Double integral-Surface area

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In summary, we are trying to calculate the surface area along the sides of a cylinder oriented along the z axis with radius 3. This can be done by setting up a double integral in cylindrical coordinates, using the lateral surface of the cylinder given by r= <x, y, z>= <3 cos(theta), r sin(theta), z>. The differential of surface area is 3 dtheta dz, which can be integrated for theta from 0 to 2pi and z from -4 to 4, giving an area of 144\pi. This is also known as a "developable surface" as it can be flattened into a rectangle with width 18\pi and height 8.
  • #1
IniquiTrance
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For a cylinder oriented along the z axis, of radius 3:

x2 + y2 = 9
-4 <= z <= 4

y(x, z) = ±√(9 - x2)

G(x, y, z) = ±√(9 - x2) - y(x,z) = 0


I am trying to set up a double integral to calculate surface area along the sides of the cylinder.

In rectangular coordinates:

http://image.cramster.com/answer-board/image/cramster-equation-20094271716356337644939541787501925.gif

http://image.cramster.com/answer-board/image/cramster-equation-20094271718496337644952983975006480.gif

How would I do this in cylindrical co-ordinates?

Thanks!
 
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  • #2
In cylindrical coordinates x2+ y2= 9 becomes just r2= 9 or r= 3.

The lateral surface of the cylinder is given by r= <x, y, z>= <3 cos(theta), r sin(theta), z>. rtheta= <-3sin(theta), 3cos(theta), 0>, and rz= <0, 0, 1>. The cross product of those is <3cos(theta), 3sin(theta), 0>, which has length 3, so the differential of surface area is 3 dtheta dz. Integrate that for theta from 0 to 2pi and z from -4 to 4.
 
  • #3
Awesome, I see. Thanks!
 
  • #4
A cylinder is, by the way, a "developable surface"- you could cut it along a vertical line and flatten it out. Since a circle of radus 3 have circumference [itex]18\pi[/itex], doing that to the cylinder from -4 to 4 would give a rectangle with width [itex]18\pi[/itex] and height 8. Its area is [itex]144\pi[/itex].
 

FAQ: Double integral-Surface area

What is a double integral?

A double integral is a mathematical concept used to find the volume under a curved surface in a two-dimensional coordinate system. It involves integrating a function over a region in the x-y plane.

How does a double integral relate to surface area?

A double integral can also be used to find the surface area of a three-dimensional object. By integrating a function representing the surface over a region in the x-y plane, the surface area can be calculated.

What is the formula for a double integral?

The formula for a double integral is ∫∫f(x,y)dA, where f(x,y) is the function being integrated and dA represents the area of the region being integrated over.

Can a double integral be calculated using polar coordinates?

Yes, a double integral can be calculated using polar coordinates. This is often useful when dealing with circular or symmetric shapes.

What are some real-world applications of double integrals?

Double integrals have many real-world applications, including calculating the volume and surface area of objects, determining the mass of a three-dimensional object, and finding the center of mass of a system. They are also used in physics, engineering, and economics to solve various problems involving area and volume.

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