Module 1 : Introduction and geometric constructions

Lecture 10 : Engineering curves: Spirals

 

Logarithmic spiral
In logarithmic spiral, the ratio of the lengths of consecutive radius vectors enclosing equal angles always remains constant. i.e. the values of vectorial angles are in arithmetical progression .  The  corresponding values of radius vectors arte in geometric progression.
The construction of a logarithmic spiral is illustrated in figure 4  as solution to the following problem.
Problem: Ratio of lengths of radius vectors enclosing angle of 30° = 6:5. Final radius vector of the spiral is  90 mm. Draw the spiral.
Solution:
Draw line AB and AC inclined at 30°. 
On line AB, mark A-12 = 90 mm.
A as center and A12 radius draw an arc to cut AC at 12΄.
Mark A11 (= 5/6 of A12) on AB. Join 12΄ and 11.
Draw an arc with A as center and A11 radius to cut the line AC at 11΄.
Draw a line through 11΄  parallel to 12΄-11 to cut AB at 10.
Repeat the procedure to obtain points 9΄, 8΄, 7΄…0.
OP12 = A12΄, OP11 = A11΄….

 

Figure 4. Logarithmic spiral