Moment of Inertia Formula:
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Definition: The moment of inertia (Iₓ) measures an angle section's resistance to bending about the x-axis.
Purpose: Essential for structural engineers designing beams, frames, and other load-bearing elements using angle sections.
The calculator uses the formula:
Where:
Explanation: The formula accounts for the full rectangular sections minus the hollow portions to get the angle's properties.
Details: Critical for determining deflection, stress distribution, and load-bearing capacity in structural design.
Tips: Enter all dimensions in meters. Thickness must be less than both width and height. Results are in meters to the fourth power (m⁴).
Q1: What's the difference between Iₓ and Iᵧ?
A: Iₓ is about the x-axis (typically horizontal), while Iᵧ is about the y-axis. Different axes have different inertia values.
Q2: How does thickness affect the result?
A: Thicker angles (larger t) generally have lower Iₓ values for the same outer dimensions, as more material is concentrated near the center.
Q3: Can I use this for unequal angle sections?
A: This formula is for equal angles (b = h). Unequal angles require a modified formula.
Q4: Why is the result in m⁴?
A: Moment of inertia has units of length to the fourth power, representing area multiplied by distance squared.
Q5: How accurate is this calculation?
A: This provides theoretical values. Actual manufactured angles may have slight variations due to tolerances and corner radii.