Brent, Irregular shape volume is regularly calculated by Naval Architects using Simpson’s Rule or a similar means of integrating the volume from a series of area slices. The area of the slice is multiplied by a factor whose magnitude varies with position (smaller at the ends) and these numbers are summed to obtain the volume which surprisingly comes out pretty accurately with the numbers from a 3-D CAD program results. TO find the area of the sections on a drawing, a planimeter is used to trace the outline of the slice. The planimeter’s output (if not the newer digital units) is then multiplied by a scaling factor to obtain the area. Area can also be found using Simpson’s Rule or one of the other similar methods. The CAD method is much easier and quicker but it is satisfying to have practiced the “old school” way and know that you can arrive at an area or volume when you have no power. R/Jay Resepectfully, Jay K. Jeffries Andros Is., Bahamas Save the whales, collect the whole set. From: owner-personal_submersibles@psubs.org [mailto:owner-personal_submersibles@psubs.org] On Behalf Of Brent Hartwig
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