Tank Shape: Ellipsoid or Something Else?

  • Thread starter Wensleydale
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    Ellipsoid
In summary, the conversation discusses determining the volume of remaining fuel in a tank with semi-spherical ends. The tank is not an ellipsoid, but a cylinder with semi-spherical ends. The formula for calculating the volume involves the volume of a semi-filled cylinder and a semi-filled sphere. A calculator is suggested for accurate calculations, with a reminder to pay attention to the numbers being entered.
  • #1
Wensleydale
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Hi, everybody.

Is this tank an ellipsoid?
fueltank.jpg
If not, what shape is it?
 
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  • #2
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.
 
  • #3
The image hasn't been approved yet. You can see it but no one else can.
 
  • #4
Silly me
 
  • #5
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:
  • #6
thanks...
 

Related to Tank Shape: Ellipsoid or Something Else?

What is an ellipsoid?

An ellipsoid is a three-dimensional geometric shape that is similar to a sphere, but with a different shape. It is defined as a surface that can be formed by rotating an ellipse about one of its axes.

How can you determine if something is an ellipsoid?

To determine if something is an ellipsoid, you can use the equation of an ellipsoid, which is (x/a)^2 + (y/b)^2 + (z/c)^2 = 1, where a, b, and c are the semi-axes of the ellipsoid. If the equation holds true for the given object, it can be considered an ellipsoid.

What are some real-life examples of ellipsoids?

Some real-life examples of ellipsoids include planets, such as Earth and Mars, as well as fruits like watermelons and grapes. Additionally, many man-made objects, like satellites and sports balls, are also ellipsoids.

What are the properties of an ellipsoid?

An ellipsoid has three axes of symmetry and all cross-sections perpendicular to these axes are ellipses. It also has a center of symmetry and the distance from any point on the surface to the center is constant. Additionally, the volume of an ellipsoid can be calculated using the formula (4/3)πabc, where a, b, and c are the semi-axes.

What are the applications of ellipsoids in science?

Ellipsoids have various applications in science, such as in geodesy for modeling the shape of the Earth, in astronomy for modeling the shape of planets and other celestial bodies, and in physics for describing the shape and properties of molecules. They are also used in engineering for designing structures with optimal strength and stability.

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