Engineering Mechanics: Unit III: Distributed Forces

Perpendicular Axes Theorem (Area Moment of Inertia)

Statement, Proof, Diagram, Equation

Statement: Moment of inertia of an area about an axis perpendicular to its plane

Perpendicular Axes Theorem

• Statement: Moment of inertia of an area about an axis perpendicular to its plane (i.e. the polar moment of inertia) at any point is equal to the sum of moments of inertia about any two mutually perpendicular axes through the same point in the plane of the area.

• Proof : Consider an area 'A' in X-Y plane as shown in Fig. 6.3.1.


The polar moment of inertia about the Z-axis passing through O is


Expressing these moments of inertia in terms of radii of gyration,


Engineering Mechanics: Unit III: Distributed Forces : Tag: : Statement, Proof, Diagram, Equation - Perpendicular Axes Theorem (Area Moment of Inertia)