Moment of inertia

√
1. Let R be the triangle with vertices (0, 0), (1, 0), (1, 3) and density δ = 1. Find the
polar moment of inertia.
Answer: The region R is a 30, 60 , 90 triangle.
y

√
3

r = sec θ

r
x
1

The polar moment of inertia is the moment of inertia around the origin (that is, the z-axis).
The figure shows the triangle and a small square piece within R. If the piece has area dA
then its polar moment of inertia is dI = r2 δ dA. Summing the contributions of all such
pieces and using δ = 1, dA = r dr dθ, we get the total moment of inertia is
�� �� ��
I= r2 δ dA = r2 r dr dθ = r3 dr dθ.
R R R

Next we find the limits of integration in polar coordinates. The line

x = 1 ⇔ r cos θ = 1 ⇔ r = sec θ.

So, using radial stripes, the limits are: (inner) r from 0 to sec θ; (outer) θ from 0 to π/3.
Thus,
� π/3 � sec θ
I= r3 dr dθ.
0 0

sec4 θ
Inner integral: .
4
Outer integral: Use sec4 θ = sec2 θ sec2 θ = (1 + tan2 θ) d(tan θ) ⇒ the outer integral is
��π/3 � √ � √
tan3 θ �� 1 √ ( 3)3
�
1 3
tan θ + = 3+ = .
4 3 �
0 4 3 2
√
3
The polar moment of inertia is .
2
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18.02SC Multivariable Calculus

Fall 2010

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