Maximizing the volume of a beam cut from a cylindrical trunk

In summary: Re: max and min 295In summary, the dimensions of a rectangular beam of volume maximum that can be cut from a trunk in diameter "D" and length "L", assuming that the trunk has the shaped of a straight circular cylinder shape, are 295.
  • #1
leprofece
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what are the dimensions of rectangular beam of volume maximum that can be cut from a trunk in diameter "D" and length "L", assuming that the trunk has the shaped of a straight circular cylinder shape?

Answer Width =lenght
 
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  • #2
Re: max and min 295

What have you tried?

Do you recognize that this problem boils down to maximizing the area of a rectangle inscribed within a circle?

As always, what is your constraint? What is your objective function?

Hint: look at the diagonal of the rectangle and how it relates to the diameter of the circle. And then how do the sides of the rectangle relate to its diagonal?
 
  • #3
Re: max and min 295

MarkFL said:
What have you tried?

Do you recognize that this problem boils down to maximizing the area of a rectangle inscribed within a circle?

As always, what is your constraint? What is your objective function?

Hint: look at the diagonal of the rectangle and how it relates to the diameter of the circle. And then how do the sides of the rectangle relate to its diagonal?

It shall be a square beam of side equal to D/2.
Length equal to length of trunk.

If it is the area of a rectangle inscribed within a circle?

a = pir
and R2= x2-r2
r= sqrt(R2-x2)
A=2pisqrt(R2-x2)
I derive A and I must get the answer
 
  • #4
Re: max and min 295

Here is a cross-section:

View attachment 2086

Our objective function is the area of the rectangle:

\(\displaystyle A(x,y)=xy\)

Subject to the constraint (by Pythagoras):

\(\displaystyle x^2+y^2=D^2\)

So, solve the constraint for either variable, and substitute for that variable into the objective function so that you only have one variable, and then maximize.
 

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  • #5
Re: max and min 295

MarkFL said:
Here is a cross-section:

View attachment 2086

Our objective function is the area of the rectangle:

\(\displaystyle A(x,y)=xy\)

Subject to the constraint (by Pythagoras):

\(\displaystyle x^2+y^2=D^2\)

So, solve the constraint for either variable, and substitute for that variable into the objective function so that you only have one variable, and then maximize.

Ok I got y = x = D/sqrt(2)
 

FAQ: Maximizing the volume of a beam cut from a cylindrical trunk

What is the formula for calculating the volume of a beam cut from a cylindrical trunk?

The formula for calculating the volume of a beam cut from a cylindrical trunk is V = πr²h, where V is the volume, r is the radius of the trunk, and h is the height of the cut beam.

How do you determine the optimal height for the cut beam to maximize volume?

The optimal height for the cut beam can be determined by finding the derivative of the volume formula with respect to h and setting it equal to zero. This will give the critical point(s) where the volume is maximized. The critical point(s) can then be evaluated to determine the optimal height.

Does the radius of the trunk affect the maximum volume of the cut beam?

Yes, the radius of the trunk does affect the maximum volume of the cut beam. The larger the radius, the larger the maximum volume of the cut beam will be. This is because the volume formula includes the radius squared term.

Are there any other factors that can impact the maximum volume of the cut beam?

Yes, the length of the trunk and the type of material it is made of can also impact the maximum volume of the cut beam. A longer trunk or a denser material can lead to a larger maximum volume, while a shorter trunk or a less dense material can result in a smaller maximum volume.

Can the maximum volume of the cut beam ever be greater than the original volume of the cylindrical trunk?

No, the maximum volume of the cut beam can never be greater than the original volume of the cylindrical trunk. This is because the cut beam is a smaller portion of the original volume and will always have a smaller maximum volume. However, by finding the optimal height for the cut beam, the maximum volume can be as close to the original volume as possible.

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