Two grids, one rotating, share equivalent x-y coordinates with different values.

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on calculating the x-y coordinates of a point on a rotating 2D grid (Top Grid) relative to a fixed 2D grid (Bottom Grid) using trigonometric principles. The user seeks a formula to determine the Bottom Grid's coordinates based on the Top Grid's rotation and axis-of-rotation (A-o-R) offset. Specific examples illustrate the transformation of coordinates as the Top Grid rotates around different points on the Bottom Grid. The user requires assistance in deriving a mathematical formula suitable for implementation in a spreadsheet.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of 2D coordinate systems
  • Basic knowledge of trigonometry, specifically sine and cosine functions
  • Familiarity with rotation matrices
  • Experience with spreadsheet software, such as Microsoft Excel
NEXT STEPS
  • Research "2D rotation matrix" to understand how to apply rotation to coordinates
  • Learn about "trigonometric functions in Excel" for implementing calculations
  • Explore "coordinate transformation" techniques for translating points between grids
  • Study "graphical representation of transformations" to visualize the effects of rotation
USEFUL FOR

Woodworkers, hobbyists, educators, and anyone involved in projects requiring geometric transformations or coordinate calculations for rotating objects.

Rlafrog
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I’m a woodworker, a math idiot, my trig hasn’t improved since I flunked it 40 years ago and I need help making a Christmas toy for my grand-kids. The values that follow are arbitrary, were extracted using eng graphics software and should be solid.

Problem: I have one 2D surface (that rotates) on a second 2D surface (that doesn’t rotate). It appears to me (?) that a given x-y point on the rotating surface can be expressed using the x-y coordinates of the non-rotating surface as a function of the degree of rotation –and also - where the axis-of rotation of the (rotating) surface lives (on the non-rotating surface).

Example:

I have a piece of graph paper with an x-y grid centered at (0,0) which I will call the Top Grid (T), and a point ‘p1’ drawn on the surface at T( 46.34, 41.69 ).

I have a piece of plywood with a grid stenciled on the surface w/ a center at (0, 0) which I will call the Bottom Grid (B).

I push a pin through the Top Grid at T(0,0) and pin it to the Bottom Grid’s point B(0,0) so that the Top Grid can rotate freely around the Bottom Grid’s center-point at (0,0). Stated differently, the axis-of-rotation for the Top Grid is point B(0, 0) on the Bottom Grid.

I align the x and y axes of both grids (rotation = 0) and mark p1 (of the Top Grid) onto the bottom grid to find that: p1(x, y) = T(x, y) = B(x, y) = ( 46.34, 41.69 ), …no surprises.

I rotate the Top Grid 10 degrees clockwise and mark p1 onto the Bottom Grid to discover that: p1(x, y) = T( 46.34, 41.69 ) = B( 52.87, 33.01 )

I separate the two grids so I can move the Top Grid’s axis-of-rotation to a different point on the Bottom Grid. Unfamiliar with Math terminology, any point on the Bottom Grid that serves as an axis-of rotation for the Top Grid that is not ( 0, 0), I refer to as the Top Grid’s “x-y offset”. I establish a new A-o-R for the Top Grid at B(46.45, -42.38) on the Bottom Grid.

I align the axes of both grids (no rotation) and mark p1 onto the Bottom Grid to discover that: p1(x, y) = T( 46.34, 41.69 ) = B( 92.79, -0.6886 )

I rotate the Top Grid 8.5 degrees counter-clockwise and mark p1 onto the Bottom Grid to discover that: p1(x, y) = T( 46.34, 41.69 ) = B( 86.12, 5.70 )

[I’m lousy at Math-speak, but I’ll take a shot anyway …] Can someone help me with a formula that I can put into a spreadsheet that will give me the Bottom Grids x-y equivalents for any x-y point on the Top Grid as a function of the Top Grid’s A-o-R ‘x and y offset’ [from B( 0, 0) to B( x, y)] with an n-degree of rotation (of the (Top Grid)?

Homework Equations


The Attempt at a Solution



I am attempting to solve this problem graphically, a technique that is not only prone to errors but extremely time consuming. Any help would be sincerely appreciated.
 
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The attached file shows an image from Excel that should work for you.
 

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