9.

1 Centroids by Integration
9.1 Centroids by Integration Procedures and Strategies, page 1 of 2
Procedures and Strategies for Solving Problems y y = f (x)
Involving Calculating Centroids by Integration
(x, y)
1. Determine the coordinates of the centroid by (xel, yel)
evaluating integrals such as
xel dA xel = x
xc =
dA
For a planar area, the differential area dA is usually a
rectangular strip of finite length and differential width dx
(for a vertical strip) or dy (for a horizontal strip). Use a x
vertical strip if the curve bounding the planar region is
dx
given as a function of x, y = f(x). Use a horizontal strip
if the bounding curve is given as a function of y, x = g(y).
The integrand xel is the x coordinate of the centroid of the y
strip. It must be expressed as a function of x for a (xel, yel)
vertical strip and as a function of y for a horizontal strip.
xel = x/2

= g(y)/2

(x, y) x = g(y)

dy

x
9.1 Centroids by Integration Procedures and Strategies, page 2 of 2
2. For a line (a wire), the area element dA is replaced by y

dL = (dx)2 + (dy)2)
dL
= 1+ (dy/dx)2 dx dy
dx
if the line is given as a function of x: y = f(x). Use

dL = (dx/dy)2 + 1 dy x

if the line is given as function of y: x = g(y).

z
3. For volumes with some degree of symmetry (for example, a solid
of revolution), dA can be replaced by a circular disk of finite radius Radius = x
and differential thickness. dy

4. Using the integral function on a scientific graphing calculator

simplifies the work and helps avoid errors.
z = f(x)

y
9.1 Centroids by Integration Problem Statement for Example 1
1. Locate the centroid of the plane area shown. Use a
differential element of thickness dx.

y = 3x2

12 ft

x
2 ft
9.1 Centroids by Integration Problem Statement for Example 2
2. Locate the centroid of the plane area shown, if a = 3 m
and b = 1 m. Use a differential element of thickness dy.

a
y = a sin( x)
2b

x
b
9.1 Centroids by Integration Problem Statement for Example 3
3. Locate the centroid of the plane area shown.
y
1 in

y = 4x5 3x2 + 12x + 1

13 in.

1 in.
x
9.1 Centroids by Integration Problem Statement for Example 4
4. Locate the centroid of the plane area shown.
y

0.5 m

xy = 1

2m

0.5 m
x
2m
9.1 Centroids by Integration Problem Statement for Example 5
5. Locate the centroid of the plane area shown.
y

x(13 x)
y= 6

6m

y = x2 + 14 3 11x
2m

x
1m
4m
9.1 Centroids by Integration Problem Statement for Example 6
6. Locate the centroid of the plane area shown.

x=4 y2
x = 3y
1m

3m 1m
9.1 Centroids by Integration Problem Statement for Example 7
7. Locate the centroid of the plane area shown. Use a
differential element of thickness dx.
y

y = hb x

x
b
9.1 Centroids by Integration Problem Statement for Example 8
8. Locate the centroid of the plane area shown. Use a
differential element of thickness dy.
y

b y 2
x = a[1 ( )]
b

x
a
9.1 Centroids by Integration Problem Statement for Example 9
9. A sign is made of 0.5 in. thick steel plate in the shape shown.
Determine the reactions at supports B and C.
y

B
x = 50 + (10) sin y
24

72 in.
Specific weight = 490 lb3
ft

x
C
50 in.
9.1 Centroids by Integration Problem Statement for Example 10
10. Locate the centroid of the wire shown.

y
3m

y = 2x2

18 m

x
9.1 Centroids by Integration Problem Statement for Example 11
11. Locate the centroid of the wire shown.
y

y 4
x = 300[1 ( )]
200

200 mm

x
300 mm
9.1 Centroids by Integration Problem Statement for Example 12
12. The rod is bent into the shape of a circular arc.
Determine the reactions at the support A.

0.2 lb/ft

3 ft
A 20°
9.1 Centroids by Integration Problem Statement for Example 13
13. a) Locate the centroid of the Gateway Arch in St.
Louis, Missouri, USA. b) During the pre-dawn hours of
September 14, 1992, John C. Vincent of New Orleans,
Louisiana, USA, climbed up the outside of the Arch to the
top by using suction cups and then parachuted to the
ground. Estimate the length of his climb.

Approximate equation of centerline:

y = 639.9 ft (68.78 ft) cosh[(0.01003 ft-1)x]

625 ft

x
299 ft 299 ft
9.1 Centroids by Integration Problem Statement for Example 14
14. Locate the centroid of the cone shown.
y

Radius = 2 m

3m

x
O

z
9.1 Centroids by Integration Problem Statement for Example 15
15. Locate the centroid of the volume shown.
y

One-eighth of a
sphere of radius "a"

z
9.1 Centroids by Integration Problem Statement for Example 16
16. Determine the x coordinate of the centroid of the solid
shown. The solid consists of the portion of the solid of
revolution bounded by the xz and yz planes.

x
b

z x = a[1 ( bz )2]
(This curve is rotated about the
x-axis to generate the solid.)
9.1 Centroids by Integration Problem Statement for Example 17
17. Locate the centroid of the pyramid shown.
y

b
x
b

a a
z