What is the formula for finding the square inch area of an oval?

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SUMMARY

The formula for calculating the surface area of an oval, specifically an ellipse, is given by A = (π/4) * L * W, where L is the length and W is the width measured in inches. For a more complex shape like an ellipsoid, the surface area formula is A = (π/2) * W * (W + 2L). The discussion highlights that the term "oval" lacks a precise mathematical definition, complicating the derivation of a universal formula. Additionally, for specific shapes like a D-shaped port, the area can be approximated by multiplying the long side by the width and applying a constant factor, which varies based on the shape's characteristics.

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  • Understanding of basic geometry concepts, including ellipses and ellipsoids.
  • Familiarity with mathematical constants such as π (pi).
  • Knowledge of how to measure length and width in inches.
  • Basic algebra skills for manipulating formulas.
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  • Research the derivation of the surface area formula for ellipsoids.
  • Learn about the properties and formulas related to ellipses.
  • Investigate the mathematical definition of "oval" and its implications in geometry.
  • Explore the calculation methods for D-shaped ports in engineering applications.
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Mathematicians, engineers, automotive technicians, and anyone involved in design or analysis of shapes in mechanical systems, particularly those working with throttle body blades and similar components.

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I am trying to find a simple formula for finding the surface area in square inches of an oval.

L x W x .80?

Thanks for any help!
 
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? I get something neat:

A = \frac{\pi}{2} W(W + 2L)

With W and L being measured in inches.

That's supposing that an oval consists of a half circle and a half ellipse.
 
Last edited:
The area of an ellipse (two-dimensional "flattened" circle) is \scriptstyle{lw}\pi/4.

The surface area of an ellipsoid (three dimensional "flattened" sphere) is more complex; see the formula linked above.
 
Thanks for the links! I am not a math whiz...lol.

I am trying to find the surface area of a "oval" throttle body blade on a EFI vehicle?

What measurements will I need?
 
The difficulty here stang is that an "oval" is not really a precisely defined mathematical entity. See http://mathworld.wolfram.com/Oval.html

Various well defined shapes such as ellipses and cycloids are "oval" like, but other mathematical forms could also be considered as oval, In other words the term "oval" is a little too broad to give an actual formula for surface area.

BTW. If the throttle body blade happens to fit snugly, at an oblique angle, inside a cylinder then it is in fact exactly an ellipse. As GRG has already pointed out the area of an ellipse is length times breadth times Pi divide 4. This is actually fairly close to what you originally guessed (L x W x 0.8), but it's actually closer to (L x W x 0.785).
 
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Okay, guys, resurrecting an old thread.

How can one find the area of a D shaped port?

Multiply the long side of the D, and the width, and then multiply by .75?
 
5.0stang said:
How can one find the area of a D shaped port?

Multiply the long side of the D, and the width, and then multiply by .75?

If it's a semicircular D, then the constant will be pi/4 ~= 0.7854. If there is a semicircle, then a (short) straight segment along the top and bottom, then the constant will be somewhat larger -- perhaps 0.8?
 

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