Centroid of a solid of revolution

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around finding the centroid of a solid formed by rotating the curve defined by the equation 3x² + 2y² - 12y = 32 about the x-axis or y-axis. Participants are exploring the implications of this rotation and the resulting shape, which is questioned by some as not being a solid hemisphere.

Discussion Character

  • Mixed

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the concept of centroids for solids of revolution and attempt to relate it to known formulas for centroids of plane surfaces. There is uncertainty about how to apply these concepts to three-dimensional shapes.
  • Some participants question the validity of the original poster's assertion that the rotation forms a solid hemisphere, suggesting it may instead form an ellipsoid.
  • There is mention of using cylindrical elements for volume calculations, but confusion arises regarding the correct differential volume element based on the axis of rotation.
  • One participant expresses a lack of experience with double or triple integrals, indicating a need for clarification on the integration process involved in finding the centroid.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with various interpretations of the problem being explored. Some participants have offered guidance on the integration process and the use of cylindrical coordinates, while others are still grappling with the fundamental concepts and the setup of the problem.

Contextual Notes

There is a noted confusion regarding the shape formed by the rotation and the definition of "weight" in this context. Participants are also dealing with the challenge of applying integration techniques to a problem involving three-dimensional geometry.

rock.freak667
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Homework Statement


The curve 3x2+2y2-12y=32 is rotated about the x-axis and forms a solid hemisphere.

Verify that the weight is 8cm from the bottom of the hemisphere.


Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution



Now, I can only do a little bit in centroids but that is for just plane surfaces. I do not think I know how to do it when it is rotated.

I thought it would be similar to the formula for centroids like

[tex]\overline{x}=\frac{\int x dA}{\int dA}[/tex]

would be similar to

[tex]\overline{x}=\frac{\int x dV}{\int dV}[/tex]

when rotated. I need some help in doing it.


EDIT:

I considered a cylindrical element of radius x and width dy.
So that the volume of this small element is [itex]dV= \pi x^2 dy[/itex]

Then I should have to take the first moment of volume about the x-axis? (like the first moment of area)
But I am not sure how to take this moment of volume
 
Last edited:
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rock.freak667 said:

Homework Statement


The curve 3x2+2y2-12y=32 is rotated about the x-axis and forms a solid hemisphere.

Verify that the weight is 8cm from the bottom of the hemisphere.
This makes no sense at all. Rotating 3x2+ 2y2- 12y= 32 around the x-axis does NOT form a "solid hemisphere" and there is no "weight".

Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution



Now, I can only do a little bit in centroids but that is for just plane surfaces. I do not think I know how to do it when it is rotated.

I thought it would be similar to the formula for centroids like

[tex]\overline{x}=\frac{\int x dA}{\int dA}[/tex]

would be similar to

[tex]\overline{x}=\frac{\int x dV}{\int dV}[/tex]

when rotated. I need some help in doing it.


EDIT:

I considered a cylindrical element of radius x and width dy.
So that the volume of this small element is [itex]dV= \pi x^2 dy[/itex]
No, it wouldn't be. If a figure is rotated around the x-axis then it would be [itex]\pi y^2 dx[/itex].

Then I should have to take the first moment of volume about the x-axis? (like the first moment of area)
But I am not sure how to take this moment of volume
 
sorry...I meant rotated around the y-axis.
 
Rotating that around the y-axis still does not give a "solid hemisphere", it gives an ellipsoid.

It shoule be obvious, by symmetry, that the x and z components of the centroid are 0. Yes, the y component of the centroid is given by
[tex]\overline{y}= \frac{\int y dV}{\int dV}[/tex]

I would recommend doing the integration in cylindrical coordinates except altered to use polar coordinates in the xz-plane rather than the xy-plane. That is, [itex]x= r cos(\theta)[/itex], [itex]y= y[/itex], [itex]z= r sin(\theta)[/itex] and [itex]dV= r sin(\theta)drd\theta dy[/itex]. Alternatively, just replace "y" by "z" in the original equation and find the "z" component of the centroid.
 
I have never done double/triple integrals as dv is in terms of three differentials. But the question just showed me a picture of a kind of semi-circle and said that was the curve.
 

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