How can I plot a "deformed cylinder" in matlab from a matrix of distances?

I would like to surface plot a matrix of distances, such that the numbers in each column represent a vertical strip of a cylinder and each column is a set angle from the previous column. The general shape I would like to surface plot is a deformed cylinder. Many thanks, Sam.

Answer 1

[Star Strider]

See the documentation for the cylinder function. I’m not certain if you can do what you want using it, but you may be able to get an idea as to plotting it. (I’ve used it to produce a 3D airfoil plot with varying cross-sections, so you can do a lot with the approach in the cylinder function.)

[Samuel White]

Thanks Star Strider, I will look into that. :)

[Star Strider]

My pleasure.

One example: http://www.mathworks.com/matlabcentral/answers/276773-need-help-with-4-digit-airfoil