Centroids
Description
Finding the centroid of a shape like a circle or square is very easy. However for anobject such as a beam, the centroid is only represented by the geometric center if the material is uniform or homogenous. Beams and other materials are oftenreinforced with a different material. Such reinforcement likely changes the location of the centroid from the geometric center. It is important that engineers account for thisin their designs.
Conclusion Questions
1. Someone who controls a crane needs to know where the centroid of an object is because it helps them figure out how to lift and move it. Every object has a different centroid and is balanced in a certain way. Knowing this information helps keep the object balanced and free from falling.
2. Construction workers use shaped beams because it provides extra support, unlike regular rectangular beams. When pressure is loaded onto a regular beam, the weight creates tension and the beam starts to cave inward. A shaped beam (such as an I shape or C shape) equally distributes the weight among the beam and prevents it from breaking.
2. Construction workers use shaped beams because it provides extra support, unlike regular rectangular beams. When pressure is loaded onto a regular beam, the weight creates tension and the beam starts to cave inward. A shaped beam (such as an I shape or C shape) equally distributes the weight among the beam and prevents it from breaking.