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Flattening

The flattening of a Spheroid (also called Oblateness) is denoted $\varepsilon$ or $f$. It is defined as

\begin{displaymath}
\varepsilon\equiv\cases{
{a-c\over a} = 1-{c\over a} & oblate\cr
{c-a\over a} ={c\over a}-1 & prolate,\cr}
\end{displaymath}

where $c$ is the polar Radius and $a$ is the equatorial Radius.

See also Eccentricity, Ellipsoid, Oblate Spheroid, Prolate Spheroid, Spheroid




© 1996-9 Eric W. Weisstein
1999-05-26