Helices through 3 or 4 points?
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...
| Main Authors: | , , |
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| Format: | Journal article |
| Published: |
2011
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| Summary: | 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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