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Geometry > The Cycloid

Learning outcome:
  • I can trace and name the locus of a point on a circle as it rolls without slipping on plane surfaces.

By the end of the lesson I will be able to:

  • Draw one revolution of a cycloid
  • Draw a part revolution of a cycloid (or a combination of)
  • Design my own shapes using the cycloids

Before studying this lesson I need to make sure that I know how to:

  • Draw a center line
  • Draw a neat freehand curve
  • Divide the circle into 12 equal parts
  • Divide a line into 12 equal parts
  • Calculate the circumference of a circle (2pr)

The Cycloid

A cycloid is the locus of a point on the circumference of a circle that is rolling on a straight line. To see an example of this you can visit:

Note that the line forming the cycloid is the green one as it is the one that lies on the circumference.

Worked Example

Construct one revolution of the cycloid formed by the given circle centre 'O' as it rolls on the base line 'AB'. Start the cycloid from point 'P' which initially lies at the bottom of the circle.

cycloid

Step 1: Draw the generating circle, the base line and the centre lines. Mark off point 'P'. Notice the centre line has been extended parallel to the base line. Draw everything faint.

cycloid

Step 2: Divide the circle into 12 parts at 30° intervals. Add numbers.

cycloid

Step 3: When the circle makes one whole revolution it will travel a distance equal to its circumference. Mark this distance off on the centre line as shown so that the distance 'OC' is equal to the circumference. Divide 'OC' into 12 equal parts. Add numbers.

cycloid

NOTE: If you imagine the circle as it makes 1/12th of a revolution, its centre will move from 'O' to point '1' on the centre line. Also, after 1/12th of a revolution, the radius 'OP' will rotate 30°; so when the circle's centre is at '1', radius 'OP' is oriented parallel to 'O1' as shown.

cycloid

Step 4: Mark off the radii on the centre line representing every 1/12th step of the revolution. Make sure to draw them parallel to the corresponding number on the circle.

cycloid

Step 5: The cycloid required goes through the 12 points at the end of each radius. Draw freehand a line going through the 12 points marked off. This is one revolution of your cycloid!

cycloid

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