CrazyEngineers
  • EQUATION OF SPIRAL

    Updated: Oct 26, 2024
    Views: 1.2K
    This thing will sound way too complicated. but yet i want to know:

    consider that we have a wire made of a very flexible material. the length of wire is L, and the diameter is D.

    now if this wire was to be wound in a tight spiral around a rod of diameter say X, then is there any mathematical formula of knowing what the max diameter of the spiral coil will be.?
    0
    Replies
Howdy guest!
Dear guest, you must be logged-in to participate on CrazyEngineers. We would love to have you as a member of our community. Consider creating an account or login.
Replies
  • Ramani Aswath

    MemberAug 2, 2017

    A rigorous analytical solution can be got using integration and the equation for a log spiral. Do not have the time or the inclination to attempt.
    A much simpler solution good enough for all practical purposes can be worked out quickly.

    Based on data given, the first round will have a length of Pi*(X+D) taking the axis of the wire as reference.
    Each successive round will have a length Pi*2*D more than the previous round.

    For the given total length of L, let us say n rounds can be made.

    Then, the total length can be given as:
    L = Pi*[(X+D) + (X+3D) + (X+5D) + …+ (X+(2*n - 1)*D)
    = Pi*[n*X + D*(1+3+5….+(2*n - 1))]
    = Pi*(n*X + n^2*D) {sum of first n odd numbers = n^2}

    Rearranging: D*n^2 + X*n - (L/Pi) = 0

    Solve the quadratic for n. Of the two roots only one will be physically feasible.
    Since Pi and a variable quantity L are involved, n may not be an integer. The Integral part of n = [n], which means that there would be [n] full turns and a little left over.
    The largest diameter measured over the last partial coil portion of the wire will be:
    Dia(max.) = X + [n]*D + D
    Are you sure? This action cannot be undone.
    Cancel
  • Ramani Aswath

    MemberAug 2, 2017

    If a rubber yoga or exercise mat is available, this can be verified by winding it tightly over different diameter rods and measuring the diameters. Trial even on one rod will validate the solution.
    Are you sure? This action cannot be undone.
    Cancel
  • MURTUZA ZAVERI

    MemberAug 2, 2017

    THANX A LOT, RAMANI SIR
    Are you sure? This action cannot be undone.
    Cancel
  • Ramani Aswath

    MemberAug 3, 2017

    A.V.Ramani
    Dia(max.) = X + [n]*D + D
    I apologise. There is an error.
    The above should be:
    Dia(max.) = X + 2*[n]*D + D
    Each round adds 2*D to the total diameter.
    Are you sure? This action cannot be undone.
    Cancel
Home Channels Search Login Register