Finding Centroid Location using Symbolic Math in Matlab

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around finding the centroid location using symbolic math in MATLAB, specifically focusing on the evaluation of integrals related to the geometry of a function defined by y = H*sin(pi*x/b).

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Mathematical reasoning, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the need to evaluate integrals to find the centroid coordinates, with some expressing uncertainty about setting up these integrals correctly. There is a mention of symmetry in the function affecting the calculation of xc.

Discussion Status

Some participants have provided guidance on evaluating the integrals, while others are exploring their understanding of the relationships between the variables involved. There is an acknowledgment of different perspectives on the problem setup, but no explicit consensus has been reached.

Contextual Notes

Participants are working within the constraints of using symbolic math in MATLAB and are grappling with the relationships between the variables and the integrals needed for the centroid calculation.

WRX200
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I'm at a complete loss on this one, so far. This problem needs to be solved symbolically with Matalb (which won't be a problem once I know what to do), but I'm not even sure where to begin. Any help would be greatly appreciated

[PLAIN]http://img227.imageshack.us/img227/9344/prob18.jpg
 
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Due to symmetry of the function xc = b/2. To find xc, just evaluate the two integrals. Are you having trouble setting them up?
 
Yes, I'm unsure how to manipulate the other functions in order to relate everything. I just seem to be completely missing something
 
That's pretty vague. You need to evaluate two integrals. What do you have for them?
 
I was just being dumb, looking at the problem the wrong way. I was trying to relate yc and y, and I wasn't considering how y and dx were factoring into dA and y_bar.

I now have:
y_bar = y/2

dA = y*dx

yc = (1/2) Integral(y2*dx) / Integral(y*dx)
evaluated from 0 to b

where y = H*sin(pi*x/b)
 
Yes, that's pretty much it.
 

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