I have a question regarding Statics. I don't have a good grasp on the
moment of inertia, i can't quite figure out how it is used to find the
stresses in (ex. a rotating metal plate attached to a pivot with a
force coming up from the ground, say 10 inches from the pivot and
theres a pin holding it into place somewhere above and in between the
force and the pivot.) how would i go about determining stresses and
strains and moments and such. I just need some clarity.

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Request for Question Clarification by redhoss-ga on 15 Sep 2004 18:57 PDT

If this sketch looks like your problem, I can answer your question.
However, I don't think anyone will do the work required for $2. Up the
price to $15 and I will give you a good answer.

                              O(pin)
              -------------------------O(pivot)
                      ^
                      :      10"       :
                      :                :
                      F

Bit difficult to answer this one without giving a foundation course.
You say ?statics?, but then you say ?rotating metal plate?. That?s
dynamics. Both ?statics? and ?dynamics? are branches of ?mechanics?.
In many instances, both the static and dynamic loads are relevant.
Generally one would solve each separately then sum the results.

Given the exact conditions, many researchers could easily answer. You
want to be able to work it out yourself though? Well good, but
basically you need a book (or two) and a reasonable foundation in
elementary maths. Check out book reviews and take your pick.

Sorry not to be able give more specific advice but I don?t think a
crash course, especially without pictures, would really help.

Best

Meant to add (senior moment), lots of basic stuff on the web. For useful applets :-

http://www.engapplets.vt.edu/

Or do a search for "statics and dynamics". That'll give you about a
million hits so narrow it down with '-books' and add some other stuff
like "tutorial". Generally muck around till you find something.

Best