Calculating the Moment of Inertia of a Helicopter Blade
Moment of Inertia Calculation
Moment of Inertia is a measure of an object's resistance to changes in angular velocity. In the case of a helicopter blade, the moment of inertia can be calculated using the formula:
Moment of Inertia = (1/3) * m * r^2
Where m is the mass of each blade and r is the distance from the axis of rotation to the tip of the blade.
Given Data
Each blade has a mass of 50.0 kg and a length of 4.00 m. The distance from the axis of rotation to the tip of the blade is half of its length, which is 2.00 m.
Calculation
Substitute the given values into the formula:
Moment of Inertia = (1/3) * 50.0 kg * (2.00 m)^2
Moment of Inertia = (1/3) * 50.0 kg * 4.00 m^2
Moment of Inertia = 66.7 kg.m^2
Conclusion
The total moment of inertia of the helicopter blades is 66.7 kg.m².