#22 PASCUA, EDMAR VON M.

#27 SAGUIBO, MICHAEL N.

BSCE-1A
N120 ENG MATH 2
1:00-3:00 PM TTh, CE LAB 204

Topic: Volume of Solids of Revolution

I. Introduction

In calculus, the determination of the volume of three-dimensional solids derived from

rotating two-dimensional regions about an axis is a classical application of definite
integrals. These solids are known as solids of revolution, and they appear frequently in
engineering, physics, architecture, and beyond. This paper provides an in-depth and
structured exploration of the three primary methods used to calculate such volumes: the
Disk Method, the Washer Method, and the Cylindrical Shell Method. Each method will
be discussed in terms of conceptual background, mathematical formulation, practical
application, and strategic selection.

II. Disk Method

A. Conceptual Background

To visualize the disk method, consider rotating a simple geometric region, such as a
rectangle, about a horizontal or vertical line. This action generates a solid resembling a
stack of thin circular plates—or disks. The idea is analogous to imagining a cookie: a
round shape with a small but measurable thickness. Each cross-section perpendicular to
the axis of revolution forms a perfect circle, and the collection of these infinitesimally thin
disks makes up the entire volume of the solid.
B. Mathematical Foundation

The volume of a single disk is given by the formula:

𝑉 = 𝜋𝑅2 ⋅ 𝑤

where:

• 𝑅 is the radius (distance from the axis to the curve),

• 𝑤 is the thickness.

To find the total volume of a solid made of infinitely many such disks, we integrate across
the bounds of the region:

𝑏
𝑉 = 𝜋 ∫ [𝑅(𝑥 )]2 𝑑𝑥
𝑎

If the solid is rotated about the y-axis instead, the formula adapts to:

𝑑
𝑉 = 𝜋 ∫ [𝑅(𝑦)]2 𝑑𝑦
𝑐

C. Key Considerations

• The region being revolved must be flush against the axis of revolution to avoid
creating a hole.
• The rectangular slice used must be perpendicular to the axis.
• The radius RRR is derived from the height of the representative rectangle and
depends on the functions defining the region.
D. Example

Problem 1:

Find the volume of the solid generated by revolving the region bounded by:

𝑦 = 𝑥, 𝑦 = 0, 𝑥 = 0, 𝑥 = 4

about the x-axis.

Solution:

Step 1: First, we will graph our bounded region.

Step 2: Next, we will identify our axis of rotation and create our vertical, rectangular

slice perpendicular to the axis of rotation (i.e., the x-axis).

Step 3: Now we must determine our bounds, or width of the bounded region, which will
become our bounds of integration as well as our top and bottom function.

0 ≤𝑥 ≤4 𝑅 = {⏟
𝑥} − {⏟
0}
{𝑡𝑜𝑝: 𝑦 = 𝑥} {𝑏𝑜𝑡𝑡𝑜𝑚: 𝑦 = 0}

Step 4: Lastly, we plug everything into our formula and integrate it to find the volume of

the resulting solid of revolution.

𝑏
𝑉 = 𝜋 ∫ (𝑅2 ) 𝑑𝑥
𝑎

4
= 𝜋 ∫ (𝑥 − 0)2 𝑑𝑥
0

4
= 𝜋 ∫ 𝑥 2 𝑑𝑥
0

4
𝑥3
= 𝜋[ ]
3 0

43 03
= 𝜋( − )
3 3

64𝜋
𝑉 =
3
E. Summary

The disk method is ideal for solids where the region touches the axis of revolution directly,
producing solid circular cross-sections. It is widely applicable to revolutions about the x-
or y-axis or other horizontal/vertical lines when the appropriate orientation of slices is
ensured.

III. Washer Method (Ring Method)

A. Conceptual Background

The washer method is a natural extension of the disk method, designed for scenarios
where the region does not lie directly against the axis of revolution. When a solid has a
hollow center (like a donut or washer), rotating the area results in cross-sections with a
hole, resembling washers rather than full disks.

This method draws from geometric principles: to find the area of a washer, subtract the
area of the inner disk from the outer disk. The same logic is applied in volume calculation.

B. Mathematical Foundation

The volume of a washer is:

𝑉 = 𝜋 (𝑅 2 − 𝑟 2 ) ⋅ 𝑤

where:

• 𝑅 is the outer radius

• 𝑟 is the inner radius
 • 𝑤 is the thickness

Using integration:

𝑏
𝑉 = 𝜋 ∫ ( [ 𝑅(𝑥 )]2 − [ 𝑟(𝑥 )]2 ) 𝑑𝑥
𝑎

Or, with respect to 𝑦:

𝑑
𝑉 = 𝜋 ∫ ( [ 𝑅(𝑦)]2 − [ 𝑟(𝑦)]2 ) 𝑑𝑦
𝑐

C. Key Considerations

• Two curves define the boundaries of the region.

• Outer and inner radii are calculated based on the top and bottom (or right and left)
functions.
• Slices are still perpendicular to the axis of rotation.

D. Example

Problem 1:

Find the volume of the solid generated by rotating the region bounded by:

𝑦 = 𝑥 2, 𝑦 = √{𝑥}

about the x-axis.

Solution:

Step 1: First, we will graph our bounded region.

Step 2: Next, we will identify our rotation axis and create our vertical, rectangular slice

perpendicular to the axis of rotation (i.e., the x-axis). In doing so, we determine

our thickness to be dx.

Step 3: Now we must determine our outer radius, R, and our inner radius, r.

Step 4: Lastly, we plug everything into our formula and integrate it to find the volume of
the resulting solid of revolution.

1 1 1
2 2 )2 ) 4)
𝑥2 𝑥5 3𝜋
𝑉 = 𝜋 ∫ ((√ 𝑥) − (𝑥 𝑑𝑥 = 𝜋 ∫ ( 𝑥 − 𝑥 𝑑𝑥 = 𝜋 [ − ] =
0 0 2 5 0 10

E. Summary

The washer method is optimal when dealing with solids that have holes in the center due
to a region that does not directly touch the axis of revolution. It builds on the disk method
and is vital when multiple functions bound the region.

IV. Cylindrical Shell Method

A. Conceptual Background

The shell method relies on the idea of using thin cylindrical shells to approximate the
volume of a solid of revolution. Rather than slicing the region into perpendicular disks or
washers, the shell method slices the region into vertical or horizontal cylindrical shells,
each with a certain radius, height, and thickness.

The surface area 𝑆𝐴 of a single cylindrical shell is calculated using the well-known formula
for the surface area of a cylinder:

𝑆𝐴 = 2𝜋𝑟 ℎ
where:

• 𝑟 represents the radius of the shell (distance from the axis of revolution),
• ℎ represents the height of the shell.

However, since the shell has thickness, we must consider the product of the
circumference, the height, and the thickness of each shell to obtain the volume.
Therefore, the formula for the volume of one shell becomes:

𝑉 = 2𝜋𝑝 ℎ Δ𝑥

where:

• 𝑝 is the average radius or the displacement from the axis of rotation

• ℎ is the height of the shell
• Δ𝑥 represents the thickness of the shell

To compute the volume of the entire solid, we sum the volumes of an infinite number of
such shells:

𝑉 = \𝑙𝑖𝑚{𝑛 →∞}\𝑠𝑢𝑚{𝑛}2𝜋𝑝 ℎ Δ𝑥
{𝑖=1}

This sum represents the integral for the volume of the solid of revolution.

B. Disk Method vs. Shell Method

Conceptual Comparison
As illustrated by the following graphics, the disk method and the shell method differ
significantly in how they divide the region of revolution and compute the resulting volume:

• Disk Method: Slices are taken perpendicular to the axis of revolution, and each
slice forms a disk whose.
• Shell Method: Slices are taken parallel to the axis of revolution, and each slice
forms a cylindrical shell.

This distinction fundamentally alters how the two methods are applied, depending on the
orientation of the axis and the geometric configuration of the region.

Key Differences

Feature Disk Method Shell Method

Slice Perpendicular to the axis Parallel to the axis
orientation
Resulting Disks Cylindrical shells
shape
Ideal use case When the region touches When the region is adjacent to or far
the axis from the axis
C. Example:

Problem Statement 1:

Find the volume of the solid obtained by rotating about the x-axis the region bounded
between

𝑦 = 𝑥 2, 𝑦 = 0, 𝑥 = 0, = 4

Step 1: First, let’s graph the region and find all points of intersection.

Step 2: Now, let’s calculate the volume using the disk (washer) method and the shell
method, side by side, and see how they compare

Both the disk method and the shell method yield the same result when used to calculate
the volume of a solid of revolution, as demonstrated in the previous example. Given that
both techniques produce the same outcome, the choice between them often comes down
to the specific problem at hand and personal preference. However, there are situations
where the shell method is clearly more advantageous. The disk method may not be
suitable or efficient in certain cases, particularly when dealing with regions that do not
align well with the axis of revolution. In such scenarios, the shell method is the preferable
option due to its ability to handle more complex geometries and orientations.
Problem Statement 2:

Consider the problem of determining the volume of a solid obtained by rotating about the
y-axis the region bounded by the 𝑦 = 2𝑥 2 – 𝑥 3 , 𝑦 = 0 . To begin, we first graph the
region and identify all points of intersection.

Shell Method Formula (Around the Y-Axis)

Upon attempting to apply the washer method, it becomes apparent that the outer function
(the "top" function) and the inner function (the "bottom" function) are identical. As a result,

they would cancel each other out, rendering the method unfeasible. Therefore, rather than
using rectangles perpendicular to the axis of revolution, we opt to use rectangles parallel
to the axis of rotation by employing the shell method.

Application of the Shell Method (Finding Radius and Height)

The volume of the solid can be calculated using the formula:

2 2 2
2 3) 3 4
2𝑥 4 𝑥 5 16𝜋
𝑉 = 2𝜋 ∫ 𝑥 ( 2𝑥 − 𝑥 𝑑𝑥 = 2𝜋 ∫ ( 2𝑥 − 𝑥 ) 𝑑𝑥 = 2𝜋 [ − ] =
0 0 4 5 0 5
D. Summary:

The shell method is an invaluable technique for calculating the volumes of solids of
revolution, offering a powerful alternative to the disk and washer methods. Its application
is particularly advantageous when dealing with vertical axis rotations or when the region
does not touch the axis. Through integration and the use of cylindrical shells, we can
accurately compute volumes for a wide range of geometric shapes. Mastery of the shell
method, along with understanding when it is the most efficient approach, is essential for
solving real-world engineering and physics problems involving rotational symmetry.

VI. Conclusion

The computation of volumes of solids of revolution is a vital application of integral calculus

with profound relevance in real-world contexts. The Disk Method is foundational and best
suited for flush regions; the Washer Method extends its utility to hollowed regions, while
the Cylindrical Shell Method provides a versatile approach, especially for complex axis
rotations. Understanding each method's mechanics and knowing when to apply them
equips students and professionals with the analytical tools necessary for solving a wide
range of geometric problems.

VII. References:

Calculus early transcendentals: Integral & multi-variable calculus for social sciences.
(n.d.). Volume of revolution: Shell method. https://www.sfu.ca/math-
coursenotes/Math%20158%20Course%20Notes/sec_shell.html

Calcworkshop. (2021, March 21). Disk method (fully explained w/ step-by-step

examples!). https://calcworkshop.com/applications-integrals/disk-method/

Calcworkshop. (2021, March 21). Shell method explained (w/ step-by-step

examples!). https://calcworkshop.com/applications-integrals/shell-method/

Calcworkshop. (2021, March 21). Washer method for calculus (illustrated w/

examples!). https://calcworkshop.com/applications-integrals/washer-
method/

Calcworkshop. (2021, March 21). Washer method.

https://calcworkshop.com/applications-integrals/washer-method/

Lumen Learning. (n.d.). Disk and washer methods. In Calculus I. Retrieved from
https://courses.lumenlearning.com/calculus1/chapter/disk-and-washer-
methods/

Math is Fun Advanced. (n.d.). Solids of revolution by disks.

https://www.mathsisfun.com/calculus/solids-revolution-disk-washer.html

Math is Fun Advanced. (n.d.-b). Solids of revolution by shells.

https://www.mathsisfun.com/calculus/solids-revolution-shells.html