How to Calculate Arc Length of a Helical Path on a Torus?

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on calculating the arc length of a helical path wound around a torus. The key formula provided is Length of helix = 2 ⋅ π ⋅ n ⋅ √( r² / n² + s² ), where r is the radius of the circular solid axis, s is the radius of the surface, and n is the number of turns. The inquiry references R.A. Speciale's paper from the "Progress in Electromagnetics Research" Symposium, which discusses toroidal helices but does not provide the specific arc length formula needed. The context relates to theoretical physics, particularly in understanding the spatial localization of electromagnetic waves as proposed by Dirac.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of toroidal geometry
  • Familiarity with helical path calculations
  • Basic knowledge of mathematical physics
  • Ability to interpret mathematical expressions involving square roots and π
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the implications of R.A. Speciale's findings on toroidal helices
  • Explore advanced topics in mathematical physics related to particle localization
  • Study the derivation of arc length formulas for complex geometries
  • Investigate the relationship between electromagnetic waves and toroidal structures
USEFUL FOR

This discussion is beneficial for mathematical physicists, researchers in theoretical physics, and anyone interested in the geometric properties of toroidal structures and their implications in particle physics.

BasicWill
Messages
2
Reaction score
0
Can anybody help?
Mathematical Physics.

I'm seeking an analytical expression for the path length of a point that follows a helical path with the helix wound about an axis to form a torus. The arc path length of a helix is simple to compute, but when its formed into a torus there is a further modification. And my math is not up to this type of analysis.

A paper on toroidal helices was given by R.A. Speciale at the "Progress in Electromagnetics Research" Symposium in Cambridge MA, March 26-29 2006
It's published in Vol2. No.5 Pages 470-474. It decribes the type of system I'm interested in, but does not give the arc path length which depends on the torus radii and the pitch angle of the helix.

Why am I interested in this?
Sometime around 1928 Dirac suggested elementary particles are no more than spatially localized EM energy. An EM wave following such a path has a total path length much longer than the torus circumference, so a localized EM wave could form a quantized system of one wavelength and form a particle such as the electron with a (classical) radius much smaller than its Compton wavelength.

Toroidal/Helical path lengths anybody?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Avoid specification of a pitch angle.
r, is the radius of the circular solid axis from the straight torus axis, and
s, is the radius of the surface from the circular solid axis,
n, is the number of turns wound through the hole in the torus; requires s < r.
Length of helix = 2 ⋅ π ⋅ n ⋅ √( r2 / n2 + s2 )
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
3K
  • · Replies 24 ·
Replies
24
Views
24K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
4K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
3K