Let be a curve and let be a fixed point. Let be on and let be the Curvature Center at . Let
be the point with a line segment Parallel and of equal length to . Then the curve traced by
is the radial curve of . It was studied by Robert Tucker in 1864. The parametric equations of a curve with
Radial Point are
Curve | Radial Curve |
Astroid | Quadrifolium |
Catenary | Kampyle of Eudoxus |
Cycloid | Circle |
Deltoid | Trifolium |
Logarithmic Spiral | Logarithmic Spiral |
Tractrix | Kappa Curve |
References
Lawrence, J. D. A Catalog of Special Plane Curves. New York: Dover, pp. 40 and 202, 1972.
Yates, R. C. ``Radial Curves.'' A Handbook on Curves and Their Properties. Ann Arbor, MI: J. W. Edwards, pp. 172-174, 1952.