Water Bottle Design Using Polynomials

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around designing a 600mL water bottle using polynomial functions to represent its cross-sectional shape. The bottle is to be depicted lying horizontally, with the y-axis indicating the radius. Participants are tasked with ensuring smooth transitions between different polynomial curves while adhering to volume constraints.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning, Problem interpretation, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the necessity of using polynomials of different orders and question whether exactly three functions are required or if more can be included. There are suggestions to explore trial and error with polynomial functions and to ensure that function values and derivatives match at transition points for smoothness. Some participants propose alternative approaches, such as using cosine curves or cubic splines, and mention the importance of volume calculations.

Discussion Status

The discussion is active, with various approaches being explored. Some participants have offered guidance on ensuring smooth transitions and calculating volume, while others are questioning the constraints of the problem, such as the number of functions required. There is no explicit consensus, but multiple interpretations and suggestions are being considered.

Contextual Notes

Participants are navigating constraints related to the design requirements, including the need for smooth transitions between curves and the specific volume of 600mL. There is ambiguity regarding the exact number of polynomial functions to be used in the design.

BigKevSebas

Homework Statement


[/B]
I am to design a 600mL water bottle by drawing one side (bottle lying horizontally). Three types of functions must be included (different orders). The cross-sectional view would be centred about the x-axis, and the y-axis would represent the radius of that particular section. There are meant to be no gaps and a "smooth transition between curves must be present.

Homework Equations



All they have given us is V=πr^2
and V=π∫y^2 dx.

The Attempt at a Solution


[/B]
I don't know even know where to start.
 
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You are going to need to do some trial and error with some polynomials. At the transition points, the function values and their derivatives must match to make the smoth transition. The volume integral should wind up equal 600. Remember that mL is the same as cm^3
 
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BigKevSebas said:

Homework Statement


[/B]
I am to design a 600mL water bottle by drawing one side (bottle lying horizontally). Three types of functions must be included (different orders)..

Different orders? Are you implying you must use only polynomials? Are you restricted to exactly ##3## functions or can you use more?
 
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Here's another suggestion, assuming you aren't stuck with polynomials. Even if you are, it might give you some idea how to approach the problem. Consider the figure below:
jug.jpg

Say each square is of side length ##h##. You can scale and translate a cosine curve to make the upper left smooth curve and a quarter circle to make the upper right curve. Once you have the equations of the upper half, calculate the volume of rotation. Then choose ##h## to make it come out ##600##. I'm thinking something like Maple would be very helpful. Good luck.
 
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Half bottle functions.jpg


@LCKurtz Similar idea to yours .

Having one horizontal line segment makes the rest of the construction relatively easy .

I don't think there is any problem scaling the functions to get the correct volume .
 
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Heh heh. But I want my jug to be able to sit on the counter and hold my beer. :smile:
 
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Half bottle functions caraffe.jpg


Here you are - a flat bottom jug for you .
 
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Nidum said:
View attachment 208250

Here you are - a flat bottom jug for you .
I guess one could argue that the vertical line is not really need to be one of the 3 (there is no dx to integrate). As long as the derivative at that point matches a vertical line... And did they mean you must use exactly 3 functions, or at least 3?
 
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LCKurtz said:
Here's another suggestion, assuming you aren't stuck with polynomials. Even if you are, it might give you some idea how to approach the problem. Consider the figure below:
View attachment 208241
Say each square is of side length ##h##. You can scale and translate a cosine curve to make the upper left smooth curve and... Then choose ##h## to make it come out ##600##. I'm thinking something like Maple would be very helpful. Good luck.

Fun fact: So this is similar to the way they create font characters (without the rotation to calculate volume). Each character is defined by some functions, but related to some scale factor, such that it can be scaled to any size from microscopic to billboard size, and still look the same, without any jagged edges. I searched for a reference link to add in, but every search I tried doing came up with fonts that represent mathematical symbols.
 
Last edited:
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  • #10
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  • #11
LCKurtz said:
Probably the most natural way to do such problems is to use cubic splines. Lots of info on the internet if you're interested. Just Google it if you want more info. One link, as an example, is:
http://www.math.ucla.edu/~baker/149.1.02w/handouts/dd_splines.pdf
Thanks for the cubic splines article. That was interesting.
 
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  • #12
Well I think Desmos Graphing Calculator would be your friend in this case. For the smooth transitions just make sure that the derivatives of the two interchanging functions are the same. You could just transition at the extrema and or horizontal points of the different functions. As for the 600ml part I guess you could come up with the functions first and then cut off the last function when the total volume intergral equals 600ml or whatever. I am interested to see what you come up with and I think I will try this problem myself.
 
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  • #13
Thankyou for the help. Helped me complete the task.
 
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