How Do I rotate f(x) around the x-axis in MATlab or Mathematica?

[VinnyCee]

Please help, I want a visualization of the function y = sech(x) revolved around the x-axis from x = -2 to 2, creating a "solid of revolution".

 

[Tide]

Don't they have a plot3D command?

 

[VinnyCee]

Yes, but how would I use that in conjunction with the rotation? Could you give me an example please?

 

[Tide]

I can't say for sure because I don't use either of the programs you mentioned but I would try something like
$$y^2 + z^2 = \frac {1}{\sinh^2 x}$$
and solving for z in terms of x and y (two solutions) so that plot3D(z, [x, y]) for the two solutions would be plotted. (Again, I don't know the specifics of the syntax so you'll need to adjust but it should be something like that.)

 

[Gonzolo]

I believe the command is "SurfaceOfRevolution", do a search in the master index.