Abstract.
A closed formula for computing the gravitational attraction of a general vertical prism with N+2 faces (N faces are vertical planes, the other two are the inclined top and bottom planes) in Cartesian coordinates is presented. In addition, the special case of a triangular prism is discussed. Algebraic differences and overlooked singularity conditions of a previously published formula of this computation (which was only for the triangular special case) were identified and are also presented.
Article PDF
Similar content being viewed by others
Avoid common mistakes on your manuscript.
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Additional information
Received: 22 March 1999 / Accepted: 2 February 2000
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Smith, D. The gravitational attraction of any polygonally shaped vertical prism with inclined top and bottom faces. Journal of Geodesy 74, 414–420 (2000). https://doi.org/10.1007/s001900000102
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s001900000102