Pappus Theorem and Ellipsoid Fig One: Is My Integral Approach Correct?

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around the application of Pappus's Theorem in relation to an integral approach for calculating the volume of a solid of revolution formed by an ellipse. Participants are exploring the implications of the parameters involved, particularly focusing on the variable beta and its role in the integral setup.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants are examining the correctness of an integral proposed by the original poster for calculating volume. There are discussions about the conditions under which the theorem holds, particularly concerning the intersection of the ellipse with the x-axis and the implications of beta in the integral. Questions arise about why beta appears or disappears in certain formulations.

Discussion Status

There is an ongoing exploration of the integral's formulation and its implications. Some participants have provided insights into the nature of the solid of revolution and the necessary adjustments to the integral to account for the geometry involved. While there is no explicit consensus, there are indications of productive dialogue regarding the integral's structure and the role of beta.

Contextual Notes

Participants are considering specific conditions under which the theorem applies, such as the relationship between beta and the semi-minor axis of the ellipse. There is also mention of the need to visualize the problem correctly to understand the integral's setup fully.

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Homework Statement
Be the set of points (x,y) which "figure one".
And in the semiplane y >= 0.
Show the volume of the solid obtained by rotation about the axis x, of the set A, is equal to the product of the area of the ellipsoid with the circumference generated in the rotation of the center (alpha,beta) of the ellipsoid
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fig one:
1594628242878.png

I just want to know if i am right in attack this problem by this integral:
1594628250157.png
*pi

Anyway, i saw this solution:
1594628212401.png

In which it cut beta, don't know why.

So i don't know.
 
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The result you are asked to prove will not be true if the ellipse intersects the x-axis at more than one point, ie if ##\beta<b##. You can easily see that by considering the case where ##\beta=0## so the ellipse centre is on the x axis. The formula will give zero but the solid of revolution has positive volume.

Assuming ##\beta\ge b## the integral you suggest will not give the volume of the solid of revolution, which will be a squashed torus. It will give the volume of the convex hull of that torus. That is, it will include the space encircled by the torus as if it were part of the solid. To remove that space you need to deduct the other branch of the square root function from your integrand, which will then become:

$$\left(\beta + \frac ba\sqrt{a^2 - (x-\alpha)^2}\right)
- \left(\beta - \frac ba\sqrt{a^2 - (x-\alpha)^2}\right)$$

Examine this formula for the integrand and you will see why ##\beta## disappears.
 
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andrewkirk said:
The result you are asked to prove will not be true if the ellipse intersects the x-axis at more than one point, ie if ##\beta<b##. You can easily see that by considering the case where ##\beta=0## so the ellipse centre is on the x axis. The formula will give zero but the solid of revolution has positive volume.

Assuming ##\beta\ge b## the integral you suggest will not give the volume of the solid of revolution, which will be a squashed torus. It will give the volume of the convex hull of that torus. That is, it will include the space encircled by the torus as if it were part of the solid. To remove that space you need to deduct the other branch of the square root function from your integrand, which will then become:

$$\left(\beta + \frac ba\sqrt{a^2 - (x-\alpha)^2}\right)
- \left(\beta - \frac ba\sqrt{a^2 - (x-\alpha)^2}\right)$$

Examine this formula for the integrand and you will see why ##\beta## disappears.
Hi, i returned to this question because i just remember now zz sorry
I tried again, and i almost get the result, but my integral was a little different.

While i am integrating:

1598127513169.png


f(x) is the positive root and f(x') is the negative root which you said.

The beta remains!

Seems to me the solution are integrating

1598127618915.png


Why am i wrong yet, I think i am not being able to visualize
 
You are correct, and I was wrong. The beta does not disappear.

We can rewrite your (correct) integral as:
$$V = \int_{\alpha - a}^{\alpha+a} \pi\left(
\left(\beta + \frac ba\sqrt{a^2 - (x-\alpha)^2}\right)^2
- \left(\beta - \frac ba\sqrt{a^2 - (x-\alpha)^2}\right)^2
\right)\,dx$$
We expand the two squares and cancel, to get:
$$
= 4\pi\beta\frac ba \int_{\alpha - a}^{\alpha+a}
\sqrt{a^2 - (x-\alpha)^2}
\,dx
$$
Dividing by the circumference mentioned in the OP, which is ##2\pi\beta##, gives:
$$
= 2\frac ba \int_{\alpha - a}^{\alpha+a}
\sqrt{a^2 - (x-\alpha)^2}
\,dx
$$
So it remains to prove that that is the area of the ellipse (which I think would be pretty straightforward).
 
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