Definition:Involute/Definition 2
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Definition
Let $\CC$ be a curve embedded in a plane.
Imagine an ideal (zero thickness) cord $K$ wound round $\CC$.
The involute of $\CC$ is the locus of the end of $K$ as it is unwound from $\CC$.
Also see
- Results about involutes can be found here.
Historical Note
The concept of the involute of a curve in the plane was first introduced by Christiaan Huygens during his analysis of the cycloid in his $1673$ treatise Horologium Oscillatorium sive de Motu Pendularium.
Sources
- 1968: Murray R. Spiegel: Mathematical Handbook of Formulas and Tables ... (previous) ... (next): $\S 11$: Special Plane Curves: Involute of a Circle: $11.28$
- 1992: George F. Simmons: Calculus Gems ... (previous) ... (next): Chapter $\text {B}.23$: Evolutes and Involutes. The Evolute of a Cycloid
- 1998: David Nelson: The Penguin Dictionary of Mathematics (2nd ed.) ... (previous) ... (next): involute
- 2008: David Nelson: The Penguin Dictionary of Mathematics (4th ed.) ... (previous) ... (next): involute