Lesson No.

6
DISTRIBUTED FORCES: CENTROIDS
AND CENTERS OF GRAVITY

In the previous chapters we have treated forces as a concentrated along their line of action and at
their points of application. Actually, concentrated forces are applied to a body distributed over a
finite contact area but very small. For instance, the force applied by a tire of a vehicle on the
pavement is considered to be concentrated load but in actual the area of contact is not just a point, but
this contact area is negligible.
On the other hand, our interest is how to find the location of center of gravity of the distributed
force of gravity also called the weight of the body represented by a single force W, for bodies of various
shape. We all know that the earth exerts a force on each of the particles forming the body. The action
of the earth on a rigid body should be represented by a large number of small forces distributed over
the entire body.
To determine mathematically the location of the center of gravity of any body, we apply the
principle of moments to the parallel system of gravitational forces to locate its resultant. The moment
of the resultant force W about any axis equals the sum of the moments about the same axis of the
gravitational forces dW acting on all particles considered as infinitesimal elements of the body. The
resultant of the gravitational forces acting on all elements is the weight of the body is given by the
sum 𝑊 = ∫ 𝑑𝑊. If we apply the moment principles about the y-axis, we obtain the following:

∫ 𝑥 𝑑𝑊
𝑥̅ 𝑊 = ∫ 𝑥 𝑑𝑊 → 𝑥̅ =
𝑊

∫ 𝑦 𝑑𝑊
𝑦̅ 𝑊 = ∫ 𝑦 𝑑𝑊 → 𝑦̅ =
𝑊

∫ 𝑧 𝑑𝑊
𝑧̅ 𝑊 = ∫ 𝑧 𝑑𝑊 → 𝑧̅ =
𝑊

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6.1 CENTROID OF LINES, AREAS AND VOLUMES

Let us consider a flat plate as shown. The flat plate is divided into n small elements. The
coordinates of the first element are x1 and y1. The forces exerted by the earth on the elements of plate
will be denoted , respectively, by ∆𝑊1, ∆𝑊2 , … … ∆𝑊𝑛 . These forces or weights are directed toward the
center of the earth and assumed to be parallel and their resultant W is obtained by adding the
magnitudes of the elemental weights.

∑ Fz : 𝑊 = ∆𝑊1 + ∆𝑊2 + ⋯ + ∆𝑊𝑛

To obtain the coordinates 𝑥̅ and 𝑦̅ of the point G where the resultant W should be applied, the
moments of W about the y and x axes are equal to the sum of the corresponding moments of the
elemental weights.

∑ My : 𝑥̅ 𝑊 = 𝑥1 ∆𝑊1 + 𝑥2 ∆𝑊2 + ∙∙∙∙∙∙∙ + 𝑥𝑛 ∆𝑊𝑛

∑ Mx : 𝑦̅ 𝑊 = 𝑦1 ∆𝑊1 + 𝑦2 ∆𝑊2 + ⋯ + 𝑦𝑛 ∆𝑊𝑛

If we increase the number of elements into which the plate is divided and simultaneously decrease the
size of each element, we obtain the following expressions :

𝑾 = ∫ 𝒅𝑾 ̅ 𝑾 = ∫ 𝒙 𝒅𝑾
𝒙 ̅ 𝑾 = ∫ 𝒚 𝒅𝑾
𝒚

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 The calculations of centroids fall within three distinct categories depending on whether the shape
of the body involved can be modelled as a line, an area, or a volume.

1. Lines. For a slender rod or wire of length L, cross-sectional area a, and unit weight 𝛾, the
body approximates a line segment , and ∆W = 𝛾 𝑎 ∆𝐿.
Where 𝛾 = 𝑠𝑝𝑒𝑐𝑖𝑓𝑖𝑐 𝑤𝑒𝑖𝑔ℎ𝑡 𝑜𝑓 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑚𝑎𝑡𝑒𝑟𝑖𝑎𝑙
a = cross-sectional area of the wire
∆𝐿 = length of the element

The coordinates 𝑥̅ 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑦̅ of the centroid of the line L are obtained from the equations

𝒙̅ 𝑳 = ∫ 𝒙 𝒅𝑳 ̅ 𝑳 = ∫ 𝒚 𝒅𝑳
𝒚
2. Areas. For homogeneous plate of uniform thickness, the magnitude ∆𝑊 of the weight of an
element of the plate can be expressed as
∆𝑊 = 𝛾𝑡 ∆𝐴
Where 𝛾 = specific weight (weight per unit volume) of the material
t = thickness of the plate
∆𝐴 = area of the element

Similarly, the magnitude W of the weight of the entire plate as 𝑊 = 𝛾 𝑡 𝐴

where A is the total area of the plate.
Substituting for ∆𝑊 and W in the moment equations and dividing throughout by 𝛾𝑡 , we obtain

∑ My : 𝑥̅ 𝐴 = 𝑥1 ∆𝐴1 + 𝑥2 ∆𝐴2 + ⋯ + 𝑥𝑛 ∆𝐴𝑛

∑ Mx : 𝑦̅𝐴 = 𝑦1 ∆𝐴1 + 𝑦2 ∆𝐴2 + ⋯ + 𝑦𝑛 ∆𝐴𝑛

If the number of elements are increased into which the area A is divided and simultaneously
decrease the size of each element, we obtain
̅ A= ∫ 𝒙 𝒅𝑨
𝒙 ̅ 𝑨 = ∫ 𝒚 𝒅𝑨
𝒚

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 3. Volume. For a body made of homogeneous material of specific weight 𝛾, the magnitude dW of
the weight of an infinitesimal element can be expressed in terms of dV of the element, and the
magnitude W of the total weight can be expressed in terms of the total volume V. We write

dW = γ dV W = γV

̅𝑽 = ∫ 𝒙 𝒅𝑽
𝒙 ̅ 𝑽 = ∫ 𝒚 𝒅𝑽
𝒚 𝒛̅ 𝑽 = ∫ 𝒛 𝒅𝑽

6.2 FIRST MOMENTS OF AREAS

The integral ∫ 𝑥 𝑑𝐴 is known as the first moment of area A with respect to the y axis and is denoted by
𝑄𝑦 . Similarly, the integral ∫ 𝑦 𝑑𝐴 defines the first moment of A with respect to the x axis and is
denoted by 𝑸𝒙 . We write

𝑄𝑦 = ∫ 𝑥 𝑑𝐴 𝑄𝑥 = ∫ 𝑦 𝑑𝐴

Or it could also be expressed :

𝑄𝑦 = 𝑥̅ A 𝑄𝑥 = 𝑦̅ 𝐴

If the centroid of an area is located on a coordinate axis, the first moment of the area with respect to
that axis is zero. So, if the first moment of an area with respect to a coordinate axis is zero, then the
centroid of the area is located on that axis.

6.3 COMPOSITE BODIES AND FIGURES

When a body or figure can be conveniently divided into several parts of simple shape, we may use the
principle of moments where each part is treated as a finite element of the whole. The abscissa 𝑋̅ and
the ordinate 𝑌̅ of the center of gravity G can be determined using the following expressions

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The following equations can be used to solve for the coordinates 𝑋̅ 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑌̅ of the center of gravity of a
composite area.

Sample Problem

Prob. 1. For the plane area shown, determine:

a. the first moments with respect to the 𝑥 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑦 axes.
b. the location of the centroid.

SOLUTION

Component Area A, mm2 𝑥̅ , 𝑦̅, mm 𝑥̅ 𝐴, 𝑚𝑚2 𝑦̅𝐴, 𝑚𝑚2

mm
Rectangle 120× 80 = 9.6 × 103 60 40 576× 103 384× 103
Triangle ½ (120)(60)= 3.6 × 103 40 -20 144× 103 -72× 103
Semicircle ½ 𝜋(60)2 = 5.655 × 103 60 105.46 339.3× 103 596.4× 103
Circle −𝜋(40)2 = −5.027 × 103 60 80 -301.6× 103 -402.2× 103
∑ 𝐴 = 13.828 × 103 ∑ 𝑥̅ 𝐴 = ∑ 𝑦̅ 𝐴 =
757.7 × 103 506.2 × 103

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a. First moments of the Area:

𝑄𝑥 = ∑ 𝑦̅ 𝐴 = 506.2 × 103 𝑚𝑚3

𝑄𝑦 = ∑ 𝑥̅ 𝐴 = 757.7 × 103 𝑚𝑚3

b. Location of Centroid:

𝑋̅ ∑ 𝐴 = ∑ 𝑥̅ 𝐴: 𝑋̅(13.828× 103 𝑚𝑚2 ) = 757.7 × 103 𝑚𝑚3

𝑋̅ = 54.8 𝑚𝑚
𝑌̅ ∑ 𝐴 = ∑ 𝑦̅ 𝐴: 𝑌̅(13.828 × 10 𝑚𝑚2 ) = 506.2× 103 𝑚𝑚3
3

𝑌̅ = 36.6 𝑚𝑚

Prob. 2. The figure shown is made from a piece of

thin, homogeneous wire. Determine the location of
its center of gravity.

SOLUTION

Substituting the values obtained from the table below

into the equations defining the centroid of a
composite line, we have

𝑋̅ 𝐿 = ∑ 𝑥̅ 𝐿: 𝑋̅ (60𝑖𝑛) = 600 𝑖𝑛2

𝑋̅ = 10 𝑖𝑛
𝑌̅ 𝐿 = ∑ 𝑦̅ 𝐿 𝑌̅ (60 𝑖𝑛) = 180 𝑖𝑛2
𝑌̅ = 3 𝑖𝑛

Segment 𝐿, 𝑖𝑛. 𝑥̅ , in 𝑦̅, 𝑖𝑛 𝑥̅ 𝐿, 𝑖𝑛2 𝑦̅𝐿, 𝑖𝑛2

𝐴𝐵 24 12 0 288 0
𝐵𝐶 26 12 5 312 130
𝐶𝐴 10 0 5 0 50
∑ 𝐿 = 60 ∑ 𝑥̅ 𝐿 = 600 ∑ 𝑦̅ 𝐿 = 180

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6.4. DETERMINATION OF CENTROIDS BY INTEGRATION

The centroid of an area bounded by curves defined by algebraic equations is usually determined
by evaluating the integrals :

𝑥̅ 𝐴 = ∫ 𝑥 𝑑𝐴 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑦̅ 𝐴 = ∫ 𝑦 𝑑𝐴

If the area A is not known, it can also be computed from these elements.

𝑎 +𝑥 2𝑟
𝑥̅𝑒𝑙 = 𝑥 𝑥̅ el = 𝑥̅𝑒𝑙 = cos 𝜃
2 3

2𝑟
𝑦̅𝑒𝑙 = 𝑦/2 𝑦̅el = y 𝑦̅𝑒𝑙 = 𝑠𝑖𝑛𝜃
3

1
𝑑𝐴 = 𝑦𝑑𝑥 𝑑𝐴 = (𝑎 − 𝑥)𝑑𝑦 𝑑𝐴 = 𝑟 2 𝑑𝜃
2

6.5 THEOREM OF PAPPUS-GULDINUS

Determining centroids of areas and volumes using surface of revolutions. A surface of revolution is a
surface which can be generated by rotating a plane curve about a fixed axis. For example, the surface
of a sphere can be obtained by rotating a semicircular arc ABC about the diameter AC, the surface of a
cone can be produced by rotating a straight inclined line AB about an axis AC and the surface of a torus
or a ring can be generated by rotating the circumference of a circle about a nonintersecting axis.

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A body of revolution is a body which can be generated by rotating a plane area about a fixed axis. As
shown, a sphere, a cone, and a torus can each be generated by rotating the appropriate shape about
the indicated axis.

THEOREM I. The area of a surface of revolution is equal to the length of the generating
curve times the distance travelled by the centroid of the curve while the surface is being
generated.

Proof. Consider an element dL of the line L, which is revolved about the x axis The area dA
generated by the element dL is equal to 2𝜋𝑦 𝑑𝐿. Thus, the entire area generated by L is A = ∫ 2𝜋𝑦 𝑑𝐿.
We know that the ∫ 𝑦 𝑑𝐿 = 𝑦̅ 𝐿, we therefore obtain

A = 2𝜋 𝑦̅ 𝐿
where 2𝜋𝑦̅ is the distance travelled by the centroid of L.

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 THEOREM II. The volume of a body of revolution is equal to the generating area times the
distance travelled by the centroid of the area while the body is being generated.

Proof. Consider an element dA of the area A which is revolved about the axis shown. The
volume dV generated by the element dA is equal to 2𝜋𝑦 𝑑𝐴. Thus, the entire volume generated
by A is 𝑉 = ∫ 2𝜋𝑦 𝑑𝐴, and since the integral ∫ 𝑦𝑑𝐴 is equal 𝑦̅𝐴 , then we obtain

𝑉 = 2𝜋𝑦̅ 𝐴
where 2𝜋𝑦̅ is the distance travelled by the centroid of A. Take note, this theorem does not apply if
the axis of rotation intersects the generating area.

Prob. 4. Using the theorem of PAPPUS-Guldinus, determine (a) the centroid of a semicircular area,
4
(b) the centroid of a semicircular arc. The volume and the surface area 𝜋 𝑟 3 𝑎𝑛𝑑 4𝜋𝑟 2 ,
3
respectively.

Solution:
The volume of a sphere is equal to the product of the area of semicircle and the distance travelled by
the centroid of the semicircle in one revolution about the x axis.

4 1
𝑉 = 2𝜋𝑦̅𝐴 → 𝜋𝑟 3 = 2𝜋𝑦̅ ( 𝜋𝑟 2 )
3 2
4𝑟
𝑦̅ =
3𝜋

Likewise, the area of a sphere is equal to the product of the length of the generating semicircle and
distance travelled by its centroid in one revolution.

𝐴 = 2𝜋𝑦̅𝐿

4𝜋𝑟 2 = 2𝜋𝑦̅ (𝜋𝑟)

2𝑟
𝑦̅ =
𝜋

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CENTROIDS OF COMMON SHAPES OF AREA

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CENTROIDS OF COMMON SHAPES AND VOLUMES

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