Volume of the big yellow bag:

A couple of methods given below for estimating the volume of the big yellow bag -- and the logic for the final volume.

Final volume estimate = 53.4 cubic feet  -- I think this is likely accurate within plus/minus 2 %.

 

Approximate as a cylindrical section with domes on each end.

volume of constant section cylinder:

Length of cylinder = 61 inches

Diameter of cylinder = (measured circumference)/Pi = 123.75 / Pi = 39.4 inches

Volume of Cylinder = (d^2)*(Pi/4)*L =  39.4^2*0.785* 61 = 74335 cubic inches

 

Volume of dome ends:

Height of dome = 11.5 inches

Diameter of dome where it joins the cylinder = 39.4 inches.

From this Wikipedia page: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dome_%28mathematics%29

Rc = (11.5^2 + (d/2)^2 ) / (2*11.5) = 22.6 inches

 

Volume dome = Pi*22.6*11.5^2 = 0.333*Pi*11.5^3 = 7799 cubic inches

 

Total volume = Cylinder Volume + Right end dome + Left end dome = 74335 + 7799 + 7799 = 89932 cubic inches = 52 cubic feet

 

If done as an oblate elipsoid, the volume of a dome end would be:

 

 Volume = (4/3)*(Pi)*(a)*(b)*(c)

Where a and b are the equatorial radi   -- a = b = 39.4/2 = 19.7 inches

c is the polar radius = 11.5 inches

Volume = 1.33*Pi*19.7*19.7*11.5 = 18648 cubic inches for the full ellipsoid, or 9324 cubic inches for each dome end.

 

I think the ellipsoid ends are probably more accurate in that they some in tangent to the cylinderical wall section.

So, section of spere dome = 7799 and ellipsoidal come = 9324   --- use 9000 cubic inches for each dome end.

Total volume = Cylinder Volume + Right end dome + Left end dome = 74335 + 9000 + 9000 = 92335 cubic inches = 53.4 cubic feet