ABSTRACT
Centroids of simple shapes The centroid of an area is similar to the centre of mass of a body. Calculating the centroid involves only the geometrical shape of the area; the centre of gravity will equal the centroid if the body has constant density. Centroids of basic shapes can be intuitive – such as the centre of a circle. Centroids of more complex shapes can be found using integral calculus – as long as the area, volume or line of an object can be described by a mathematical equation. Centroids are of considerable importance in manufacturing, and in mechanical, civil and structural design engineering.
