Parametrizing a Complex Curve on a Torus Surface

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on parametrizing a complex curve on a torus surface, specifically a torus knot, using variables for the torus radii (r and R) and knot integers (p and q). The user is facing challenges with lengthy expressions for normal, binormal, and tangent vectors, even after simplification attempts in Mathematica. Recommendations for simplifying the process include grouping variables and exploring mathematical definitions through visual tools like the Wolfram Demonstrations applet.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of torus geometry and torus knots
  • Familiarity with vector calculus, particularly normal and tangent vectors
  • Proficiency in Mathematica for mathematical computation and simplification
  • Knowledge of parametric equations and their derivatives
NEXT STEPS
  • Explore Mathematica's symbolic computation capabilities for simplifying complex expressions
  • Research techniques for grouping variables in parametric equations
  • Learn about the mathematical definitions of torus knots and their properties
  • Investigate the use of visual tools like Wolfram Demonstrations for understanding complex surfaces
USEFUL FOR

Mathematicians, physicists, and computer scientists working with geometric modeling, particularly those involved in parametrizing complex curves and surfaces.

TESL@
Messages
122
Reaction score
8
Hello,

I am currently trying to parametrize a surface constructed by thickening a rather complicated curve, defining its normal, binormal and tangent vectors. Even using Mathematica simplification, the resulting vectors are page long expressions and the reason for it is because I have four additional variables in the position vector equation aside from the parameter itself.

I cannot post what I get after computing the vectors because it is too long to make sense but my curve is a torus knot, and it obviously depends on the torus surface on which it dwells, thus its radii (r and R) and the knot integers (p and q). These are the four variables.

What would you recommend to simplify the process? I cannot assign numerical values to these variables since I will have to change them later, so do I have to deal with the original equations or is there a method to somehow group all the variables together?

Thank you.

edit: This is the curve equation. Things get a lot worse after taking the derivative of the normalized tangent vector.
rdCyXIK.png


edit2: Here is an applet visualizing what I am doing. It provides the code but I cannot see how it is defined mathematically.
http://demonstrations.wolfram.com/TorusPaths/

By the way, any idea is appreciated since I have limited time. Thank you.
 
Last edited:
Physics news on Phys.org
I am about to solve the problem, it turned out to be easier than I thought. I will post the result on here.
 
mTVtgu5.png

edit: If anybody needs help in the future, PM me.
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
3K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
3K
  • · Replies 27 ·
Replies
27
Views
5K
  • · Replies 12 ·
Replies
12
Views
3K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
4K
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
3K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K