Real Life Applications of Surface Area

Applications of Surface Area: Surface area in mathematics is defined as the overall area of the surface of a three-dimensional object. It is used in various real-life cases including construction and engineering, manufacturing, and design. Knowing the surface area helps us to get optimal material usage, make structures efficient, and others.

Concept of surface areas of different objects when we want to wrap something, paint something, and eventually while building things to get the best possible design.

In this article, we will learn about the surface area definition, surface area formulas for various figures, application of surface area in various fields and others in detail.

Surface Area Definition

Surface area is the measurement of the outer surface of any 3-D object. It is the sum of the total areas of all faces and bases of any figure.

Surface area of a solid depends upon its dimension and shape. Simple shapes cubes, prism, cylinders, or spheres are used for surface area calculations. These formulas consist of determining the areas of the shapes calculated by different faces or other surfaces and then adding them up. Surface area formulas for some common shapes are added in the image below:

Applications of Surface Area

Surface area has wide-scale applications in multiple areas across different disciplines.

• In architecture and construction, they are used to determine the quantity of materials for a complete building smoothly.
• Environmental scientists use surface area calculations to study habitats’ evolution and evaluate ecosystems’ functions.
• Surface area is an important part of heat transfer and thermal management projects that engineers use to get energy-efficient cooling systems, etc.

Furthore there are various scenarios where surface area concept and formulas are used that are added below in this article.

Real-Life Applications on Surface Area

Various real life applications of concept of surface area and surface area formulas are:

In Architecture and Construction

Calculation of area is important in construction and architecture, for example, to find the quantity of material needed to build buildings, bridges, and other structures. With the use of surface area calculations, architects estimate the necessary amount of materials like concrete, steel, and glass needed for construction works.

Example: In cylindrical water tank design, engineers compute the amount of surface area in order to figure out how much metal or concrete material will be used to build the tank. This makes the tank both structurally sound and able to hold the volume of water without leaking.

In Packaging and Manufacturing

Surface area calculation is important in packaging and manufacturing fields. The experienced packaging designers, with the help of surface area measurements, come up with the most efficient packaging that minimizes material on all sides while also assures the highest level of product protection.

Example: In the food industry manufactures focus on the surface area calculations to style the packaging of perishable goods. By minimizing the surface area exposed to oxygen; they can keep food fresh and impede its spoilage.

In Environmental Science and Ecology

Calculating surface area is for progress of environmentalism and ecology in the sphere of studying natural phenomena like leaf surface area, the particles of the soil, and water ecosystems.

Example: Aquatic Biologists venturing into the field to calculate the volume of water in their ponds and lakes, use the outcomes to estimate the rate of evaporation, and also to determine water quality parameters.

In Heat Transfer and Thermal Management

Surface area takes crucial in heat transmission and thermal management. Engineers use calculations of surface area for design of heat sinks, radiators, and other cooling systems which reject heat from electronic devices, machinery and industrial processes in an efficient way.

Example: During manufacturing, these heat sinks dissipate heat by increasing their surface areas which is generated by microprocessors and electronic components in electronics manufacturing. By extending the surface area exposed to oxygen, heat sink increases the thermal conductivity and prevents overheating of an electronic component.

In Geometric Modeling and Computer Graphics

Surface area calculations is one the main components of geometrical modeling and computer graphics that are used for the rendering of three-dimensional objects in virtual settings. The computer graphics programmers use the surface area measurements to recreate the lighting effects, shadows and reflections properly, creating a visual environments that could be mistaken for real life.

Example: Video game makers calculate surface areas to make realistic worlds that are highly textural with appropriate lighting and shadows. Through the accurate gauging of the surface area, they can contribute the evoked feelings of existence in the virtual environment for the players.

In Medical Imaging and Radiology

Measurements of surface areas is also important in medical imaging and radiology in relation to analyzing anatomical structures and quantifying surface characteristics of tissues and organs. Surfaces area measurements are used by radiologists for tumors size and shape check, organ function assessment and planning of surgical interventions. Surface area analysis, specifically, is helpful in detection of diseases, treatment monitoring along with guidance of medical interventions with precision and accuracy.

Example: Surface area calculations is an oncological tool for measuring the tumor surface area of cancer patients. Through precisely measuring and determining the outline of tumors, oncologists can define the cancer stage, select appropriate treatment strategies and follow the evolution of the disease over time.

In Fluid Dynamics and Aerodynamics

Surface area calculations is used in fluid dynamics and aerodynamics to assess the flow of fluids around the body. Such objects like aero-cars, planes and ships uses surface area concepts in their working. Engineers employ surface area measurements in predicting drag forces, lift coefficients, as well as aerodynamic performance parameters. With this, they can then actually optimize the structures of vehicles and subsequently end up with fuel efficient vehicles.

Example: Aircraft designers take into account surface area calculations of wing shape for successful optimization, reducing drag and enhancing lift during flight. Through reducing the surface area and improving airflow, they enhance the fuel efficiency and set the aircraft in a longer range.

FAQs on Applications of Surface Area

What is Surface Area?

Surface area of a 3-D object is the area of the all the surfaces of the the 3-D figure.

What is the application of surface area of cube?

Surface area of a cube is an important geometric concept that is used in numerous real-life applications, like architecture, engineering, and manufacturing.

What are the real-life uses of surface area?

Surface area plays an important role in real-world applications, it help us to reduce material usage, to create efficient structures, and to find solutions for application fields like architecture, production or environment science.

How architects use surface area calculations in construction projects?

Architects uses surface area calculation to determine the amount of materials needed for roofing and building constructions. This ensures the cost-effectiveness and strength of structures.