Moment of Inertia Calculator

Calculate moment of inertia for various geometric shapes. Essential for structural engineering and mechanics calculations.

Calculator

Shape Configuration

How to Use

  1. Select the shape type from the dropdown
  2. Enter the required dimensions in meters
  3. For hollow shapes, ensure thickness is less than the main dimension
  4. Click "Calculate Moment of Inertia" to get results
  5. Results show area and moments of inertia about both axes

Frequently Asked Questions

What is moment of inertia?

Moment of inertia (I) is a measure of an object's resistance to changes in its rotational motion. It depends on the mass distribution relative to the axis of rotation and is crucial for structural analysis.

How does shape affect moment of inertia?

The shape significantly affects moment of inertia. Shapes with mass distributed farther from the axis have higher moments of inertia. For example, a hollow tube has higher I than a solid rod of the same mass.

What are the units of moment of inertia?

Moment of inertia has units of mass × length². In SI units, this is kg·m². In engineering, it's often expressed in m⁴ for structural sections.

Why is moment of inertia important in engineering?

Moment of inertia is essential for calculating beam deflection, stress distribution, and structural stability. It's a key parameter in structural analysis and design.