Tank Shape: Ellipsoid or Something Else?

  • Context: High School 
  • Thread starter Thread starter Wensleydale
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    Ellipsoid
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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the shape of a fuel tank and whether it can be classified as an ellipsoid or another geometric form. Participants explore the implications of the tank's shape for calculating the volume of remaining fuel based on the height of the fuel.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Technical explanation, Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant questions whether the tank is an ellipsoid and seeks clarification on its actual shape.
  • Another participant emphasizes the importance of the question for practical purposes, specifically for calculating the volume of fuel remaining in the tank.
  • A participant asserts that the tank is not an ellipsoid but rather a cylinder with semispherical ends, providing a breakdown of the volume calculation involving both the cylinder and the sphere.
  • There is mention of a calculator that can assist with the volume calculation, indicating the need for careful attention to measurements such as radius and length.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach consensus on the shape of the tank, with differing views on whether it is an ellipsoid or a cylinder with semispherical ends.

Contextual Notes

Participants highlight the importance of accurate measurements for the radius and length in the volume calculation, but there are no specific assumptions or definitions clarified in the discussion.

Wensleydale
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Hi, everybody.

Is this tank an ellipsoid?
fueltank.jpg
If not, what shape is it?
 
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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.
 
The image hasn't been approved yet. You can see it but no one else can.
 
Silly me
 
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
 
Last edited:
thanks...
 

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