Troubleshooting N-Spherical Cap Area Formula

In summary, the conversation discusses the N-spherical cap area formula and its accuracy. The formula involves an incomplete beta function and an integral, but there seems to be a mistake in the final result. The correct formula for a 1-dimensional cap is θ/π, which is verified through a sanity check. The conversation also raises the question of whether the N-spherical cap formula can be derived from the 1- or 2-dimensional formulas.
  • #1
olgerm
Gold Member
531
34
I am trying to understand N-spherical cap area formula (surface area of blue part), but it seems to give wrong answers.
lossless-page1-220px-Spherical_cap_diagram.tiff.png


for 1 dimensional cap obviously ## \frac{l_{cap}}{l_{sphere}}=\frac{l_{arc}}{l_{circle}}=\frac{r*θ}{r*2π}=\frac{θ}{2π} ##

But according to wikipedia formula ##\frac{l_{cap}}{l_{sphere}}=\frac{I(\frac{(2r-h)h}{r^2},\frac{n}{2},\frac{1}{2})}{2}##
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spherical_cap#Hyperspherical_cap

since ##h=r(1-cos(θ))##
## I(a,b,c)=\int_0^a (dx*x^{b-1}*(1-x)^{c-1})## (incomplete beta function)
and ## n=1##

##\frac{l_{cap}}{l_{sphere}}=\int_0^{sin^2(θ)} (\frac{dx}{\sqrt{x-x^2}})/2##

But
##\int_0^{sin^2(θ)} (\frac{dx}{\sqrt{x-x^2}})≠\frac{θ}{2π}##
Where is mistake?
 
Mathematics news on Phys.org
  • #2
olgerm said:
for 1 dimensional cap obviously lcaplsphere=larclcircle=rθr∗2π=θ2πlcaplsphere=larclcircle=r∗θr∗2π=θ2π \frac{l_{cap}}{l_{sphere}}=\frac{l_{arc}}{l_{circle}}=\frac{r*θ}{r*2π}=\frac{θ}{2π}
Look at your figure. You have an angle θ on both sides of h. Therefore, the ratio is θ/π. Sanity check: If θ=π/2, the blue part is half the circle - which agrees with my revised expression.
 
  • Like
Likes olgerm
  • #3
Svein said:
Look at your figure. You have an angle θ on both sides of h. Therefore, the ratio is θ/π. Sanity check: If θ=π/2, the blue part is half the circle - which agrees with my revised expression.
You are right ,but still
##\int_0^{sin^2(θ)} (\frac{dx}{\sqrt{x-x^2}})/2≠\frac{θ}{π}##
 
  • #4
So can anybody derive 1- or 2-dimensional spherical cap formula from N-spherical cap formula?
 

1. What is the N-spherical cap area formula and how is it used?

The N-spherical cap area formula is a mathematical equation used to calculate the surface area of a spherical cap, which is a portion of a sphere that is cut off by a plane. This formula is typically used in geometry and engineering applications to determine the surface area of objects such as domes, lenses, and tanks.

2. What are the variables and constants in the N-spherical cap area formula?

The variables in the N-spherical cap area formula are the radius of the sphere (r), the radius of the cap (a), and the height of the cap (h). The constant in this formula is π, which is approximately equal to 3.14.

3. How is the N-spherical cap area formula derived?

The N-spherical cap area formula is derived from the equation for the surface area of a sphere, which is 4πr², and the equation for the surface area of a circular segment, which is 2πrh. By subtracting the area of the base circle from the surface area of the spherical cap, we get the final formula: A = 2πrh + πa², where h is the height of the cap and a is the radius of the cap.

4. Are there any limitations to using the N-spherical cap area formula?

The N-spherical cap area formula assumes that the cap is a perfect shape with a smooth and continuous surface. This formula may not provide accurate results for objects with irregular shapes or rough surfaces. Additionally, this formula only applies to spherical caps, so it cannot be used to calculate the surface area of other types of shapes.

5. Can the N-spherical cap area formula be used to calculate the volume of a spherical cap?

No, the N-spherical cap area formula is strictly used for calculating the surface area of a spherical cap. To determine the volume of a spherical cap, you would need to use a different formula, such as the formula for the volume of a spherical segment.

Similar threads

Replies
3
Views
418
Replies
2
Views
1K
Replies
11
Views
6K
Replies
6
Views
934
  • General Math
Replies
4
Views
721
Replies
2
Views
1K
  • Calculus and Beyond Homework Help
Replies
9
Views
205
Replies
4
Views
430
  • General Math
Replies
4
Views
1K
Replies
1
Views
747
Back
Top