Volume of an octagonal dome by using calculus

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around calculating the volume of an octagonal dome using integral calculus. Participants explore different approaches to set up the integral and express the area of the dome's cross-section at various heights.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Mathematical reasoning

Main Points Raised

  • One participant suggests integrating vertically by considering the dome as composed of parallel hexagons and calculating the area A(h) at height h, followed by integrating from the base to the peak height H.
  • Another participant expresses uncertainty about the approach and seeks clarification on the geometry needed to calculate A(h) and the relationship between the height and the side length of the hexagon.
  • A participant describes dividing the octagon into 8 pieces and defines the area based on the apothem, proposing to integrate this area to find the volume.
  • One participant questions the clarity of another's description and points out potential typographical errors, while also attempting to clarify the geometric relationships involved in calculating the area of the octagon.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express varying levels of confidence in the proposed methods, with some uncertainty about the geometric details required for accurate calculations. No consensus is reached on a definitive approach to the problem.

Contextual Notes

Participants note the need for specific geometric information, such as the relationship between the height of the dome and the dimensions of the hexagon, which remains unresolved.

the_dane
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On this picture we see a octagonal dome. I am trying to calculate the volume of this object by integral calculus but I can't find a way. How would you calculate this?
https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/17974596/Sk%C3%A6rmbillede%202015-12-17%20kl.%2002.14.48.png
I am majoring in math-econ but i will try to understand geometrical challenges a bit. Hence my lack of overview in calculus.
 
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Hi dane:

I suggest integrating vertically, say the h dimension. That is, consider the dome to consist of a parallel hexagons of thickness dh. Calculate the area A(h) for a hexagon at height h, and integrate ∫0H A(h) dh, from zero, the base, to the peak height H.

Hope this is helpful.

Regards,
Buzz
 
Buzz Bloom said:
Hi dane:

I suggest integrating vertically, say the h dimension. That is, consider the dome to consist of a parallel hexagons of thickness dh. Calculate the area A(h) for a hexagon at height h, and integrate ∫0H A(h) dh, from zero, the base, to the peak height H.

Hope this is helpful.

Regards,
Buzz
thank you very much answer. I will try to do so. How sure are you of this approach?
 
the_dane said:
How sure are you of this approach?
Hi dane:

I am sure this will give the correct answer if you know enough about the geometry to calculate A(h). That is, you need to know the shape of the curve of the dome, that is, how the length of a side of a hexagon varies with h. You will also need to know how to calculate the area of a hexagon given the length of a side.

Regards,
Buzz
 
Buzz Bloom said:
Hi dane:

I am sure this will give the correct answer if you know enough about the geometry to calculate A(h). That is, you need to know the shape of the curve of the dome, that is, how the length of a side of a hexagon varies with h. You will also need to know how to calculate the area of a hexagon given the length of a side.

Regards,
Buzz
I think this is a great start and I get google the things you mentioned above. Thank you.
 
Buzz Bloom said:
Hi dane:

I suggest integrating vertically, say the h dimension. That is, consider the dome to consist of a parallel hexagons of thickness dh. Calculate the area A(h) for a hexagon at height h, and integrate ∫0H A(h) dh, from zero, the base, to the peak height H.

Hope this is helpful.

Regards,
Buzz
Let's divide the botum into 8 pieces.
the_dane said:
thank you very much answer. I will try to do so. How sure are you of this approach?
v=∫0r a(t=Solve(equaton for the cirkle)dy
Buzz Bloom said:
Hi dane:

I suggest integrating vertically, say the h dimension. That is, consider the dome to consist of a parallel hexagons of thickness dh. Calculate the area A(h) for a hexagon at height h, and integrate ∫0H A(h) dh, from zero, the base, to the peak height H.

Hope this is helpful.

Regards,
Buzz
Here's what I did. I define the area of the octagon by it's apothem and call it r: a1( r) is the function. I divide the octagon in 8 pieces and each piece have the area (1/8)a1( r) which I call a( r)=(1/8)a1( r). Then I integrate from v=∫0r a(y)dy, where y is isolated from the y^2-x^2=r^2 is the circle. And I assume that a octagon with apothem r is unique?
 
Hi dane:

I am not sure I understand your description of what you are doing.

I think you may have a typo and wrote "botum" rather than "bottom".

You divide the bottom hexagon into to 8 parts. I assume you intend each piece to be a triangle with its height equaling the apothem. The area of the bottom will be 8 times the area of this triangle. The area of the triangle is 1/2 the apothem times the side of the octagon.

You said, "where y is isolated from the y^2-x^2=r^2 is the circle." I do not know what x and y are or what the "circle" is.

Regards,
Buzz
 

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