Problems

  1. Compute the curvature, normal vector or binormal vector of the following parabola:
    f(u) = ( u, 1 + u2, u + u2 )
  2. Consider the following two curve segments with the origin their joining point:
    f(u) = ( u, -u2, 0 )
    g(v) = ( v, 0, v2 )
    where u and v are in [-1,0] and [0,1], respectively, Are they C1, G1, C2 or G2 continuous at the origin? Are they curvature continuous?
  3. Consider the following two circular arcs joining at the origin:
    f(u) = ( cos(u + PI/2), -(1 + sin(u + PI/2)), 0 )
    g(v) = ( -cos(v + PI/2), 0, 1 - sin(v + PI/2) )
    where both u and v are in the range of 0 and PI. Note that circular arcs f(u) and g(v) lie on the xy- and xz-coordinate planes, respectively. Analyze the continuity at the origin.
  4. The ellipse with center (p, q), axes parallel to the coordinate axes, and semi-major and semi-minor axis lengths a and b has an equation
    (x-p)2/a2 + (y-q)2/b2 = 1
    It can be parameterized with trigonometric functions by x = a cos(t) + p and y = b sin(t) + q. Please verify this result. Convert this trigonometric parameterization to a rational one. Does your parameterization contain circles as special cases?
  5. Analyze the relationship between u and the two branches of the hyperbola parameterized with the following:
    x = a (1 + u2) / (2u)
    y = b (1 - u2) / (2u)
    Plot several points that correspond to different u will be very helpful.
  6. We showed in Rational Curves that a quadric polynomial parametric form can only represent a parabola through calculation. There are some minor flaws in the calculation. Please fill these gaps by answering the following questions: