝑚
Theory value

2 𝐼
I = 2M 𝑅
1 k= 𝑀

2 0.1504
1 (4. 76)(0. 0795) (10) = 4.76
= 2

2 = 0.1778m
= 0.1504 kg𝑚
% of error
0.1778−0.1675
0.1504−0.1335 % error of k = 0.1778 x 100%
% error of I = 0.1504 x 100%
= 5.79%
= 11.24%

It can be seen from the results that the average time of one
oscillation is 2.07s and the measured length of the rope and weight,
height and radius of the cylinder. From this, the radius of gyration and
moment of inertia and the of the experimental bar can be calculated
with the following formula.

𝐼𝐿 𝐼
t = 2π 2 and k = 𝑀
𝑀𝑔𝑟

By calculation, the radius of gyration is 0.1675m and the moment

2
of inertia is 0.1335 kg𝑚 . The theoretical radius of gyration and
moment of inertia should be calculated through the formula.
1
I= M 2 and k = 𝐼
2
𝑅 𝑀
 By calculation, the radius of gyration is 0.1778m and the moment
2
of inertia is 0.1504 kg𝑚 .Which have 5.79% error and 11.24% error
respectively.
The experimental value will differ from the theoretical value
because of some factors such as parallax error. To avoid the parallax
error, our eyes must be perpendicular to the reading of the scale of the
meter rule. Besides, there may also be random errors due to
environmental influences on the weight of the scale. To avoid random
errors, repeated measurements can be taken. Beside, measurement
error will occur because it will not twist it to the exact location as the
previous location.
 Conclusion :
Through this experiment, we know that the moment of inertia and
radius of gyration of a rectangular bar, ring and cylinder. Besides, we
learned about how to calculate the moment of inertia and radius of
gyration.
The result for the experiment in part A with a facing up the
2
experiment result of moment of inertia is 0.1640 kg𝑚 and the radius of
gyration is 0.3143m which has 33.88% and 15.72% of error. In part A
with b facing up the experiment result of moment of inertia is 0.1566 kg
2
𝑚 and the radius of gyration is 0.3072m which has 28.05% and 13.15%
of errors.
The result for the experiment in part b the experiment result of
2
moment of inertia is 0.06657 kg𝑚 and the radius of gyration is 0.1833m
which has 29.48% and 16.07% of errors.
The result for the experiment in part c the experiment result of
2
moment of inertia is 0.1335 kg𝑚 and the radius of gyration is 0.1675m
which has 11.24% and 5.79% of errors.

References :
- EGR 2214 Lab manual.

https://engineeringstatics.org/Chapter_10-mass-moment-of-
inertia.html#:~:text=10.8%20Mass%20Moment%20of
%20Inertia,-🔗&text=T%20%3D%20I%20α%20.&text=This%20formula%20is
%20the%20rotational,to%20rotation%20around%20an%20axis.

https://pressbooks.library.upei.ca/statics/chapter/mass-moment-of-
inertia/