Surface area of a dome-ish roof

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SUMMARY

The surface area of a dome-like roof formed by rotating a parabola about the axis is calculated using the formula SA = ∫₀¹⁶ 2πf(y)√(1 + (f'(y))²) dy. The initial attempt yielded an incorrect surface area of 1072.33 m², while the correct answer is 1365 m² as referenced in the "Engineering Mechanics: Statics" textbook by R.C. Hibbeler. The discrepancy arises from the incorrect application of the surface area formula, which must account for the arc length of the curve rather than just the circumferences.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of calculus, specifically integration techniques.
  • Familiarity with the concept of surface area in three-dimensional geometry.
  • Knowledge of the formula for arc length in calculus.
  • Ability to differentiate functions to find f'(y).
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the derivation of the surface area formula for revolution, focusing on the integration of arc length.
  • Learn about the application of the arc length formula in calculating surface areas of various shapes.
  • Review examples of surface area calculations from "Engineering Mechanics: Statics" by R.C. Hibbeler.
  • Practice solving problems involving the rotation of curves about axes to reinforce understanding of the concepts.
USEFUL FOR

Students studying calculus, particularly those focusing on applications in engineering and geometry, as well as educators seeking to clarify concepts related to surface area calculations.

joebobjoe
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Homework Statement



Determine the surface area of the roof of the structure if it is formed by rotating the parabola about the axis.
GErs4.jpg


Homework Equations



SA=\int _0^{16}{2\pi\left ( 4 \sqrt{16-y} \right ) dy} (?)

The Attempt at a Solution



SA=\left [ -\frac{16}{3}\pi\left ( 16-y \right )^{\frac{3}{2}}\right ]_{0}^{16}
SA=1072.33

So, 1072.33 m^2?
 
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That's what I get.
 
Well according to page 78 of http://www.slideshare.net/mrsbeth63/engineering-mechanics-statics-rc-hibbeler-12th-edition-complete-solutions-ch-9" , the answer is 1365 m^2. I kind of understand how they did it, I just want to know why my way doesn't work.
 
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joebobjoe said:
Well according to page 78 of http://www.slideshare.net/mrsbeth63/engineering-mechanics-statics-rc-hibbeler-12th-edition-complete-solutions-ch-9" , the answer is 1365 m^2. I kind of understand how they did it, I just want to know why my way doesn't work.

Because that's not a formula for surface area. You are integrating 2*pi*f(y). You want to integrate 2*pi*f(y)*sqrt(1+f'(y)^2).
 
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Dick said:
Because that's not a formula for surface area. You are integrating 2*pi*f(y). You want to integrate 2*pi*f(y)*sqrt(1+f'(y)^2).
Why not? How does adding up the circumferences not equal the surface area of the dome.
 
joebobjoe said:
Why not? How does adding up the circumferences not equal the surface area of the dome.

You are adding up infinitesimal surface areas. If you just use the circumference then you are assuming a cylinder is a good approximation to the cross sectional surface area. It's not. Try applying that to a cone. You'll get the wrong answer.
 
Last edited:
joebobjoe said:
Why not? How does adding up the circumferences not equal the surface area of the dome.

surface area is only the outer shell of a solid, which is the SA. what you are doing is finding the area under the curve and multiplying it by 2pi

SA is the arc length (you can think of it as circumference) rotated around 2pi for this problem and the formula for arc length is √(1+[y']^2)
 
Dick said:
You are adding up infinitesimal surface areas. If you just use the circumference then you are assuming a cylinder is a good approximation to the cross sectional surface area. It's not. Try applying that to a cone. You'll get the wrong answer.
Okay thanks.

Calculus is stupid.
 

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