Calculate the period of any swinging rigid body based on its moment of inertia.
Body Properties
Calculation Results
Enter body parameters
About this calculator
Overview
A physical pendulum is any rigid body that swings about a fixed axis. Unlike a simple pendulum, it takes into account the body's mass distribution and shape.
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Pro Tips
I is the moment of inertia about the pivot point.
d is the distance from the pivot to the center of mass (CM).
The formula is valid for small angles of oscillation.
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Fun Facts
"A simple pendulum is just a special case of a physical pendulum where all mass is at distance L."
"A uniform rod pivoted at one end has a period T = 2π√(2L/3g)."
"If the pivot is AT the center of mass (d=0), the period becomes infinite (it won't swing)."
