How Do You Optimize the Wet Surface Area of a Rotating Disk in a Humidifier?

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on optimizing the wet surface area of a rotating disk in a humidifier by determining the optimal height, h, above the water for maximum exposure. Key calculations include the dry area as πh², the wet area as πr² - πh², and the sector area calculated using (acos(h/r))/2 * r². The area of the triangle above water is given by sqrt(r² - h²) * h. The goal is to derive a function for h in terms of r, ensuring that 0 < h < r for maximum efficiency.

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jstew2189
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A circular disk of fixed radius r is used in a humidifier, vertically. It is partially submerged in water and rotates on its center. The goal is to determine the height above the water, h, at which to fix the center so that the exposed wet surface area is maximized.
1. Find the surface area that is dry, i.e. never is submerged as the disk rotates, as a function of r and/or h.
2. Find the total surface area that is wet as a function of r and/or h. (i.e. either submerged or exposed)
3. Find the area of the sector of the circle that is created by radii that intersect the water as function of r and/or h. (HINT: Use theta as half of the angle from radius to radius of your sector.)
4. Find the area of the triangle that is in this sector, but above the water, as a function of r and/or h.
5. Find the surface area that is submerged at any time as a function of r and/or h.
6. Subtract to find the desired area, area that is exposed and wet, as a function of r and/or h.
7. Define this function in Derive and follow our standard method for finding maxima and minima. Remember that r is the fixed radius and h is the height, which we can change. (Hint: Recall 0 < h < r so you know the endpoints and are trying to find the absolute max on this interval. )
8. Note your final answer should be a way to find h as a function of r. If Derive will not give an expression of the form h =, with only a function of r on the right side, you may need to do some algebra yourself to find a nice form.
9. For disks of radii 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 give the value for h that should be used.


Well basically i want to know if my approach thus far is correct...
Also I need some help getting going on the last few parts of the question so.. any help would be wonderful. here's what i have so far:

1. Dry Area = pi*h^2
2. Wet area = pi*r^2 - pi*h^2
3. (acos(h/r))/2 * r^2 = sector area
4. sqrt(r^2-h^2)*h = area of triangle

im working on 5 being the wet area - (sector area - area of triangle)...
 
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3. acos(h/r) is theta, ie half the angle of the sector at the centre. Need to double your result.

2 is submerged area + wet area above water

5 is submerged area

for 6 you are working out wet area above water
 
Last edited:

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