Mechanism for Drawing a Logarithmic Spiral
Mechanism for Drawing a Logarithmic Spiral
This Demonstration shows a mechanism for drawing a logarithmic spiral . A pivot point holds a rod with a sharp wheel at the far end. The axis of the wheel is at an angle to the rod; is chosen such that . As the wheel digs into the plane, it gradually pulls away from the pivot point and traces the spiral.
ρ=
θ
a
μ
μ
tan(μ)=ln(a)