Finding volume of a nose cone with a given r with integration

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around finding the volume of a reentry spacecraft nose cone, characterized by a cross-section radius defined as (1/4)x², where x is the distance from the apex of the cone. The total length of the cone is specified as 10 feet, leading to questions about the appropriate methods for calculating volume, particularly through integration.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Mathematical reasoning, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants explore the setup of the volume calculation, questioning whether the nose cone is a standard cone or a frustum. There are discussions about the correct integral expression for volume and the potential confusion between using the disk and shell methods for integration. Some participants express uncertainty about the algebra involved in squaring the radius function.

Discussion Status

Multiple interpretations of the problem are being explored, with participants providing guidance on the setup of integrals and the application of volume formulas. There is an ongoing examination of the correct approach to take, particularly regarding the axis of symmetry and the integration limits.

Contextual Notes

Participants note the importance of correctly interpreting the radius function and its implications for the volume calculation. There is a mention of potential confusion regarding the orientation of the cone and the choice between using dx or dy in the integration process.

LBK
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I'm still confused on some of these volume problems, so please bear with me :)

Homework Statement


Find the volume of a reentry spacecraft nose cone that has a cross-section radius of (1/4)x2 taken x feet from the nose and perpendicular to the axis of sym. We are given that the length of the cone is 10 ft.

Homework Equations


Well, I'm not sure if a "nose cone" is a standard cone or is this like a frustrum?
I see a formula for 2pi*Int(0, 10) x*(1/4)x2dx but is that all there is to it?

The Attempt at a Solution


Using the equation above I would get 2pi/4[(1/2)x^2*(x^3)/3] over interval 0 to 10
so: 2pi/4[50*1000/3]-0=2pi/4*50,000/3=100,000pi/12=25,000pi/3 This just seems way too huge.
 
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LBK said:
I'm still confused on some of these volume problems, so please bear with me :)

Homework Statement


Find the volume of a reentry spacecraft nose cone that has a cross-section radius of (1/4)x2 taken x feet from the nose and perpendicular to the axis of sym. We are given that the length of the cone is 10 ft.

Homework Equations


Well, I'm not sure if a "nose cone" is a standard cone or is this like a frustrum?
I see a formula for 2pi*Int(0, 10) x*(1/4)x2dx but is that all there is to it?

The Attempt at a Solution


Using the equation above I would get 2pi/4[(1/2)x^2*(x^3)/3] over interval 0 to 10
so: 2pi/4[50*1000/3]-0=2pi/4*50,000/3=100,000pi/12=25,000pi/3 This just seems way too huge.

The shape is not a cone with straight sides like this:

Cone_%28geometry%29.png

The radius of the cone, however, is given a a function of the distance x measured from the apex. The radius is 0 at the apex and (1/4)*102, or 25 feet at the base.

I'm not sure if you have set up the integral expression for the volume correctly. After all, the element of volume dV = A(x) dx, where A(x) is the cross-sectional area of the cone at distance x from the apex.

If you are trying to use one of the Theorems of Pappus, it doesn't appear that you have applied it correctly to this problem.
 
LBK said:
I'm still confused on some of these volume problems, so please bear with me :)

Homework Statement


Find the volume of a reentry spacecraft nose cone that has a cross-section radius of (1/4)x2 taken x feet from the nose and perpendicular to the axis of sym. We are given that the length of the cone is 10 ft.

Homework Equations


Well, I'm not sure if a "nose cone" is a standard cone or is this like a frustrum?
I see a formula for 2pi*Int(0, 10) x*(1/4)x2dx but is that all there is to it?

The Attempt at a Solution


Using the equation above I would get 2pi/4[(1/2)x^2*(x^3)/3] over interval 0 to 10
so: 2pi/4[50*1000/3]-0=2pi/4*50,000/3=100,000pi/12=25,000pi/3 This just seems way too huge.

It looks like you are trying to use a formula for the volume of a solid of revolution but you are getting mixed up. You have to decide whether to use shells or disks and be consistent with the formulas. If you are going to use ##y## limits of ##0## to ##10##, then you need the formula for disks using a ##dy## integral. If you are going to use a ##dx## integral you would use the shells method$$
V =\int_a^b \pi x^2(y_{upper}-y_{lower})dx$$ You have elements of both in your attempt.

[Edit] Hold on, I may have misinterpreted something...

[Edit, added] Yes, I did, but you are still mixing up the two methods. You want to revolve ##y=\frac 1 4 x^2## about the ##x## axis. Us the disk method.
 
Last edited:
OK, I'm still reading up, and while there's not a direct example, if I can use disk method, I get
A(x)=pi(f(x))2 from which I get V=INT A(x)dx
So V=INT[0,10]*pi((1/4)x2)2dx integrating this I would get pi/16*(x3/3)| 0 to10
=pi/16(1000/3)-0=1000pi/48 =125pi/6
Am I warm now? :D Oh, wait I still have a problem with dy vs. dx? The actual text of my question said the radius was measured at x feet from the tip, so I took it to be like a cone with axis of symmetry being horizontal.
 
Last edited:
LBK said:
OK, I'm still reading up, and while there's not a direct example, if I can use disk method, I get
A(x)=pi(f(x))2 from which I get V=INT A(x)dx
So V=INT[0,10]*pi((1/4)x2)2dx integrating this I would get pi/16*(x3/3)| 0 to10
=pi/16(1000/3)-0=1000pi/48 =125pi/6
Am I warm now? :D Oh, wait I still have a problem with dy vs. dx? The actual text of my question said the radius was measured at x feet from the tip, so I took it to be like a cone with axis of symmetry being horizontal.

If r(x) = (1/4)x2, then what is [r(x)]2? Check your algebra here before integrating.
 
SteamKing said:
If r(x) = (1/4)x2, then what is [r(x)]2? Check your algebra here before integrating.

Oh good grief, thank you!
 

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