CALCULATE PRODUCT OF INERTIA FROM 6 MOMENT OF INERTIA MEASUREMENTS
Product of inertia (POI) is the characteristic of an object that causes dynamic unbalance. Knowing
the POI of an object is essential to determine some of its flight characteristics, such as its tendancy
to wobble. Knowing POI in all planes allows determining the principal axes of a payload.
1. How to measure product of inertia?
Product of inertia can be measured directly by using a vertical two plane spin balance machine
(POI series). Spin balance machines spin the payload about a desired axis and detect
any unbalances generated. This is by far the most accurate method of determining product of inertia.
But some payloads cannot be spun (some satellites for example), or cannot be spun about all axes
(missiles for example). For these payloads, product of inertia can be calculated from moment of
inertia measurements (which do not require spinning). Three moment of inertia measurements per plane are required, at widely spaced angles (ideally 0, 45, and 90 degrees). Some moment of inertia measurements can be
used in several orthogonal planes, so a total of only 6 measurements is required to get product of inertia in
3 planes. Product of inertia is directly related to these moment of inertia measurements.
2. How accurate is this method?
Calculating product of inertia based on moment of inertia measurements is not as accurate a method
as directly measuring product of inertia by spinning the payload.
Accuracy of this method depends on several factors, including:
• Accuracy of the moment of inertia measurement instrument used
• Angles used between measurements
• Payload characteristics (payloads with large products of inertia will be easier to measure)
3. How can Space Electronics help me?
Space Electronics developed a piece of software that is available with its combined mass properties
instruments (KSR Series, MP
Series, and POI series). It allows selecting several moment of
inertia measurements made in the same plane and angles at which these measurements were made. The
control system outputs product of inertia in that plane.
4. Where do I find more technical information?
For more technical information on this method, we recommend our technical paper
Using the
"Moment of Inertia Method" to Determine Product of Inertia, which was presented at the 51st
annual conference of the Society of Allied Weight Engineers (SAWE).
For more information, you can also:
• Call us at +1 860 829 0001
• Fill in the form below to request more information
• Click the "Request a quote" link at the top of this page to request a quotation for this software
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