Estimating aspect ratio of a convex hull?

Question

What would be the best way to approximate the aspect ratio of a convex hull in Python? I have already tried doing this by fitting the vertices of the convex hull with an ellipse and taking the ratio of the semi- and major-axis. The results are not satisfactory though, so I'm now looking into deriving the aspect ratio directly from the convex hull. Any ideas or solutions would be much appreciated. Cheers

Answer 1

Hi Asked,

You haven't specified which direction of aspect ratio you wish to calculate, and the intended purpose of the result (which could indicate which direction is appropriate). Is this to model drag? Or perhaps to compare stability under load in a wavy ocean? These are quite different things! For drag, the aeronautic definition of aspect ratio might be adaptable here, with lengthwise/vertical "wing" slices. But for stability, I think lengthwise/horizontal slicing would be indicated (i.e. center of bouyancy calculations).

-- Cheers, -- Mr. d.