Volume of cylinders using double integrals

In summary, the conversation is about finding the volume bounded by different shapes in the first octant using double integrals in Cartesian coordinates. The speaker struggles with setting up the integrals and makes mistakes in the limits and the volume element. Another speaker suggests using polar coordinates for a simpler solution.
  • #1
hadroneater
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Homework Statement


1. Find the volume bounded by the cylinder y^2 + z^2 = 4 and the planes x=2y, x=0, z=0 in the first octant.

2. Find the volume bounded by the cylinders x^2 + y^2 = r^2 and y^2 + z^2 = r^2

Homework Equations


The Attempt at a Solution


Both questions are from the section before polar/cylindrical coordinates and triple integrals so we have to use double integrals in cartesian coordinates only.

1. I drew a graph on the xy plane with x=2y. When z=0, y^2 = 4, y=2. So the boundary is the triangle between x=2y and y=2.
the boundary of integration is {(x,y)|0<=x<=4. x/2<=y<=2}, is this right? I think the limits for x are right but y I'm not too sure.

If I continue, then I get V = ∫ ∫f(x,y)dydx = ∫ ∫sqrt(4-y^2)dydx with the limits above. The inner integral gets a bit tricky with trig substitutions. I made y = 2sinu. After a few steps, I got ∫sqrt(4-y^2)dy = y/2*sqrt(4-y^2) + 2arcsin(y/2). Plugging in the limits for y...I got π + x/2 -(x/4)sqrt*4-x^2/4) - arcsin(x/4)
And if I integrate that with respect to x from 0 to 4 I get another messy integral with many terms in the solution. One of the term is 2sqrt(4-x^2). But that is undefined when x = 4! So I did something wrong. I don't think it was the actual integration that I messed up on because I used wolfram to double check.

2. The boundary I got is {(x,y)|-r <= x <= r, -sqrt(r^2 - x^2) <= y <= sqrt(r^2 - x^2)}
The integral is pretty similar to the one above but it's very long and complex with many square roots and arcsines to integrate. Did I make the limits wrong because it seems too complex...

The questions would be a lot simpler in polar form I think.
 
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  • #2
i think you need to be a bit careful with setting up the integral

First if you are only integrating over 2 variables, the first step is to decide what a volume element is
dV(x,y) = f(x,y)dxdy

the f(x,y) actually comes form the first step in a triple integral & will be the extent of z for a given x & y.

For the first case, drawing a picture of the "wedge" cut form the cylinder, i think f(x,y) should depend on both x & y. So maybe have another look at your initial volume element.

I also think for that problem, it would be easier to set up the integration in terms x & z. as the volume element should only depend on x in that case (and will given by the difference in y between the planes x = 0 & x = 2y)
[tex] \int_a^b (\int_{g(x)}^{h(x)} f(x) dz) dx [/tex]

note that by setting these up in this way you are pretty much doing a triple integral, just shortcutting the first step anyway
 

FAQ: Volume of cylinders using double integrals

What is the formula for finding the volume of a cylinder using double integrals?

The formula for finding the volume of a cylinder using double integrals is V = ∫∫D f(x,y) dA, where D is the region in the xy-plane bounded by the base of the cylinder and f(x,y) is the height function.

How do you set up the double integral for finding the volume of a cylinder?

To set up the double integral for finding the volume of a cylinder, you need to first determine the region D in the xy-plane bounded by the base of the cylinder. Then, you need to define the height function f(x,y) in terms of x and y. Finally, the double integral is written as V = ∫∫D f(x,y) dA.

Can the volume of a cylinder using double integrals be negative?

No, the volume of a cylinder using double integrals cannot be negative. Double integrals represent the sum of infinitesimal volumes, and volume is always a positive quantity.

How does the double integral method for finding volume compare to other methods?

The double integral method for finding volume is more accurate than other methods, such as using cross-sectional areas or using the formula for the volume of a cylinder. This is because it takes into account the varying height of the cylinder.

Are there any real-world applications of finding the volume of cylinders using double integrals?

Yes, there are many real-world applications of finding the volume of cylinders using double integrals. For example, it can be used in engineering to calculate the volume of a water tank or in physics to determine the volume of a gas cylinder. It can also be applied in architecture to estimate the volume of a cylindrical building or structure.

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