I have an abnormal shape that I need to find the moment of inertia of, is this something I can do with solidworks?
If so, how do I go about it?
Jessica, simply click on the evaluate tab and select the Mass Properties icon (or alternatively Tools/Evaluate/Mass Properties) and you should have what you require.
Oh, ok.
Did you take my shape and import it?
I'm having trouble trying to import my dwg. file into solidworks, #newbie
Oh, ok.
Did you take my shape and import it?
I'm having trouble trying to import my dwg. file into solidworks, #newbie
I didn't import anything as nothing was attached. I just made a quick model/representation to show that what you were looking for was possible. Hope it helps.
Short answer is YES. If you need area properties then select the face and pick the Mass Properties icon. 
If you need volume properties then just make sure nothing is selected and then pick the Mass Properties icon. If what you are interested requires the mass/density then make sure you have a material specified.
For some reason it won't let me select the mass properties icon.
I'm currently using the online version.
Could that be why i can't select it? or is there a problem with my shape?
Jessica Goodland wrote:
For some reason it won't let me select the mass properties icon.
I'm currently using the online version.
Could that be why i can't select it? or is there a problem with my shape?
Jessica, if you share your file and give us more information about what exactly you are after we can quickly help you.
To share your file go the upper right of the reply box and select Use advanced editor.
Then in the lower right hand corner find this 
and attach your file.
Hi Dennis,
I am using a try version and it does not give me the option for the advanced editor.
Would I be able to email you my cad file?
If you have the file to e-mail you have it for posting here on this forum. In order to do that you need to be logged into the forum instead of replying to e-mails. Click on this link I have an abnormal shape that I need to find the moment of inertia of, is this something I can do with solidworks? and follow the instructions I gave you for attaching a file.
On your profile you must
Fix triming 2 places
SW (or any 3D CAD) can't give you inertia from just curves. You need to turn it into a surface or solid.
Since this is 2D, you are probably after the 2D inertia. You can create a planar face or make an extrude solid and use the end face.
Both a planar surface or extrude need to be based from a sketch. If your imported was brought in as a sketch you're good to go. If not, then either make a sketch that uses the curves or import again using different options.
On a 2D profile you got it too
I never knew this was possible. Today I learned.
