Expt.

No Dynamics Lab Manual

BIFILAR SUSPENSION

Aim: to determine the mass moment of inertia using bifilar suspension.

Apparatus: Bifilar suspension setup, measuring tape & stop watch.

Theory: A bifilar suspension consist of a rod of moment of inertia I and mass m is hung from two
threads of length L and separated by b distance. This arrangement is called a bifilar suspension because
the rod is supported by two threads.

The time period of the bifilar suspension is given as:

k 2L
T  4
g b

Knowing the periodic time and magnitude of various parameters, the radius of gyration and hence the
moment of inertia ca be calculated.

Procedure:
1. Suspend the bar to a convenient length and measure the distance between the two wires.
2. Displace the bar through a small angle and measure the time taken for 20 oscillations. Repeat for 3
more readings.
3. Vary the length of suspension and repeat the procedure.
4. Increase the inertia of the body by placing two masses symmetrically on either side of center line
and repeat the procedure for various values of L and distance between masses.

Observations:

Mass of rod M= kg

Length of rod l= m
Mechanical Engineering Department
Agnel Institute of Technology and Design 1
Assagao-Goa
Expt. No Dynamics Lab Manual

Distance
Length of Time for n
Mass added between No. Of
suspension oscillations
Sr. No m masses oscillations
L t
(kg) x n
(m) (s)
(m)

Calculations:

T g b
Radius of gyration about CG k
4 L

Moment of inertia experimental MI  (m  M )k 2

l
Radius of gyration Theoretical kth 
2 3

Moment of inertia theoretical MI th  mx 2  Mkth

Mass added Time period Radius of

Sr. No m T gyration k MIexpt MIth
(kg) (s) (m)

Conclusion: state your conclusions from the experiment.

Mechanical Engineering Department

Agnel Institute of Technology and Design 2
Assagao-Goa