Geometry problem: a cone meeting a cylindre.

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    Cone Geometry
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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around a geometric problem involving a cone intersecting with a cylinder. Participants explore the mathematical expressions that define the shapes and seek to determine the length of lines within the cylinder that are formed by the cone. The scope includes theoretical expressions and integration over angles.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Mathematical reasoning
  • Technical explanation

Main Points Raised

  • Alx presents the equations for a cone and a cylinder and asks for the length of a line on the cone that lies within the cylinder.
  • Alx expresses the need for a theoretical expression for the length of any line on the cone, indicating a desire to integrate this length over all angles Φ.
  • Another participant suggests that a linear equation could serve as the third equation needed to find the coordinates of points on the line.
  • One participant advises Alx to use the relationship y = xtanθ to find the length and average it over θ.
  • There is a clarification regarding the equation of the cone, with a participant suggesting a reformulation involving the tangent of the angle.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the method to derive the length expression, and multiple approaches are suggested without agreement on a definitive solution.

Contextual Notes

The discussion highlights the complexity of deriving a general expression for the length of lines within the geometric configuration, with participants acknowledging the challenges involved in integrating over angles.

Who May Find This Useful

Individuals interested in geometric problems, mathematical modeling, and integration techniques may find this discussion relevant.

Vilestag
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Hi,

I have a cone on the z axis with his summit on height h meeting a cylinder on the x axis. The expressions should be:

cylinder: y2+z2=r2

cone: x2+y2 =(z-h)2tan(phi)2

If we consider any straight line on the cone, what is the length of this line inside the cylinder?

Is it possible to get a theoretical exprssion of this?

I tried the approche of the distance between two points, but i need a third equation to know the three coordinates of each points. Any ideas?

Thanks a lot,

Alx
 
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Welcome to PF!

Hi Alx! Welcome to PF! :smile:

(have a phi: φ :wink:)
Vilestag said:
cylinder: y2+z2=r2

cone: x2+y2 =(z-h)2tan(phi)2

… i need a third equation to know the three coordinates of each points

the third equation will be a linear one, for a particular line :smile:
 
Thanks for your response.

In fact, I need an expression of the length for ANY line if possible at all.

My problem goes much deeper: I need to find the mean length for all lines for all Φ...

All I have to do is to find an expression only in function of Φ and integrate it on all Φ. As simple as it sounds, I can't figure it out, because it's far from simple. I've done it in 2D (a triangle passing through a circle) and it worked, so i know my approach is good.

Anyway, I'll take any hint I get.

Tanks again,

Alx
 
Hi Alx! :smile:

I know it's complicated, but you'll just have to work through it. :redface:

Use y = xtanθ, find the length, and average over θ :wink:
 
Vilestag said:
cone: x2+y2 =(z-h)2tan(phi)2


I think you mean ...

[tex]x^2 + y^2 = \frac{(h-z)^2}{tan^2\phi}[/tex]
 

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