Is this an ellipsoid?

[Wensleydale]

Main Question or Discussion Point

Hi, everybody.

Is this tank an ellipsoid? If not, what shape is it?

 

[Wensleydale]

The question is kinda of important and isn't a homework thing. I'm trying to determine the volume of the remaining fuel in a tank like this by the height of the fuel remaining. I need to find out for work.

 

[DaveC426913]

The image hasn't been approved yet. You can see it but no one else can.

 

[Wensleydale]

Silly me

 

[DaveC426913]

That is not an ellipsoid, that is a cylinder with semispherical ends.

It breaks down to the volume of a semi-filled cylinder of length L and radius R plus the volume of a semi-filled sphere of radius R.

Uh ... I went looking for the relevant formulae but ended up finding a calculator that does precisely what you want:

http://www.onlineconversion.com/object_volume_partial_out_cylinder.htm

Be careful with your numbers:
- you're asked for the radius which is only half the diameter of the tank
- you're asked for the length of only the straight part

 

[Wensleydale]

thanks...