Centroid of Plane Figures

Centroid of Plane Figures
Objective: To understand significance of centroid ofplane area (lamina) and determine its location for a given composite plane figure.
4.1 Introduction
We use and come across various types of shapes, laminae, grills/composite bars/wires in the constructions, machines and mechanisms for different purposes. Specific shape is chosen for cross section of a beam, column and other structural member. One of the most important geometric property of the shapes is center of gravity or centroid. Determination of C.G. of a composite figure or body is very essential for strength of materials, fluid mechanics studies.
4.2 Basic Concepts

A given shape is considered to be lying in x-y plane. The reference axes and origin are shown either as per our convenience or as given. The element' or component' is length or area and is treated to be a force or vector (as each and every particle is attracted by earth, i.e. force of gravity). The integral J x dA is known as 'first moment of the area about (or with respect to) y axis'. Similarly J y dL is known as 'first moment of the length about x axis'. Gravitational forces on particles is a system of 'distributed forces' over the body under consideration.
4.3 Centroid and Center of Gravity

Center of gravity is the point where weight of the body can be assumed to be acting, i.e. point of application of earth's gravitational force. Projection of center of gravity on vertical plane for two dimensional bodies is termed as centroid of the body or figure. Thus term centroid is often used for linear segments and plane figures or laminae, and term center of gravity is often related to volumes (three dimensional bodies). Varignon's theorem of moments is applied for determining centroids of composite figures and linear segments. (4-1)
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If weight of body W comprises of elements of weights W j , VvS,... etc. we have relation W = Wi + W 2 + ...
For obtaining co-ordinates x and y of centroid (these are measured from Y axis and X axis respectively), consider moments of weights about Y and X axes respectively, i.e. apply V.T.M. about Y and X axes respectively. xW = xi Wi +X2W2 + ....
If density of material p ( k g / m 3 ) , gravitational acceleration g ( m / s 2 ) and thickness of body V are same, [W can be expressed as W = (pgb) (area) since W = pg x volume] We get, Hence x-A = X1A1+X2A2 + (xdA) I(dA)
_ J(x-dA) x = = { (dA)
Here the product (x A) is known as 'first moment of area'.

c.
..
J <y dA >
I ( y d A)
For taking first moments of areas some basic figures should be known, (of course, these can be obtained by integration as illustrated through the solved problems). Some important points should be remembered while obtaining co-ordinates of centroids of areas.
4.4 Important Points to be Remembered

Few hints and basics about centroid should be remembered while determining position of centroid of composite figures (areas). 1) Centroid always lies on the axis or axes of symmetry, if any. 2) It is not necessary that centroid must be on the composite figure (it may lie in hollow portion). 3) Area portion is 'subtracted' when it is removed or cut. 4) If freely suspended, equilibrium position is achieved when centroid is vertically below or above the point of suspension. Refer Fig. 4.1. 5) If area or length is on opposite side of origin, centroidal distance is negative. (Do not get confused between 'negative area' and 'negative centroidal distance'.) 6) Divide the given figure in the most convenient distances/lengths etc. clearly to avoid mistakes. manner and show all
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4-3
G_0
rh^r Hinge or pin
Hinge
(a) G lies below O
(b) G coincides with O
(c) G lies above O
Fig. 4.1 Freely suspended objects
4.5 Centroids of Common Plane Figures

Triangle, rectangle and circle (or its part) are regular basic shapes for which centroids are given in the table 4.1 below.
Sr. No. 1.
Description and area Rectangle A=b.d

-
Figure x
X b 2
y
d 2
~r
4 kG
-a
2
d J1 _
2. Triangle A= ^ b .h * / / b/2
G
H
b
5
-i i \ \ b/2
h 3
r
h
iiv
-'
H 1
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Sr. No. 3. Description and area Right angled triangle A = ^ bh
4-4
Figure
i
H
4. 2( Rsina Zero
Circular sector A = aR2
H O
Quarter circle
4R 3n
4R
3*
u=
7t 4
6.
Semicircle 2 2
Zero
4R 3a
Table 4.1 Basic Plane Figures
4.6 Method of Integration

By applying Varignon's theorem of moments (V.T.M.) and considering very small elemental area, we will obtain formulas for the basic shapes given in the tables 4.1. This mathematical procedure followed right from very basic or fundamental equation or law is known as 'derivation from the first principles.'
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4.6.1 Rectangular Area

Consider a rectangle of size b x d as shown in the Fig. 4.2. Though we know directly that area = b.d, the area also can be obtained by considering a vertical strip of thickness dx. Area of strip dA = (dx) d
b
For complete rectangle, A = J d ( d x ) 0 = d[x]J ... d is a constant = b.d Now first moment of dA about Y axis = x.dA -X
Fig. 4.2
= d (x.dx)
Apply V.T.M. about V axis.
b
A x = d J x dx 0

bdx
= d
(b^
Now refer Fig. 4.3 showing horizontal strip of thickness dy so that area of strip = b-dy
d
I 7y . I0
b
Fig. 4.3
Ay
b j y- dy 0
(by applying V.T.M. about X axis.) b*d*y = b d^

/
Note : Same vertical strip (used for x) can also be used for y.
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4.6.2 Right Angled Triangular Area
4-6
For the triangle of base V and height 'h' as shown in Fig. 4.4, consider vertical strip of thickness dx and height 'hi' at distance x from origin O. dA =

h]dx
= | hi-dx 0
From similar triangles, we have hx Hence dA = -p- dx b A
Fig. 4.4
/ G)
o
y
x dx
= A = I
hfb2 b|T bh
Now consider first moment of the strip about Y axis and apply V.T.M
b
A x = J xdA 0 ^ bh x ^ 1 x 2 dx 0 h b 3
" J
^ bh x
Now consider first moment of the same strip about X axis. (Alternatively, a new horizontal strip also can be considered). Apply V.T.M. also. Ibhy = fnUldA 0 Y i I dx - f t Ueb A b
0
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i.e. Ibhy ^ J 2b x2 dx 0
( u3
4-7
ill
2b2
Note : Depending on orientation of the triangle or measurement, understand the terms 'height' and 'base' carefully.
4.6.3 Sector of a Circle

Consider sector of a circle of radius R and angle 2 a as shown in Fig. 4.5. (Note that y = 0). Area of very small elemental sector = ^ R (R dO) ... treated as A ~>x
Centroidal distance for elemental sector from Y axis COS0
^ _ x =
2J
o
R2
de
R2
cosG
(!M ]
a
sine
r 2j 0
iLdO
Fig. 4.5
Note : Again _ substituted, to obtain x
rad. 4R
for quartercircle and
rad.
fr
semicircle can be
(measured along axis of symmetry from the center).
4.7 Composite Figures

For any non-standard or composite figure, either mathematical method (integration) can be used or given shape can be divided into basic/standard shapes and formulas given in the tables can be applied. (This is incidently, the 'principle of superposition') Formulas, x = Z I (a-x) (a) and
y
"
1 ( a )
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can be used for composite figure/lamina or plate of uniform thickness and density. Remember to measure (calculate) distances at right angles to reference axes X and Y which are either given in the problem or assumed by us as per our convenience. Study the solved examples carefully
4.8 Solved Examples

)>! Example 4.1 : Determine centroid of the shaded area with reference apex.
( V T U , July - 2006)
Fig. 4.6 Solution : For the given Fig. 4.6, there is a vertical axis of symmetry. Hence we have to
find y only. [Question is not very clear due to wording 'with reference apex']. Given shaded area = Triangle - Circle - Rectangle - Semicircle. Assuming center of semicircle as origin, measure the centroidal y distances as shown in the table below.
2 Component area a (mm ) Vertical (y) centroidal distances (mm) ^ (240) 160+ ~ 80+^
4 40>
3 Product a.y (mm )
^ (160) 240
2
= 19200
= 80 = 180 = 100
+1536000 - 226195.20 - 240000 - 42675.325 1027129.5
- -J(40)
= - 1256.64 = - 2400
-(40) (60)
_ .1(40)2 A= 13030.09
= - 2513 27
<
= 1 6 98
Table 4.2
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Apply
(Z
)y
= I>-y)
.. Distance from apex will be 161.17 mm. 4R )>! Example 4.2 : For a semicircular lamina, obtain y = -= with usual notations. 3n <VTU, July - 2003)
Solution :
Consider a semicircle of radius R (Refer Fig. 4.7).
Width of elemental strip as shown = 2 ^ R 2 - y 2 R

R
Area of strip = ^2-J R 2 - y -X
) dy
.'. First moment of strip about diameter (2 / R

2
^ ) ydy v dA
Now use
J dA
Fig. 4.7
J (2A/R2-y2)ydy y =0
J
0
R
( i J W ^ y y
Numerator =
-J 0
(R2-y2)V2<-2y)dy
3/2 R
R 2
-y2) 3/2 0
! [ - (
Denominator
R = 2 J { j R 2 - y 2 ^ dy
0 Put y = R sin 0. Hence dy = R cos 0 d 0 and limits change from 0 to ^

*/2
Denominator = 2 J R cos 0 (R cos 6 dG) 0
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n/2
4-10 2R 2 J
0 = 2R n/2 0
cos2ede
cos 26 + 1
2U
v
d9
R2
+ sin 2 6
+ 0 0
TCR2
R2 TZ-zr-
Example 4.3 :
Determine co-ordinates of centroid of shaded portion (the spandrel). (VTU, July - 2006)
A
IN
-> X a
Fig. 4.8
Solution : Consider vertical strip of area dA ydx as shown in Fig. 4.9. n A s J ydx 0 Now y2 m kx b_ a2 a2 a kJ x2dx 0 at point (a, b) gives
k
i i r o t w f n t n m :
>x
i r
HK
A =
Fig.
4.9
dx
a*
ab J
Moment ef the elemental area about Y a*i = * (ydx),
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Moment of entire area = J x ( k x 2 ) d x o k | x 3 dx 0
' b x =
V
ab
or
Similarly moment of entire area about X axis = J (y dx) 0 k2
fy
J x 4 dx
0 5^
2a4 { 5
ab 2
10
fab2N
t t
y =
10
i
ap "3
ff
3b
10
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Example 4.4 : Prove that x =
4-12
and y =

/or the part of parabolic area bounded by X
[p\jf May - 1992]
axis, line x = a and parabola i / 2 = kx. Y A i i

*
I *
i i j i
i i
>x
x =a Fig. 4.10 Solution : Consider vertical strip of thickness dx at distance x as shown in Fig. 4.11
Area of strip dA = y dx
Complete shaded area = J y dx

0
Now y 2 = kx applied at y = b gives k = A
b2
= J ( - / k x ) dx = / k j 0 0 =
^dx
3 2
/ Jo
Putting value of k and simplifying,
2 A = (ab)
Now consider moment of elemental area (strip) about X axis. Moment of strip = (y dx) ^
Fig. 4.11
a
For entire area, moment = J

0 i
1 y 2 dx
xdx
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4-19
b2 2a
Now,
Moment of area about X axis y = Total area
Similarly consider moment of strip about Y axis. a Moment for entire area = J (y dx) x
0
a = yfkj
0
xVxdx
1x5/2 = / k [5/2_ 0
2a 2 b 2a 2 b x = 5 2ab or
3 J
Determine x and y for quarter of an ellipse (in the first quadrant)
) Example : 4.5 :
x2 a2
+y 2
fc2
_ =1.
Solution : Equation for the ellipse is
x2
2
y2 b2 For x = 0, y = b and y = 0, x = a. Assuming a > b quarter of ellipse will be as shown. x = a sin 0 and y = b cos 0 Let

dx = (a cos 0) d0 dy = ( - b s i n 0 ) d 0 n x = a, 0 = 2 and y = b, 0 = 0.
1*114
tWIM|N|IMI
>x
and At
M a
Fig. 4.13
At
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Hence for a vertical strip, (Fig. 4.12) dA = y dx = ab cos 2 0 dG
ir/2
4-14
A =
J ab 0 ab
cos 2
0 d0 = ab abf k
T { l
+ cos2G
dO
A A
8+
sin 2G -.n/2 0
nab = ~4~
Moment of strip about Y axis = x (y dx) = (ab sin 6 cosG) (a cosG dG)
71/2

Moment of entire area =
J ( a 2 b s i n 0 cos 2 e ) de o
n/2 = a 2 b j (sin c o s 2 0) dG 0 n/2 a 2 b J C O S 2 6 ( - sinG) d0 0 = -a

2
cos3 G
n/2
0 = - a2b
2b
HI
Moment of entire area about Y axis =
x =
xrab
or
Moment of strip about X axis = (y dx) y
i 2 .*. Moment of entire area about X axis = J - y dx

a
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b2ar J cos 2 0 (a cosG d0)
0
ab2 r
2 J 0
cos 3 0 d 0
ab2p-l 2 [ 3 ab2
... n = 3 (odd power)
Moment about X axis =

ab2^ y =
/
ab2
nab
or
)> E x a m p l e 4 . 6 : in the Fig. 4.23.
Obtain centroidal distances from reference axes for the shaded area shown
[PU, May - 1998 Old]
AY 1 i
(a.b)
y = kx >X
(nmi a
au m i
aam i aw * m w i m t ^ n '
Fig. 4.13
b b Solution : At point P, we get m = and k = . Let y . = m x and y 2 = k x 2 . Hence height a a2 of elemental strip = y 1 - y 2 at a distance x as shown, in Fig. 4.14.
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Y
A
a
4-16

A = J (yi-y2)dx=J
0 o 3^
I
I
(mx-kx2)dx
j:
m
1 !
/ /
\ \ \ \ \
V1-V2 ba ba ab
Fig. 4.14
a Moment of area about Y axis = J x ( y j - y 2 ) dx
0
J ( m x 2 - kx) dx
0 / 3 \ 4>
/
m
a^b
-k
fa b
12
12
... by putting values of m and k
or
N yi
+
Moment of area about X axis = J

0
(Y]")^)^*
y2
^J 0
(yi -y
2 2
d x
= IJ
0 1
(m2x2-k2x4)dx
2
2ab 2 30
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2ab 2
\
4-19
y =
30 ab
6
2b

Example 4.7 : Locate the centroid of the section shoum in Fig. 4.15.
[Anna Univ., May-2005] Rad. 10 cm Quarter circle 30 cm
H20 cm
Fig. 4.15 Solution :

A2 = -
Let
2
A i = (20 x 30) = 600 cm 2

= - 78.54 c m 2 and A = 521.46 c m 2 .
With respect to left bottom corner (Fig. 4.16).

20
*i
= 10 cm, 4(10)
3TC
0 = 15 cm y, =
x,
= 20 -
= 15.756 cm y 2 = 30 4(10)
3TC
*<>
.VmU
' M V A V . ' A
> < > * > A i i v i X v . v l i.v. S x

" *
= 25.756 cm _
x
A y X s v M v . i . ^ i v ^ - M s ' X - f i ' r-x-s

"
\ * > > v :<v>.

*
A i xi + A 2 x?
=
i iri . .. A . t , r> * i V. SV.S'i*.'. SV.\*\VV,.1tiV.'. ^ . - . ' i V . S V . W ^ .. i . r t a v.* i i i C u .tj.i.*.< J
.i W . ' . v , I
A i + A2 (521.46)
y2
yi
V A S V . ' i V A S V . S ' . V . y ^ . ' . , V , S V V. V i 1 . ' . V / ^ ' . V . V , A W . V / . S V . ' . W / A V SVA V.". V.' v > x-fc v.* ^ V A V i ' . V A V / . V i W . ' & i V M V . ' . V M y . ' . v.* \ v . \V.y .v.v.* v . - M v *.v. v .
(600)(10)+(-78.54)(15.756)
o
x i H
Fig. 4.17
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4-18
y =
A i yl+A2
y2
A i + A2 ( 6 0 0 ) ( 1 5 ) + ( - 78.54) (25.756)
(521.46)
))
Example 4.8 : Determine the centroid of area shown in Fig. 4.27 by taking moment of
area about the given aa-axis and bb-axis. [Anna Univ Dec.-2004]
12 cm
6 cm
12 cm
Fig. 4.17
Solution : Given axes means the origin is at right bottom corner of trapezeum at O as shown in Fig. 4.18. There are three component areas - rectangle, triangle and semicircle.
6 cm X 6 cm
-X 6 cm
1
cm
Fig. 4.18
A1 A2 = ( 1 2 x 6 ) =72 c m 2 = ^(12)(6) = 36cm2
A3
71(6)
= 56.55 c m 2
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A = 164.55 c m 2
xi
4-19
= t
12
* 6
cm,
a Yi = o = 3 cm
6
x2 = 1 ( 1 2 ) *2 = 4 cm y2 y2 = 6 + ^(6) = 8 cm =
... for 'x' measurement, 12 cm is "h" and 6 cm is 'b'.
... now 'h' is 6 cm and 'b' is 12 cm
*3 =
- 2.546 cm
... on opposite side of the origin.
ys = 6 cm v A ~ I
due to symmetry for semicircle. A 164.55 i.e. to the left of the aa-axis
(A x) _ ( 7 2 ) ( 6 ) + ( 3 6 ) ( 4 ) + ( 5 6 . 5 5 ) ( - 2 . 5 4 6 )
X == 2.625 cm
I y =
(A y)
I A
(72) ( 3 ) + ( 3 6 ) ( 8 ) + (56.55) ( 6 ) 164.55 y == 5.125 cm i.e. above the bb-axis
)> Example 4.9 : A semicircular area having radius 100 mm is located in the xy plane such
that its diametral edge coincides with the Y-axis. Determine X-coordinate of its centroid. [Anna Univ., May-2003]
Solution :
The area will be as shown in Fig. 4.19. Centroid of the area lies on the horizontal axis of symmetry at a distance 4R x =-= from the Y-axis. (There is no relevance of X axis.) 371 i.e.
[Refer solved example 4.2 to get the same result from first principles (by turning Fig.4.7 through 90 anticlockwise) if required/asked.]
Fig. 4.19
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)>! Example 4.10 : Determine the centroid of the cross sectional area of an unequal I-section
shown in Fig. 4.20. 20 cm [Anna Univ., Dec.-2002]
H
5 cm
5 cm
15 cm
5 cm
30 cm

As the reference axes are not given, we assume origin and X, Y axes as shown in Fig. 4.21 i.e. x = 0 (or x = 15 cm from left or right bottom corner). Hence we have to find only y where
y
_ A i y 2 + A 2 y 2 + A 3 y3 Aj+A2+A3 = 3 0 x 5 =150 cm2 h

20 cm
A]
H
5 cm
A 2 = 1 5 x 5 =75
cm2
A 3 = 2 0 x 5 = 100 c m 2 A = 325 c m 2 yi = 2 y2
= 2 5 c m
5 cm
15 cm
15 = 5 + - 12.5 cm
-X +X 30 cm
y 3 = 5 + 15 + ^ = 22.5
Fig. 4.21
(150)(2.5)+(75)(12.5)+(100)(22.5) 325 y = 10.962 cm
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Example 4.11
Y 1
4-21
Find the centroid of the shaded area shown in Fig. 4.22. [Anna Univ., July-1999]
27 mm
35 mm
40 mm
13 mm
h
Solution :
47 mm
4*
35 mm
Fig. 4.22
Area x and y are already given. A i = 40 x (47 + 35) = 3280 m m 2 A 2 = - 3 5 x 1 3 = - 4 5 5 mm2 A
3
= -
rc^
= -628.31 mm2
and
A = 2196.69 m m 2
xi
47 + 35 = - = 41 mm,
40 y i = = 20 mm
35 13 X2 = 47 + = 64.5 mm, y2 = = 6.5 mm X3 = 2 7 mm, X

A
4 ( 2 0 ) = 31.51 mm
(A.x)_(3280)(41)+(-455)(64.5)+(-628.31)(27) 2196.69 L A
40.14 mm
And
y XT
z*
(A y)
( 3280) ( 2 0 ) + ( - 4 5 5 ) ( 6 . 5 ) + ( - 628.31)( 31.51) 2196.69
y = 19.50 mm
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4-22
Example 4.12 : Locate the centroid of the plane area shown in Fig. 4.23.
[Anna Univ., June-2001] 100 mm 25 mm
100 mm
50 mm 25 mm 150 mm
Fig. 4.23
Reference axes are not given. Assume left bottom corner as origin O and X axis horizontal, Y axis vertical through O. There are three basic shapes square, triangle and semicircle. Refer Fig.4.24 (cross marks show individual centroids).
Y ^ 50 100
Solution :
100
Fig. 4.24
Let Ai = (150) 2 = 22500 m m 2 ,
A 2 = -i(50)(HX>)
- 2500 m m 2 and A3 = * Centroidal distance are : xi = y i = 75 mm 50 X2 = -=- = 16.667 mm -7i (50) 2 -3927 mm2
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*3 = 150 - ^ ^
4-23
3 r. = 128.779 mm
y 2 = 150 and y3 = 7 5 mm
= H6.667 mm
(22500)(75)+(-2500)(16.667)+(-3927)(128.779) x = 22500 - 2500 - 3927

X
= 70.934 mm (22500)(75)- (-(- 2500)(116.667)+ ( - 3927)(75) 16073 = 68.519 mm
Example 4.13 : Find the centroid of the shaded area shown in Fig. 4.25.
[Anna Univ., Dec.-1997]
30 mm
140 mm
60 mm
200 mm

There are four basic figures involved. Hence it is better to prepare tabular form for convenience as shown below.
Sr. No. 1
2
Area (mm 2 )
200x140= 28000 -(40)(60) = - 2400
x (mm)
100 40 2 0 0 - - ^ = 180
y (mm)
70 80 + ^ =110
A.x (mm 3 )
2800000 - 432000
A.y (mm 3 )
1960000 - 264000
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3 4 V / - ^ ( 3 0 X 8 0 ) = - 1200 rt(30) 2 = - 2827 43 21572 57 mm2 30 IT 100
4 - 24
6 0 + 3 ( 8 0 ) = 113 333 70

- 12000 - 282743.34 2073256 7 - 136000 - 197920.34 1362079.7
Table 4.3
Mow
I X = I
(A x) A
2073256.7 21572.57
x = 96.106 mm
And
Z y =
(A y) 1362079.7 X A " 21572.57
V = 63.139 mm
> Example 4.14 : Locate the centroid of area slwam Fig. 4.26 ivith respect to the cartesian
coordinate system shown.
2m
(VTU, Jan.-2003)
2m
5m
1m
1m
6m
10m
Fig. 4.26
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4-25
Solution : Given figure (section of dam) comprises of rectangles and triangles
1.5 m
-X
2m
2m
5m
1 m
Fig. 4.27
Divide the section into triangle and rectangle as shown in Fig. 4.27 A, x, = 1920(6) = 6 m 2 = (2) = 1.333 m
3(6) = 2 m
O is origin
Vi
A 2 = (2) (7.5) = 15 m 2
2
x2 = 2 + ^ = 3 m , y2 = A 3 = i(5)(5) = 12.5 m 2 x 3 = 4+1 3 ! = 5.667 m
7.5
= 3.75 m
ya = 1 +[ 3 1 = 2.667 m
Aa = (1) (6) = 6 m 2
= 7 m, y4 = i - 0.5 m
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Hence
4-26
SA
X
= Aj + A 2 + A 3 + A 4 = 39.5 m A 1x1 + A2X2 + A 3 x 3 + A 4 X 4 _ 165.8333 A1 + A 2 + A 3 + A 4 39.5 = 4.198 m A i y i + A 2Y2 + A 3 y 3 + A 4 y 4 A1+A2+A3+A4 = 2.648 m 104.583 39.5
or And or
Hence centroid will be at G (x, y) as shown approximately.
)> Example 4.15 :

y= {a+h
For a trapezium of parallel sides 'a' and 'b' with height 'h', show that
A3 J
xvhere a < ft.
Solution : Let the trapezium be as shown. Divide it into a rectangle and two right angled
triangles. Let PU = c. Therefore TS = b - a - c. Individual centroids are shown by small cross marks. (Refer Fig. 4.28). A i = ch, A 2 = ah and A 3 = - ( b - a - c ) h with A
H
.mH .
H
u
Fig. 4.28
Also
y i = 3 ^ y2 ="2 and y3
U A
[(i)hl,
('ch)(*)+<ah>
Consider moments trapezium. ( b - a - c ) h" h

+
about
the
base
of
(a + b) y =
+ 3a + b - a - c ]
2a
y =
m
(VTU, July - 2003)
Example 4.16 : Determine the position of centroid for the lamina with a circular cutout
shown in Fig. 4.29.
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4-27
B 60 mm 60 mm 120 mm
Fig. 4.29 Solution : Let Ax = area of triangle = ^ (60) (120)

.\Aj = 3600 mm 2 , x, = ^ (120) = 40 mm and y, = 100 + ^ ( 6 0 ) = 120 mm A2 = Area of rectangle = (100) (120) = 12000 mm 2 2
x2
= 60 mm and y 2 = 50 mm "(50) 2 2 = Area of semicircle = - = 3926.991 mm
A,
=
x
_
4(50) 120 + ~3TT = 141.221 mm and y 3 = 50 mm
A 4 = Area of circular hole = n(20) 2 = 1256.637 mm : =

_
A i x i + A 2X2 + A 3 x 3 - A 4x4
I A
= 73.517 mm = 63.793 mm
_
y =
Aiyi+A2y2+A3y3~A4y4
Hence co-ordinates of centroid with respect to point A are (73.517, 63.793)
ECE&EM
4-28
Example 4.17 : Locate the centroid of the shaded area shoivn in Fig. 4.30 with respect to
the axes shown (VTU, Jan.-2006)
Lx
Fig. 4.30 Solution : For the isosceles triangular hole, b = 20 mm, h = 30 mm.
A 3 = ^(20)(30) = 300 mm 2 and X3 = 30 mm Assume base of triangle at 40 mm level (from top) as appears in the Figure y 3 = 50 +(30) = 60 mm
J
Let A 2 = area of quarter circle (cut out) = A2 x2 and Lastly, and = - 1963.5 mm 2 = 90 - ^S^- = 68.78 mm
n(50)
3K
4(50) y2 = ~~3TT = 21.22 mm A1 = area of square = 8100 mm = yi = 45 mm
I A

= A 1 - A 2 - A 3 = 5836.5 mm2
X = A1X1-A2X2-A3X3
2>
ECE&EM
4-29
8100(45) - (1963.5)(68.78) - (300)(60) 5836.5
Also
8100(45) - (1963.5X21.22) - (300) - (60) y = 5836.5
Example 4.18 :
metal plate having
uniform
thickness is shown
in
the
figure,
Determine the position of its centre of gravity with reference to point O.
T
500
350
Fig. 4.31 Solution : Given figure can be divided into components square OACE - triangle OAF
square BCDG + quarter circle. -
A i = (1000) (1000) = 1 x 10 6 m m 2 A 2 = \ (650) (1000) = 0.325 x 10 6 m m 2 D A 3 = (500) 2 = 0 . 2 5 0 x 1 0 6 m m 2 A4 = |(500) 2 = 0 . 1 9 6 x l 0 6 m m 2
. O
Fig. 4.32
ECE&EM
Hence table 4.4 shown below.
4-30
Area A (mm2)
1*10 6 - 0.325 x 10 - 0.25 x106 0.196 x106 0.621 x106
x (mm)
500 I (650) 500+ 500
y (mm)
500 ^(1000) 500 .
4 5 2
A.x(mm3)
500x10 6 - 70.417 x10 - 187.5 x10 139.592 x106 381.675 x106
A. y(mm3)
500 x 106 - 108.333 x106 - 187.5 x106 139.592 x106
500+ < f > <3 It
343.759 x10
Table 4.4
gives
I>y y = ^TT
gives
y = 553.6 mm "Example. 4-19 : Detom'ne location of centroid of shaded portion of lamina with respect to origin O. [PU, May - 1994]
axis T 50 mm 50 mm JL R = 25 mm
X axis
R = 50 mm
Fig. 4.33 Solution : Shaded area comprises of : rectangle + triangle -f semicircle - circle.
ECE&EM
Area A (mm 2 ) 200x50 = 10000 ^ (100) (50)=2500
2
4-31
x (mm) 100 1 0 0 + ^ 9 = 133.333 150 150

y (mm) 25 A.x(mm3) 1*10 0.333 xlO 6 0.589 x10 - 0.295 x106 1.628 x106 A.y(mm3) 0.25 *10 6 0.167 x106 - 0.083 x106 - 0.049 x106 0.284 x106
SO 50+66.667 4
.
2 1
^(50) = 3926.99 -JI(25) = - 1963.5

2
2 2 1
25
14463.49
Table 4.5
Note that 'y' for semicircle being below X axis, is negative
x = Z
A x
I >

1.628 xlO 6 14463.49
x = 112.55 mm l A y 2 > 0.284xl06 14463.49
y =
y = 19.65 mm
Example 4.20 :
Determine co-ordinates of center of circle to be cut from a plate such
that centroid of remaining plate ivill coincide with the center of circle itself.IPU, May-19951
200 mm
300 150 mm
X
400 mm
Fig. 4.34 Solution : If (x, y) are co-ordinates of centroid of the shaded portion, center of circle will
also have same co-ordinates.
ECE&EM
Area A (mm )
Rectangle 400 x 300 = 12000 Triangle -^(200) (150) = - 15000 Circle -^(200) 2 = - 31415.927 200 + 1 (200) = 333.333
2
4-32
x (mm)
200

A.x (mm ) 24x10 6
3
y (mm)
150
A. y ( m m ) 18 X106
150+ ^(150) =250
- 5 xlO 6
- 3 75 x106
- 31415.927 X 19 x106 31415.927 x
- 31415.927 y
z
Now
73584.07
14.25 x 10 31415.927 y
Table 4.6
X .=
_
X =
Z A
19xl06-31415.927 x 7358407
Also
_
y
_ ~
y
glVCS
__
y
14.25xl06-31415.927y 73584.07
Example 4.21 :
the hole is 0.5 m.
A metal piece of uniform thickness is placed on horizontal surface as [PU, Dec. - 1995]
shoivn. Find distance 'd' so that the piece will just be prevented from tipping. Diameter of
0.5 m 1.3 m
1.2 m
Fig. 4.35 Solution : Tipping may occur about point O as shown in Fig. 4.36. Therefore the moments
of portions to the left of O and to the right of O must be same.
ECE&EM
4m
4-33
2m ! d i 0.5 m
1.3 m

L.H.S. moment = (4x 0.3) (2) = 2.4 m R.H.S. moment = (2x 1.8) (1) . 2 + 1 x0.8 J
3
-G*
8x1.3
x 0.5 x 0.5 j d
Equating the moments, we get

1.2 m
Fig. 4.36 Example 4.22 :

Locate centroid of the lamina
R = 12 cm
Fig. 4.37 Solution : Prepare table for components.

OB = 12 cm Area A (cm )
^(10.392)x(6) = 31.176 *(12) 6 = 75.398 106.574
2
Hence OC = 10.392 cm y (cm) A x (cm ) A y(cm )

3 3
x (cm)
l(6) = 2
|(10.392) = 6928
62.352
215.987
M S )
= 6.616
3 Sin30 x(12)x(sin3a>)
i
498.833.
P
288.020
= 3.82
561.185
504.01
Table 4.7
ECE&EM

4-34
x = 5.27 cm
and
Example 4.23 :
For a general lamina in the form of triangle OAB as shown, show that
x - ^Ar1 where x = distance of centroid of the triangle from Y axis. (refer Fig. 4.38)
X axis
Fig. 4.38 Solution : Let height of two right angled triangles A D = h and A i =
1 ah, A 2 1 (L-a)h
be their areas. Area of given triangle = i L h. Consider moments about Y axis.
L H
) (X)
nm
= ^ 2a2
+
(L-a) h
3 +
(L-a)
Lx
(L-a)r3a+(L-a) -a (L+ 2a)
2az+L2+2aL-aL-2a2 L (a + L) 3

a +L
))
Example 4.24 :
the plate.
A plate of uniform thickness is formed by attaching one rectangular and
one semicircular plates as shown. Determine 'b' in terms of V so that 'C will be centroid of
ECE&EM
4-35
2a
Fig. 4.39 Solution : Moments of areas to the left and right of 'C' must be same *
(a)2
(2 ab)
"
"
or
b = 0.816 a
Example 4.25 :
A metal piece as shown must hove its center of gravity at point G.
Determine dimension 'a' for this purpose. a
60 mm
60 mm
120 mm
Fig. 4.40 Solution : Just like previous problem, equate moments of portions to the left and right
of G.
\ (a) (120)
20 a 2
(120)2 [ m .
n (60)
120-
4x60 \ 3n
= 864000 - 534584.01 a = 128.34 mm
ECE&EM
* Example 4.26 :
4-36
A metal piece of uniform thickness is to he suspended in the position
shown. Determine length L / / / / / / / O String
12 cm 30 cm
Fig. 4.41 Solution : Let the reference axes and origin be as shown in Fig. 4.42. As 'G' lies below O
i.e. on the line OA extended, from the geometry of figure,
Y
A
Fig. 4.42
We get, i.e. x + L = 12 + 30 L = 42 - x
Consider V.T.M. about Y axis. ^

+
i(30)(24) V A
"k(12) 2 _ 2
12
3it
(30) (24)
12 +
30
Solving, we get
x = 16.176 cm
L = 25.824 cm
ECE&EM
4-38

Now _ _ Z A x _ 3280500 x = 32382.075 I A x = 101.306 mm Also _ _ A y y = I A _5013219.4 ~ 32382.075
y = 154.815 mm For hung position, (refer Fig. 4.44) we have

4
tan 6 =
360-y
tan B = 0.494
Fig. 4.44
4.9 Chapter Summary

Centroid is an important geometric property of a plane figure and its position with respect to some reference lines (axes) can be obtained in the form of coordinates (x,y). By considering elemental strip, area and coordinates can be obtained by integration. Varignon's theorem of moments is used to find these coordinates (x,y) by using formulas. A ) x = A\ x\ +A2 X2+ ( 2 > ) y = A i -yi + A 2 -y2+ Centroid lies on axes or axis of symmetry. For freely suspended lamina, centroid lies, vertically below point of suspension (for equilibrium position). Composite plane figure should be divided into basic regular figures such as rectangle, triangle, circle etc. Area is taken negative for a hole or removed / cut portion while centroidal distance is negative if it is measured on opposite side of reference X or Y axis.
ECE&EM
4-40
50
100 mm
100 I I I I i i i i
200
100 mm
Fig. CP-4
[PU, May 19931 [Ans.: x = - 107.8 mm, y = 64.4 mm]
2a a 4. For shaded area, show that x = ^ and y =

__
-
__
|PU, May-1999]
i m i a m i i ><
im
i i i i i i n i u i m i i M i i M i i
Fig. CP-5
5. For shaded areas shown, find y
30 mm
30
Hole 10 mm radius
30 mm X ^ X X
20 mm 100 mm
60
60
[PU, Dec-1998] [Ans.: 27.69 mm)
[PU, Dec-2003] [Ans.: 16.72 mm]
Fig. CP-6
ECE&EM
4-41
6. For a composite figure shown, find V if centroid of the figure is to coincide with centroid of rectangle ABCD t [PU, Dec-2002]
r
20 mm
B
40 mm
D a
40 mm
20 mm
Fig. CP-7
[Ans.: a = 30.228 mm]
7. Determine co-ordinates of centroid of plane as shown.

Y
[PU, Dec-1998 Old]
I
30
^ X
All dimensions in mm
Fig. CP-8
[Ans.: x = 29.96 mm, y = 30.27 mm]
8.
Find angle made by line AB when lamina shown below is freely suspended from A.
Y Y
i .i
MNIIM*
a a [Ans. : 44.64]
[Ans. : 16]
Fig. CP-9

Centroid of Plane Figures

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Centroid of Plane Figures

4.2 Basic Concepts

4.3 Centroid and Center of Gravity