Creating a 3D Figure with RevolutionPlot3D

Oct 13, 2025 by wbrum.org 81 views

Introduction

In this article, we will explore how to use the Manipulate function in Mathematica to rotate a 3D figure. The Manipulate function is a powerful tool that allows us to create interactive interfaces for our Mathematica code. We will use the RevolutionPlot3D function to create a 3D figure and then use Manipulate to rotate it.

Creating a 3D Figure with RevolutionPlot3D

To create a 3D figure, we can use the RevolutionPlot3D function. This function takes a 2D function as input and creates a 3D figure by revolving the function around the x-axis. We can use the Piecewise function to define a 2D function that is piecewise defined.

Plot[
 Piecewise[{{2 Sqrt[1 - x^2/16], -4 <= x <= 0}, {Sqrt[4 - x^2], 0 <= x < 2}}],
 {x, -4, 2}
]

This code creates a 2D plot of a piecewise function. The function is defined as follows:

For -4 <= x <= 0, the function is 2 Sqrt[1 - x^2/16]
For 0 <= x < 2, the function is Sqrt[4 - x^2]

We can use the RevolutionPlot3D function to create a 3D figure from this 2D function.

RevolutionPlot3D[
 Piecewise[{{2 Sqrt[1 - x^2/16], -4 <= x <= 0}, {Sqrt[4 - x^2], 0 <= x < 2}}],
 {x, -4, 2},
 {u, 0, 2 Pi}
]

This code creates a 3D figure by revolving the 2D function around the x-axis.

Using Manipulate to Rotate the 3D Figure

Now that we have created a 3D figure, we can use the Manipulate function to rotate it. The Manipulate function takes a function as input and creates an interactive interface for the function. We can use the Manipulate function to create a slider that allows us to rotate the 3D figure.

Manipulate[
 RevolutionPlot3D[
  Piecewise[{{2 Sqrt[1 - x^2/16], -4 <= x <= 0}, {Sqrt[4 - x^2], 0 <= x < 2}}],
  {x, -4, 2},
  {u, 0, 2 Pi},
  PlotRange -> All,
  Axes -> False,
  Boxed -> False
  ],
 {theta, 0, 2 Pi}
]

This code creates a slider that allows us to rotate the 3D figure. The theta variable controls the rotation of the figure. We can adjust the theta variable to rotate the figure.

Customizing the Rotation

We can customize the rotation of the figure by adding additional options to the Manipulate function. For example, we can add a checkbox to toggle the visibility of the axes.

Manipulate[
 RevolutionPlot3D[
  Piecewise[{{2 Sqrt[1 - x^2/16], -4 <= x <= 0}, {Sqrt[4 - x^2], 0 <= x < 2}}],
  {x, -4, 2},
  {u, 0, 2 Pi},
  PlotRange -> All,
  Axes -> False,
  Boxed -> False,
  ViewPoint -> {theta, 0, 0}
  ],
 {theta, 0, 2 Pi},
 {axes, {True, False}, ControlType -> Checkbox}
]

This code adds a checkbox that allows us to toggle the visibility of the axes.

Conclusion

Q: What is the purpose of the Manipulate function in Mathematica?

A: The Manipulate function in Mathematica is used to create interactive interfaces for Mathematica code. It allows users to manipulate variables and see the effects of the changes in real-time.

Q: How do I use the Manipulate function to rotate a 3D figure?

A: To use the Manipulate function to rotate a 3D figure, you need to create a 3D figure using a function such as RevolutionPlot3D and then use the Manipulate function to create a slider that controls the rotation of the figure.

Q: What is the syntax for the Manipulate function?

A: The syntax for the Manipulate function is as follows:

Manipulate[
  expression,
  {variable, min, max}
]

Where expression is the code that you want to manipulate, variable is the variable that you want to control, and min and max are the minimum and maximum values of the variable.

Q: How do I customize the rotation of the figure?

A: You can customize the rotation of the figure by adding additional options to the Manipulate function. For example, you can add a checkbox to toggle the visibility of the axes.

Q: What are some common options that I can use with the Manipulate function?

A: Some common options that you can use with the Manipulate function include:

PlotRange: This option allows you to specify the range of values that the figure should display.
Axes: This option allows you to specify whether or not to display the axes of the figure.
Boxed: This option allows you to specify whether or not to display the box around the figure.
ViewPoint: This option allows you to specify the point of view from which the figure should be displayed.

Q: How do I add a checkbox to the Manipulate interface?

A: To add a checkbox to the Manipulate interface, you can use the Checkbox function. For example:

Manipulate[
  RevolutionPlot3D[
    Piecewise[{{2 Sqrt[1 - x^2/16], -4 <= x <= 0}, {Sqrt[4 - x^2], 0 <= x < 2}}],
    {x, -4, 2},
    {u, 0, 2 Pi},
    PlotRange -> All,
    Axes -> False,
    Boxed -> False,
    ViewPoint -> {theta, 0, 0}
  ],
  {theta, 0, 2 Pi},
  {axes, {True, False}, ControlType -> Checkbox}
]

This code adds a checkbox to the Manipulate interface that allows the user to toggle the visibility of the axes.

Q: How do I add a slider to the Manipulate interface?

A: To add a slider to the Manipulate interface, you can use the Slider function. For example:

Manipulate[
  RevolutionPlot3D[
    Piecewise[{{2 Sqrt[1 - x^2/16], -4 <= x <= 0}, {Sqrt[4 - x^2], 0 <= x < 2}}],
    {x, -4, 2},
    {u, 0, 2 Pi},
    PlotRange -> All,
    Axes -> False,
    Boxed -> False,
    ViewPoint -> {theta, 0, 0}
  ],
  {theta, 0, 2 Pi},
  {slider, 0, 2 Pi, 0.1, Appearance -> "Labeled"}
]

This code adds a slider to the Manipulate interface that allows the user to control the rotation of the figure.

Q: How do I save the Manipulate interface as a notebook?

A: To save the Manipulate interface as a notebook, you can use the Save function. For example:

Save["ManipulateInterface.nb", Manipulate[
  RevolutionPlot3D[
    Piecewise[{{2 Sqrt[1 - x^2/16], -4 <= x <= 0}, {Sqrt[4 - x^2], 0 <= x < 2}}],
    {x, -4, 2},
    {u, 0, 2 Pi},
    PlotRange -> All,
    Axes -> False,
    Boxed -> False,
    ViewPoint -> {theta, 0, 0}
  ],
  {theta, 0, 2 Pi},
  {slider, 0, 2 Pi, 0.1, Appearance -> "Labeled"}
]]

This code saves the Manipulate interface as a notebook file named "ManipulateInterface.nb".