Hostname: page-component-586b7cd67f-rdxmf Total loading time: 0 Render date: 2024-11-24T13:28:33.398Z Has data issue: false hasContentIssue false

Symmetrical intersections of right circular cylinders

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  03 November 2016

Moreton Moore*
Affiliation:
Department of Physics, Royal Holloway College, University of London, Egham, Surrey TW20 0EX

Extract

The intersection of two circular cylinders of equal radius is not only of mathematical interest but also has application in both engineering and architecture. The joining of pipes of circular cross-section at a variety of given angles is an obvious example. The Romans and Normans, in using the barrel vault to span their buildings, were familiar with the geometry of intersecting cylinders where two such vaults crossed one another to form a cross vault. Larger numbers of equal intersecting cylinders arise in the following way.

Type
Research Article
Copyright
Copyright © Mathematical Association 1974

Access options

Get access to the full version of this content by using one of the access options below. (Log in options will check for institutional or personal access. Content may require purchase if you do not have access.)

References

1. Frank, F.C., On the kinematical theory of crystal growth and dissolution processes II, Z.phys. Chem., Neue Folge, 77, 8492 (1972).Google Scholar
2. Archimedes, , The Method (c. 250 B.C.). English translation by Heath, T. L. (1912); reprinted Dover (New York, 1953).Google Scholar
3. Gardner, Martin, Mathematical games, Scient. Am. 207 (5), 164 (1962).CrossRefGoogle Scholar
4. Kiang, T., An old Chinese way of finding the volume of a sphere, Mathl. Gaz. LVI, 8891 (No. 396, May 1972).Google Scholar