UNIT 4: ENGINEERING CURVES: OVALS, OVOIDS AND SPIRALS

 ENGINEERING CURVES:

 OVALS, OVOIDS AND SPIRALS

The links between circumferences have a direct application in the construction of technical curves such as the oval, the ovoid or the spiral.

The oval is a flat and closed curve, symmetrical with respect to its two perpendicular axes and formed by four equal circumference arcs two by two.

The ovoid is a flat and closed curve, symmetrical only with respect to its major axis, and formed by four arcs of circumference, of which two are equal and the other two are unequal.

The spiral is a flat, open and continuous curve that is configured by a point that moves uniformly along a straight line, this being fixed at a point through which it rotates with a constant angular value. 

If the spiral is generated by regular polygons, it is called a volute.

Now you will learn how to draw Ovals, Ovoids and Spirals. 

In spanish we call them "curvas técnicas". You will find that in english it is translated as either engineering or technical curves. 

Here are some video tutorials for you to practice at home: 

1- Draw an oval given the short axis CD.

2- Draw an oval given the long axis AB.

3- Draw an ovoid given the short axis AB.

4- Draw an involute of an equilateral triangle.

ACTIVITY EXTRA: THE FIBONACCI OR GOLDEN SPIRAL

LET´S GET ARTISTIC NOW...

TRIBAL AND SIMBOLIC SPIRAL PAINTINGS BY SAM BROWN