Teaching Aids Required for this Sheet

(The RA should bring them to the class)

Cylinder and some prisms
Thread
Scale

ME119:
Engineering Drawing & Graphics
Engineering Curves I - Conics

Department of Mechanical Engineering

Indian Institute of Technology Bombay

Engineering Curves
Chapters 6 & 7 cover the details on Engineering Curves.
Roughly work out all the problems given to you before you come to
the drawing hall.

Types of Engineering Curves

Conics

Line:
Circle:
Ellipse: Arches, bridges, dams, monuments, manholes,
glands, stuffing boxes, Hawkins pressure cooker
Parabola: Arches, bridges, sound & light reflectors,
Hyperbola: Cooling towers, water channels, moda, horse
seat,

Cycloids & Trochoids

Involutes & Evolutes

Trajectories, Gear profiles,

Spirals
Helices
Freeform curves

Spiral springs, Coil for mosquito repelling, all kinds of rolls,

Cams
Loci

Mechanisms

Gear profiles,

3D curve. DNA, helicopter, springs, screws, tools, gears

Templates (Eg.: French curves), Mathematical: Ext. features

Mechanisms

Applications of Engineering Curves

Applications of Engineering Curves

3D cam

Engineering Curves
Conic sections will be taught in this class and the rest of the curves
in the next.

Conic Sections

Conic Sections
Intersection of a (right circular) cone with a plane in various
orientations.

Circle
Ellipse
Parabola
Hyperbola
Line (Cone is a ruled surface;
line is extreme cases of both
circle and hyperbola)

Conic Sections

Conic Sections

When an infinite rule passing

through an apex is revolved, it
produces 2 cones. But only a
vertical plane (and beyond) cuts
both the cones; hence hyperbola is
always in pairs.

Conic Sections
Algebraic definition
You are familiar with conics as 2nd degree algebraic
(quadratic) equations.

Generic definition in polar form:

Conic Sections
Algebraic definition

Conic Sections
Algebraic definition - Ellipse

Conic Sections
Algebraic definition - Parabola

Conic Sections
Algebraic definition - Hyperbola

Conic Sections
Geometric/ graphical definition
A conic section (or just conic)
is the intersection curve
between a conical surface
(more precisely, a right
circular conical surface) with a
plane.
Straight line is a conic. It
is a hyperbola when the
plane contains the cone
axis. Alternately, it is a
circle of infinite radius.

Conic Sections
Geometric/ graphical definition
A conic is the locus of a point whose distance to a fixed
point, called focus (point F), and a fixed line, called directrix
(line AB), are in a fixed ratio. This ratio is called eccentricity
(e). The distance between the focus and directrix is called
focal parameter (p).

directrix
Circle (e=0)
Ellipse (e<1)
Parabola (e=1)
Hyperbola (e>1)
Line (e=0 or ?)

focus

vertex axis

Conic Sections: Ellipse

Conic Sections: Ellipse

Methods of drawing
1. Basic method: From (i) distance of focus from the directrix (p) and
(ii) eccentricity (e)
2. From bounding rectangle or parallelogram, i.e., (i) major axis (2a)
and (ii) minor axis (2b):
a. Arcs of circles method
b. Loop of the thread method (construction using a thread and pin)

c.

Concentric circles method

d. Oblong method (suitable for superscribing parallelogram also)

e. Triangle method (suitable for superscribing parallelogram also)

f.

Trammel method (construction using two strips)

3. Four arc approximate method for a superscribing rhombus (useful

in isometric views)

Conic Sections: Ellipse

Basic methods (from focus p & eccentricity e)
Construct an ellipse when the distance of the focus from the
directrix is equal to 50mm and its eccentricity is 2/3.

F, V and RH
directrix are not
required. They
require additional
calculations.

Conic Sections: Ellipse

Arcs of circles method (from major & minor axes)
Construct an
ellipse whose
semi-major axis
is 60mm and
semi-minor axis
40mm using
arcs of circles
method.

Sum of the distances of the

point from F1 and F2 is 2a.

F1C = F2C = a

Conic Sections: Ellipse

Loop of the thread method (from major & minor axes)
Construct an
ellipse whose
semi-major axis
is 60mm and
semi-minor axis
40mm using
loop of the
thread method.

Sum of the distances of the

point from F1 and F2 is 2a.

String length = 2a

Conic Sections: Ellipse

Concentric circles method (from major & minor axes)
Construct an ellipse
whose semi-major axis is
60mm and semi-minor
axis 40mm using
concentric of circles
method.

Vertical and horizontal lines

are chosen depending on
whether you want to elongate
or compress in that direction.

Conic Sections: Ellipse

Oblong method (from major & minor axes)
Construct
an ellipse
whose
semimajor axis
is 60mm
and semiminor axis
40mm
using
oblong
method.

Conic Sections: Ellipse

Oblong method (from major & minor axes)

Inscribed in a parallelogram instead of a rectangle.

Conic Sections: Ellipse

Triangle method (from major & minor axes)
Construct an ellipse whose semi-major axis is 60mm and
semi-minor axis 40mm using trinagle method.

Obtain rectangle or
parallelogram from the
triangle. Then, it is same
and oblong method.

Conic Sections: Ellipse

Trammel method (from major & minor axes)
Construct an
ellipse whose
semi-major
axis is 60mm
and semiminor axis
40mm using
trammel
method.
P lies on ellipse when Q
and R are in either axis

PQ = b; PR = a

Conic Sections: Ellipse

Approximate method for a superscribing rhombus

Conic Sections: Parabola

Conic Sections: Parabola

Methods of drawing
1. Basic method: From (i) distance of focus from the directrix (p) and
(ii) eccentricity (e)
2. From (i) base and (ii) axis
a. Rectangle method (adaption of oblong method )
b. Tangent (triangle) method

Note: The above can be used for non-rectangular parabolas too.

Conic Sections: Parabola

Basic method (from focus f)
Construct a parabola
when the distance of
the focus from the
directrix is equal to
50mm.
Same as ellipse but simpler
as e=1. So, no need for the
slant line as the horizontal
distance of the axis point from
the directrix can be directly
used as radius.

Conic Sections: Parabola

Rectangle method (from base & axis)
Construct a parabola inscribed in a rectangle of 120mm x
90mm using the Rectangle method.

Similar to the oblong

method of ellipse but for a
minor change one set of
rays are parallel to the axis.

Conic Sections: Parabola

Rectangle method (from base & axis)

Applicable to oblique angles

Conic Sections: Parabola

Tangent method (from base & axis)
Construct a parabola
inscribed in a
rectangle of 120mm
x 90mm using the
tangent method.

Conic Sections: Hyperbola

Conic Sections: Hyperbola

Methods of drawing
1. Basic method: From (i) distance of focus from the directrix (p) and
(ii) eccentricity (e)
2. From (i) foci and (ii) vertices (This is similar to arc of circle
method of ellipse)
3. From (a) asymptotes and (b) one point (This is similar to
concentric circle method of ellipse)
Note: The above can be used for non-rectangular hyperbolas too.

Conic Sections: Hyperbola

Basic method (from focus f & eccentricity e)
Construct a hyperbola when
the distance of the focus from
the directrix is 65mm and
eccentricity is 3/2.

Conic Sections: Hyperbola

From (a) foci and (b) vertices
This is same as arcs of
circles method used for
ellipse.

Conic Sections: Hyperbola

From (a) asymptotes and (b) one point
Construct a hyperbola from
its asymptotes and one
point.

This is analogous to
Concentric circles method
used for ellipse.

Conic Sections: Hyperbola

From (a) asymptotes and (b) one point
This is applicable for
oblique also.

Conic Sections
Commonality of the methods
Method

Ellipse

Parabola

Hyperbola

Basic method

Yes

Yes

Yes

Arcs of circles method/

Loop of the thread method

Yes

Yes

Concentric circles method

Yes

Yes

Oblong/Triangle method

Yes

Yes

Involutes

Involutes
Involute: Curve traced by the end of a piece of thread
unwound from a circle or polygon while keeping the thread
tight. Alternately, it may be visualized as the curve traced by
a point in a straight line when it is rolled without slip around
a circle or polygon.
Evolute: Locus of the centre of curvature of a curve. This will
not be covered in this course.

Involutes
Construction of an involute of a triangle
Involute of a polygon will be
a series of tangential arcs.

Involutes
Construction of an involute of a square

Involutes
Construction of an involute of a pentagon

Involutes
Construction of an involute of a circle

Involutes
Locus of the tip of a line rolling over a circle
Problem 6-30: A rod AP of
100mm long is perpendicular to
the diameter AB=75mm of a
semi-circle. The rod rolls over the
circle clockwise without slip.
Draw the path traced by the ends
of the rod A and P.

Note: Locii of A and P

correspond to the curves of
unwinding and winding.

Spiral

Spiral
Curve traced by a point going around a point simultaneously
moving towards it (spiral in) or away from it (spiral out).
There could be a variety of spirals depending on the nature
of relationship between the radial and peripheral velocities.
However, the following two are the most popular:
1. Archimedean spiral: Radial displacement per revolution is
constant.
1. Logarithmic or equi-angular spiral: Ratio of the lengths of
consecutive radius vectors enclosing equal angles is always
constant.

Archimedean Spiral
Problem 6-44: Construct an Archimedean spiral of 1.5 convolution for
the greatest and shortest radii (say, ri=15mm & ro=60mm).

The constant of the curve is

equal to the difference
between the lengths of any
two radii divided by the
circular measure of the angle
between them (in radians).

Archimedean Spiral
Problem 6-46: A link of
225mm long swings on a
pivot O from its vertical
position of rest to the right
through an angle of 75 and
returns to its initial position at
uniform velocity. During this
period, a sleeve
approximated as a point P
initially at a distance of 20mm
from the pivot O moving at
uniform speed along the link
reaches its end. Draw the
locus of P.

Archimedean Spiral
Problem 6-47: A straight link
PQ of 60 mm length revolves
one complete revolution with
uniform motion in CCW
direction about hinge P.
During this period, an insect
moves along the link from P
to Q and back to P with
uniform linear speed. Draw
the path of the insect for a
stationary viewer. Identify this
curve.

Logarithmic or Equi-angular spiral

Construct the logarithmic spiral
of one convolution, given the
shortest radius r(=10mm) and
the ratio of the lengths of radius
vectors enclosing an angle
(=30) is k=10/9.

Helix

Helix
All the previous curves are planar; this is the first 3D curve we are
studying. This is the extension of circle by adding its 3rd dimension.
The simplest helix is a curve generated by a point moving around the
surface of a right circular cylinder in such a way that its axial advance
is uniform with its movement around the surface of the cylinder. The
axial advance per revolution is called lead. Note: Lead = pitch x
number of starts.
The surface in a complex helix may be cone or any other regular
shape and the relative of axial and peripheral velocities may be more
complex.
Compare with spiral spiral staircase is a misnomer. It should be
helical staircase.

Helix

Helix
Ordinary helix
Problem 647: A helix
has a pitch
of 50mm
and
diameter of
75mm.
Draw its
front view.

Helix
Conical helix
Problem 6-54: The diameter of a cone is
75mm at the base and its height is
100mm. The pitch of a helix on it is
75mm. Draw its front view.

Cycloids and Trochoids

Cycloids (ON) and Trochoids (OFF)

Curve traced by a point
on/inside/outside of a circular
disc when it rolls on a line or
outside/inside an arc.
Rolling Path
(Directrix)

Directrix line/circular
Circular directrix Epi-/hypo
On cycloid (3 types)
Off (inf/sup) Trochoid

Generatrix

Directrix

Position of Trace Point on the Circle (Generatrix)

On
Off (Inside)
(Off) Outside

Straight Line

Cycloid

Inferior
Trochoid

Superior
Trochoid

Outside Circle

EpiCycloid

EpiInferiorTrochoid

EpiSuperior
Trochoid

Inside Circle

HypoCycloid

HypoInferiorTrochoid

HypoSuperior
Trochoid

Cycloids and Trochoids

Construction of a cycloid
Problem 6-20: Construct a cycloid of the generating circle
for 40mm diameter.

PA = 2R = CB

Cycloids and Trochoids

Construction of the (inferior & superior) trocoids
Problem 6-23: Construct the inferior & superior trochoids of
the generating circle for 40mm diameter.
Same method as cycloid.
-Length of PA is 2R
-The circle to be divided is of radius R1/R2.
-The radius used for cutting is R1/R2.

Cycloids and Trochoids

Construction of the (inferior & superior) trocoids

Cycloids and Trochoids

Construction of an epi-cycloid
Problem 6-24a:
Construct an epicycloid from
diameters of the
generating and
directing circles of
40mm and 100mm.

Cycloids and Trochoids

Construction of hypo-cycloid
Problem 6-24b:
Construct an hypocycloid from
diameters of the
generating and
directing circles of
40mm and 100mm.

Cycloids and Trochoids

Construction of hypo-cycloid

Note: When r = R/2,

the hypo-cycloid will
be a straight line.

Cycloids and Trochoids

Construction of an inferior epi-&hypo-trocoids
Problem 6-26a:
Construct an epitrocoids (inferior
and superior) from
diameters of the
generating and
directing circles of
40mm and 100mm.
The point traced is
5mm inside and
outside.

Cams
(not in the syllabus)

Cams
Disc cam is a profile whose radial distance from its centre
of rotation varies to meet the required pattern. When a
follower, which may be a sharp wedge or a roller ribs on it,
moves (translates or oscillated) in the desired manner. 3D
cam are also available which are used in various
applications such as indexing.

Cams
Plate cam

Cams
Plate cam - Exercise
The least radius of the cam is 50mm and its shaft diameter
is 50mm. The diameter of its following roller is 25mm.
Design this cam to give the following cyclically actions to
the follower:
- A rise of 40mm over 90 of revolution
- Dwell in the upper position for the next 75 of revolution
- Fall by the same distance during the next 120 of
revolution
- In lower most position for the remaining part of revolution

Locus of any Point in a Mechanism

(not in the syllabus)

Locus of any Point in a Mechanism

Mechanisms are used to convert one motion into another. It is
important to know the locus of any point of a mechanism which may
be its hinge (joint) or a point on any link.

Indexing motions
Rotary to linear and vice versa
Uniform rotation into non-uniform rotation
etc.

Locus of any Point in a Mechanism

A simple and popular mechanism - slider crank

Connecting rod length = 750 mm

Crank = 150 mm
Draw the locus of a point P which is on
the link AB 300 mm from point A.

Locus of any Point in a Mechanism

Exercise
Two equal cranks AB and CD connected by the link BD as
shown in Figure, rotate in opposite directions. Point P is on
BD and point Q is along its extension beyond B. Draw the
loci of P and Q for one revolution of AB. AB = CD =
450mm; AC = BD = 1500mm; PD = 300mm; BQ = 300mm.

Locus of any Point in a Mechanism

Exercise

Conclusions
Quickly skim through Chapters 1-5 of N.D. Bhats book that cover
the basic things such as
- Use of drawing instruments
- Sheet layout and Freehand sketching
- Lines, Lettering and Dimensioning
- Scales
- Geometrical constructions
Roughly work out all the problems given to you. Only if you come
prepared, you will be able to complete all problems of the sheet in
the drawing session.

Thank You!