Helices through 3 or 4 points?

Authors

  • Alain Goriely
  • Sébastien Neukirch
  • Andrew Hausrath

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.1285/i15900932v32n1p87

Abstract

How many points in space are needed to define a circular helix? We show here that given 3 distinct points in space there exist continuous families of helices passing through these points. Given 4 generic distinct points there is no helix. However, a discrete family of helices through 3 points can be specified if an additional property of the helix is prescribed. In particular, the case where the helical radius is specified is studied in detail.

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Published

30-07-2012

Issue

Volume 32, Issue 1 (2012)

Section

Articoli

License

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Gli autori che pubblicano in questa rivista accettano i termini e le condizioni specificate nella licenza Creative Commons di cui al link sottostante.

http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/3.0/it/legalcode