Solution

ID: past-exam-of-the-mathematics-course-of-the-university-of-cambridge/2006/ii/paper-4/9c/solution

For a uniform circular cross-section, averaging gives ; for a uniform axial coordinate in , . Symmetry makes the coordinate axes principal axes, since all products of distinct coordinates integrate to zero. Thus the principal moments of inertia about the centre are
The inertia tensor is a scalar multiple of identity exactly when . Therefore
is the height-to-radius ratio for sphere-like rotational inertia; the height-to-diameter ratio is . The geometric shape remains cylindrical, but its angular momentum is parallel to angular velocity for every axis, just as for a sphere.

New to topics? Read the docs here!