Centroids and Centre of Gravity
Centroids and Centre of Gravity
In general when a rigid body lies in a field of force acts on each particle of the body. We equivalently represent
the system of forces by single force acting at a specific point. This point is known as centre of gravity. We can
extend this concept in many ways and get the various equivalent parameters of a body, which could help us in
dealing the situation directly on a rigid body rather than considering each individual particle of the rigid body.
Various such parameters include centre of gravity, moment of inertia, centroid , first and second moment of
inertias of a line or a rigid body. These parameters simplify the analysis of structures such as beams. Further
we will also study the surface area or volume of revolution of a line or area respectively.
1. CENTRE OF GRAVITY
Consider the following lamina. Let’s assume that it has been exposed to gravitational field. Obviously
every single element will experience a gravitational force towards the centre of earth. Further let’s
assume the body has practical dimensions, then we can easily conclude that all elementary forces
will be unidirectional and parallel.
Consider G to be the centroid of the irregular lamina. As shown in first figure we can easily represent
the net force passing through the single point G. We can also divide the entire region into let’s say n
small elements. Let’s say the coordinates to be (x1,y1), (x2,y2), (x3,y3)………. (xn,yn) as shown in figure .
Let ΔW1, ΔW2, ΔW3,……., ΔWn be the elementary forces acting on the elementary elements.
Clearly,
When n tends to infinity ΔW becomes infinitesimally small and can be replaced as dW.
Centre of gravity :
xc= / ,
yc= /
For some type of surfaces of bodies there lies a probability that the centre of gravity may lie outside
the body. Secondly centre of gravity represents the entire lamina, therefore we can replace the
entire body by the single point with a force acting on it when needed. There is a major difference
between centre of mass and centre of gravity of a body. For centre of gravity we integrate with
respect to dW whereas for centre of mass we integrate with respect to dm. Mass is a scalar quantity
and force a vector quantity. For general practical size objects both of them turn out to be the same
as both of them are proportional and the force is unidirected (dW = dm*g) .But when we consider
large size objects such as a continent, results would turn out to be different because here the vector
nature of dW comes into play.
We have seen one method to find out the centre of gravity, there are other ways too.
Let’s consider plate of uniform thickness and a homogenous density. Now weight of small element is
directly proportional to its thickness, area and density as:
ΔW = ϒ t dA.
Where ϒ is the density per unit volume, t is the thickness , dA is the area of the small element.
So we can replace ΔW with this relationship in the expression we obtained in the prior topic.
Therefore we get:
Centroid of area :
xc= / ,
yc= /
(and zc= / in case of a three dimensional body)
Where x,y are the coordinate of the small element and da(or ΔA) the elemental force.
(xc ,yc,zc) is called the centroid of area of the lamina. If the surface is homogenous we conclude that it
is the same as centre of gravity.
There can also arise a case where in cross-sectional area is constant and length is variable as in the
case of a rope or slender rod.
ΔW = ϒ a dl.
Where ϒ is the weight per unit length, per unit cross-sectional area, A is the area of cross –section,
and dl the variable length.
Centroid of a line:
xl= / , yl= /
where x,y are the coordinate of the small element and dl(or ΔL) the elemental force.Also
L(total area of the plate).
The coordinate (xl ,yl,zl) is called the centroid of a line. It is important to mention that centroids of
line may or may not lie on the line( as shown in diagram above).
Qy = , Qx = , from the above discussion on the centroid of area it is clear that we can
re-write the expression as :
Qy = xc A
, Qx = yc A , where A is the total area , and (xc,yc) is the coordinate of the centroid of
the given area.
Thus it follows from the above discussion that centroid of a area can be determined by dividing first
moment of the area with the area itself. If the first moment of a area with respect to an axis is zero ,
it indicates that the point lies on that axis itself.[Mx = 0 , implies yc =0 , implies point lies on x- axis].
If the given line or area is symmetrical finding the centroid becomes easy.
Because of symmetrical nature will always turn out to be zero. Hence Qy = 0. So we can
conclude that the first moment about the axis will be zero about the axis of symmetry(y axis in the
above example). Further centroid also lies on the axis of symmetry (figure out why?). If a body has
more than one axis of symmetry then centroid will lie on the point of intersection of the axes.
Following results are obtained by integration which will be explained later. Results for symmetrical objects like
square, circle, cylinder, rectangle, ring etc are omitted. For such cases centroids can be pre-assumed to be the
geometric centre of the body.
Semicircular 0 4r/3 /2
area
Similar concept of lines and areas can be extended to volume also. The new relationship are:
xc= / ,
yc= / ,
zc= / .
Further overall centre of gravity can be found out using the same concept we studied before.
Once again if the plate is homogenous and of uniform thickness, centre of gravity turns out to be
equal to the centroid of the area. In a similar way we can also define centroid of this composite area
by:
We can also introduce the concept of negative area. It simply denotes the region where any area is
left vacant. We will see its usage in the coming problems.
Firstly what is a surface of revolution? A surface of revolution represents the surface generated by
rotating a plane curve about an axis. For example a cone can be generated by revolving a semicircle
about its diameter. Curved surface of a cone can be generates by revolving a straight line as shown.
Theorem 1:
The surface area of the revolution is equal to the length of the generating curve times the distance
covered by centroid of the curve while the surface is being generated.(case 1 of the diagram, above)
Theorem 2:
The volume of the body of revolution is equal to the generating area times the distance travelled by
the centroid while the body is being generated.(case 2 of the diagram, above).
These theorems are very useful when calculating the centroid of a given area. This is because the
outputs of the theorems (area, volumes of standard geometries) are already known to us. The only
unknown quantity is the location of centroid.
xc= / , yc= /
dA can be rewritten as dxdy , which turns it into a double integration. However, in most cases this
can be simplified to a single integration. We divide the area into thin rectangular strips or sectors.
For rectangle it is pre-known that its centre of gravity lies at the centre of the rectangle. In such a
case dA should be appropriately expressed in terms of co-ordinates x,y and the differentials. In case
of a sector, it is known that the centroid lies at a distance of 2r/3 from the centre. The method of
sector should be used when the polar equation of the boundary of the curve is known. And the area
dxdy in this case is given by r * rdɵ.
xc= / , yc= / .
Sol: we will use the method of vertical strips to get the elementary area.
2. Derive the location of centroid for the following sector. Hence prove the results obtained for a
semi-circular area.
Sol: we assume the radius of the sector to be r. we divide the area into many small sectors as:
Clearly since the given area is symmetrical about y-axis, centroid will lie on y –axis.
Coordinate of the centroid of the elementary part = 2r/3 cosα , 2r/3 sinα
h=kan . ---------(1)
A= = = an+1
A Xc = = = = an+2 .
Xc = .
Centroid of area: [ , ]
Sol: (a)
Since area is symmetrical centroid will lie on the axis of symmetry. Let it be C. let the unknown
distance OC be x. The given semi-circular area will produce a sphere on 360° turn about the specified
axis of rotation.
4 r3 / 3 = 2 * r2 /2
Since area is symmetrical centroid will lie on the axis of symmetry. Let it be C. let the unknown
distance OC be x. The given semi-circular arc will produce a sphere on 360° turn about the specified
axis of rotation.
Let the radius be r.
4 r2= 2 * r
We can use the concept of negative area(area which has been taken out) over here.
A1 = 2 , C (0,r/2) A2 =
A2= - , C(0,4R/3 )
Yc = 2r/3(4- )
We can use the concept of negative area(area which has been taken out) over here.
We have ,
6. find the volume of the solid formed by revolution of the parabola OAB about the a)x- axis
b) x=5 , in the given figure -2 < x < 2 .
Sol:
Given area is symmetric about y – axis. Therefore we have the centroid at the y axis.
Let the centroid be (0,Yc). We divide the area into horizontal strips.
For any arbitrary value of y, x = . The centroid of the strip also lies on the y axis(0,y).
A= = =32 sq units
A Yc = = = 230.4
Sol: we have basically a rectangle from which three portions have been cut out.
We have one positive area and the other three areas negative.
Total area, A = A1 + A2 + A3 + A4 = 30-2-0.785-3.14=24.075 sq units
Sol: we make vertical strips. For any arbitary x the centroid of the strip lies at (x,y/2). Let the centroid
be (m,n)
9. Find the centroid of the given area using integration. Region is the area bounded be the two
parabolic curves. Also find the first moment of area about the x and the y axes.
Sol:
We have divided the region into vertical strips. For any arbitary x, centroid of the strip is [x, (x2- x4)/2]
dA =( x2 - x4 ) dx
total area A = = = 2/15. = 0.133
10. Derive the result obtained centroid of a line for a arc given below. Radius r. Hence verify the
result known for semicircular arc (2r/ ,0)
Sol: we use a sector to define a elementary length dl. Since the arc is symmetrical about x-axis ,
centroid will lie on x-axis. Let the centroid be(Xc,0)
Total length of the arc,L = 2αr (simple geometry , 2r for 2 , therefore 2αr for 2α)
dl = r dɵ , x= rcosɵ , y=rsinɵ
11. Find the centroid of the given figure. Three wires are formed into a triangle as shown in the
figure.
12. Find the centroid of the following area by the method of composite areas. ΔGEF and Δ EDC are
congruent.
Sol: let us assume the co-ordinate axis . this problem is similar to what we solved above.
Area of rectangle A1= 22 sq units , area to triangle GEF A2= 12 square units , area of triangle EDC A3 =
12 square units.
13. From a semicircular area an arc OCA has been drawn dividing the area into two different
component(shown in different colour). Find the centroid of both the components and the first
moment of area obtained about y axis for botht the components. Let the radius for the smaller
semicircle be r.
Sol: In the given problem we can make the use at negative area to find out the centroid of the grey
component.
Blue component:
Grey component :
In the given problem we can make the use at negative area to find out the centroid of the grey
component. We can treat it as if smaller semicirclular area has been removed from big semi-circle.
Radius of big circle = 2r
A1 = r2 , C1 = (r, 4r/3 ) , A2 = r2 , C2 = (0, 8r/3 )
Let the centroid of the grey component be (m,n)
Total area A = A1 + A2 = 3 r2
mA = (C1)x * A1 + (C2)x * A2 = r3 or, m = - r/3
nA = (C1)y * A1 + (C2)y * A2 = 28/3 r3 or n = 28r/9
coordinate of centroid (-r/3 , 28r / 9 )
First moment of area with respect to y-axis = mA = r3
14. A piece of wire has been bent in the following shape ABCD. CD and AB are the arcs of the same
circle. Find the centroid of the given diagram. Given length of BC = R.
m= 0
n= 3R/(2 )
The required co- ordinate of centroid is[ 0 , 3R/(2 )]
We know, dl2 = dx
Therefore dl = dx
m= / = / = 0.731
n= / = = 0.601
Sol:
Sol: We have three parts over here , one triangles and one rectangle and one circle.
Area of triangle ACD A1=8 sq units , area of rectangle A2= 24 square units , area of circle A3 = 3.14
square units.
17. Without using direct formulas, use theorem of pappus-gladinus to find out the volume to the
given solid. Also find out the amount of paint required to paint the entire solid if I litre of paint
covers an area of 5 m2. Length of cylinder is 10m. Height of cone is 5m. Radius of circular
cross-section is 4m.
Sol: from the varoius data provided we plot the diagram. First one for the determination of volume
and second one for the determination of surface area.
a)
Determination of volume:
We have three parts over here ,a triangles a rectangle and a quarter circle.
Area to triangle CDB A1= 10m2 , area of rectangle A2=40 m2 , area of quarter circle A3 = 12.56 m2.
Centroid of Δ CDB C1 = (1.33,15.67)
Centroid of rectangle C2 = (2,9)
Centroid of quarter-circle C3= (1.7 ,2.3) (from the standard results)
Total area A = A1 + A2 + A3 = 10 +40+12.56 = 62.56 m2
Let the co-ordnate of the centroid be (m,n) .
m * A = (C1)x * A1 + (C2)x * A2 +(C3)x * A3
m= [1.33*10 + 2 * 40 + 1.7 * 12.56]/ 62.56 = 1.83 m
nA = (C1)y * A1 + (C2)y * A2 +(C3)y * A3
volume of given solid = distance travelled by centroid * total area = 2 * 1.83 * 62.56 = 719.32 m3
b)
Surface area of given solid = distance travelled by centroid * total lenght = 2 * 3.03 * 22.68 =
431.78 m2
Amount of paint required = 431.78 / 5 = 86.35 lit.
18. A wire has been bent in the following shape. Find out the centroid of the given shape. Given OA
and CD are arcs centered at C.
Sol: From the given diagram we can conclude the following information. A(4-4cos30,4sin30),C(4,-5),
G(20,0).
OA , L1 = 2.1 , C1 = (0.18,1.02) (using the standard result of rsinα/α and then readjusting the
co-ordinates) ; AB,L2 =4 ,C2=(2.26,1) ; BC, L3 = 5 , C5 =(4,-2.5) ; CD , L4 = 7.85 , C4 =(7.18,-3.18) (using
standard result once again); DE , L5 = 5 , C5 =(9,2.5) ; EF , L6 = 6, C6=(12,5) ; FG L7 =7.07 ,
C7=(17.5,2.5) ;
m = L1 * (C1)x + L2 * (C2)x + L3 * (C3)x + L4 * (C4)x + L5 * (C5)x + L6 * (C6)x + L7 * (C7)x / (L1+ L2+ L3+ L4+ L5+ L6+
L7)
= 8.81
n = L1 * (C1)Y + L2 * (C2)Y + L3 * (C3)Y + L4 * (C4)Y + L5 * (C5)Y + L6 * (C6)Y + L7 * (C7)Y / (L1+ L2+ L3+ L4+ L5+ L6+
L7)
n= 0.78
19. A semi-circular disk of weight W and radius r, is supported by two different type of pins, as
shown in diagram. Find the reaction components at pins A and B.
Sol: we know that weight acts from the centroid. Therefore the equivalent free body diagram.
W * 4r/3 Ax * 2r = 0 ,
20. Find the centroid of the following area. The polar equation of the curve is r= 1+ cos .
Sol: we will proceed in a bit different way for this problem. Instead of dividing the area into sectors ,
we will take the cnventional small rectangular element on the area of the dimensions of dy × dx. In
that case we end up with a situation like :
m*A= =
mA = = =
or m = 5/6
n*A= =
nA= = = 4/3
Therefore n= .