Application of the cross product: max height of z?

[brinethery]

Homework Statement

http://www.scribd.com/doc/82645310

In Figure 3-31, the lines AB and CD are the center lines of two conduits 1 ft. and 2 ft. in diameter respectively. Determine the maximum value of z so that the two may pass without interference. Conduit CD must pass under AB.

Homework Equations

ABxCD

The Attempt at a Solution

ABxCD, and then make this a unit vector. Then dot this unit vector AC? I know how to find the shortest possible distance, but I don't have a clue how to do this type of problem.

 

[gneill]

Homework Statement

http://www.scribd.com/doc/82645310

In Figure 3-31, the lines AB and CD are the center lines of two conduits 1 ft. and 2 ft. in diameter respectively. Determine the maximum value of z so that the two may pass without interference. Conduit CD must pass under AB.

Homework Equations

ABxCD

The Attempt at a Solution

ABxCD, and then make this a unit vector. Then dot this unit vector AC? I know how to find the shortest possible distance, but I don't have a clue how to do this type of problem.

Your suggested method looks good. You'll end up with an equation in unknown height Z for the perpendicular distance. It'll have two solutions for Z and you'll have to pick the appropriate one. You should be able to find a description and examples if you do a web search on "Perpendicular Distance between two Skew Lines".

 

[brinethery]

Okay I've sort of figured it out. Hopefully, I'm getting somewhere with this:

ABxCD, and then make this a unit vector. Then dot this unit vector with vector AC.

The question asks "what is the maximum height z can be...". The distance from the center to the radius of the two conduits when they're touching is going to be 1.5ft (since the diameters are 1ft and 2ft respectively). This means that I'll take the two vectors I dotted and set them equal to 1.5ft. Then I'll solve for z.

 

[brinethery]

Here is what I have so far:

http://www.scribd.com/doc/82663003