Introduction:

The mass moment of inertia ( I ) is the measure of

an objects resistance to changes in rotation
direction about a specific axis.
The higher the objects mass moment of inertia,
the lower is its angular acceleration. The mass
moment of inertia plays the role of mass in
rotational dynamics
How is Mass Moment of inertia calculated?
For a point mass about a specific axis the
calculation of mass moment of inertia is simple and
easy. Its calculated by adding the masses together
times the square of a distance perpendicular to the
reference axis.
I = m r2
I = moment of inertia
M = mass
R = distance between the axis and rotational
mass.

AIM:
Derive the formula for the theoretical data to
show the relation between the time period and
mass moment of inertia. This is done by
equating the equations of motion together.

Comparing the values that we got from the

experiment (Experimental Results) and the
values that we calculate (theoretical) in this
report.

Have a better understanding of how the trifilar

system works?

Discussing and concluding why do

experimental and theoretical values differ.

Theory:
The trifilar suspension is hung by three chains from
the roof. Once all the weights are kept on the

circular wooden board its displaced sideways from

its resting equilibrium position. When released, the
force due to gravity will accelerate it back to its
original position. However the force combined with
free weight causes it to oscillate beyond the
original resting position. Thus it swings back and
forth. The time for one complete swing (Left and
right) is known as the time period. The value of the
time period can be used to calculate the Mass
moment of inertia of the objects on this
suspension.

1.We begin with the energy Equation.

KE + PE + Work Done = 0
Where KE = Rotation Kinetic Energy
I2
PE = Potential Energy
Mgh

2.Double differential is performed on both the

equation.
KINETIC ENERGY
I2
I()2
(2)I()()
POTENTIAL ENERGY
Mgh
Where,
h = L - Lcos

 = R/L
=R/L
mgL(1-cos)
mgl(sin)(R/L)
Small angle sin =
mgL()(R/L)
mgL(R/L)(R/L)
()mgR2/L
3.It is then put back in the original energy
equation.
(2)I()() + ()mgR2/L = 0
4.The whole equation is then divided by
I() + mgR2/L = 0

5.We have to now make sure that the time period

can be integrated into the above equation.

Assumption of the general solution for =

sin (t)
Therefore = cos (t)
= -2sint(t)
6.Substitute it into the equation
I() + mgR2/L = 0
I (-2 sint(t)) + mgR2/L( sin (t)) = 0
7.Divide the above equation by ( sin (t)
I (-2) + mgR2/L= 0
-I (2) = -mgR2/L
2 =-mgR2/IL

 =(mgR2/IL)1/2
8.

= 2f is to be substituted in the

above equation.
2f=(mgR2/IL)1/2
9.
f = 1/ ( = time period) is to be
substituted in the above equation.
1/ =[(mgR2/IL)1/2]/2f

2 1/2

= 2 (IL/ mgR )

I = Mass Moment of Inertia

R = Distance from centre of the mass to the
reference axis.
L = Length of Chain from board to the roof.
TIME VERSUS MASS MOMENT OF INERTIA

Equipment:
Stop Watch To measure the timings for the
oscillations.
Weighing Machine Weighing the three
masses. RECTANGULAR, HOLLOW
CYLINDER & SOLID CYLINDER.
Measuring tape Calculating the lengths of
chain, radius etc.
A trifilar suspension system 3 chains,
hung off a bracket on the roof, holding a
circular, wooden board.

A.

B.

C. Solid

Rectang

Hollow

cylinder

ular

Cylinder

Mass
(kg)
Dimensi

2.238

2.35

8.865

Thickness .006

Inner Diameter:

Diameter: 0.126

on (m)

0.078
Outer Diameter:
0.098

Procedure:
Start off by measuring the chains of the
suspension and the diameters of the
weights and weighing the weights.
The three objects have to align in such a
way that they are exactly in the middle of
the marked positions on the circular
platform.
The distances are to be measure once
again. This insures that the objects are not
off the center.
The circular platform is held and pulled
towards one side. It is then set free.
The oscillations are then counted and
timed using the provided stop watch.

 10 oscillations are timed with the weight

and then 10 oscillations without the weight.
Both of them are done thrice for accuracy.
20 oscillations are done twice without the
weight and then a third one is done for 21
oscillations.

Results:
WITH WEIGHTS
10 oscillations - w/ weights
3 TRIALS
Trial
1
2

Ti Peri
me od
28. 2.82
2
28. 2.82
28
8

28.
55
AVER Ti
AGE me
28.
34

2.85
5
Peri
od2.83
4

21 oscillations - w/ weights
Tri Tim Peri
al
e
od
1 56.7 2.70
2
0

WITHOUT WEIGHTS
10 oscillations - w/o weights
3 TRIALS

Trial

Ti
me
1
28
2
28.
09
3
28
AVER Ti
AGE me
28.
03

Peri
od
2.8
2.80
9
2.8
Peri
od2.80
3

20 oscillations w/ weight
Tri Ti
al m
e
1 56.
09

Per
iod
2.8
04

Calculations:
Theoretical Time:
With Weights:
=2

LI
mgR 2

=2

2.12 0.47575
14.933 9.81 0.3 2

=1.738 secs

WHERE L = 2.12 m
Without Weights:
=2

LI
mgR 2

=2

2.12 0.10575
2.35 9.81 0.32

=2.065 secs

Percentage Error - with weights

Practical ValueTheoretical Value
x 100
Theoritical Value
2 . 8341. 738
x 100=63 . 06
1 .738

Percentage Error - without Mass

Practical ValueTheoretical Value

x 100
Theoritical Value
2 . 9032. 065
x 100=40 . 58
2 .065