Chapter 7

Revolution

The method of solving Descriptive Geometry problems, as already discussed in pre-

ceding chapters, is based on what is called "change-of-position". The various views which
were obtained depended upon the fact that the observer assumed a different position of
viewing the stationary point, line, or plane in space. However, many basic problems can
be solved by having the observer remain stationary while the object is revolved to a posi-
tion which will reveal certain required information.
Even though the majority of space problems are solved by the "change-of-position"
method, it is sometimes more convenient for the engineer to solve a problem by using
revolution. Therefore, a thorough knowledge of both methods will prove advantageous
to the engineer. It is then his decision as to which method should be used for a particular
type of problem.

7.1 BASIC PRINCIPLES of REVOLUTION

Before a student can solve a problem by revolution, he must first of all be acquainted
with certain basic and fundamental principles of revolution. A thorough knowledge of
these basic concepts will make the revolution method a vital tool in the solution of problems
involving space relationship.
The following are principles of revolution:
(1) A point can only revolve about a straight line axis.
(2) A point revolves in a plane perpendicular to the axis.
(3) A point revolves in the path of a circle whose center is the axis.
(4) The point view of the axis will show the circular path of the revolving point.
(5) When the axis appears in its true length, the path of the point will appear as a
straight line whose length is equal to the diameter of the circular path.
"..,--- ......... ,
The student should study Fig. 7-1 to /' Point View of "
I AXi:Z ' V-- Circular Path of Point X
make absolutely certain that he thoroughly
(
H H
understands the underlying principles of

1
[U b }
revolution. Of course, failure to understand
, I /
/
these basic concepts may result in assump- x H ......... _ _1_-....... Fig. 7·1.
tions which are contrary to fact. H I' Point Revolving about
In many Descriptive Geometry prob- F I a Straight Line Axis
lems, the axis about which a point revolves
does not appear in its true length in either
the plan or front elevation views. There-
fore, a new view must be drawn which will
[. y ., Po"

show the true length of the axis, then an of Axis

additional view will show the point view of

the axis. [bY

114
CHAP. 7] REVOLUTION 115

In Fig. 7-2, the oblique line axis is Lowest Position

shown in both the plan and front elevation
views. Point X which revolves about this 'Z,\. \
axis is also located in the two given views.
Using the "change-of-position" method, a x\:_.::.._', // b H
new view is drawn which shows the axis, I/ \ 'Xl
AB, in its true length and the point X lo- I r

cated at a fixed distance from the axis. ,

\
2
ab
2
.\ 'x2
I
Inclined view 2 determines the point view ",_ X 2/
of the axis and the circular path of point X - r-H

as it revolves about the axis. Highest Position H

of Point X
Should it be required to locate the low- F
est and highest positions of point X as it
revolves about the oblique line axis, the ex- Fig. 7-2.
treme points of the circular path shown as Point Revolving
an edge in view 1 will determine these about an Oblique Line
positions. In view 2 the low and high posi-
tions of point X are designated by the addi-
tional subscript letters Land H.
point View of Axis
/
7.2 To FIND the TRUE LENGTH of a LINE
Analysis: If a line is parallel to a projection plane, it will
be projected on that plane in its true length.
Therefore, if a line in space is revolved about an
axis until it lies parallel to a projection plane,
it will then appear in its true length.
Example: In Fig. 7-3, the oblique line AB appears in both the
£-- ,.'
F aF

plan and front elevation views. Using a vertical axis through point A
in the plan view, point B should be revolved until line AB lies parallel
to the frontal plane. It will then appear in its true length in the front
view. Note that the revolving of point B does not alter its elevation.
The true slope of the line can also be seen in the front view since the
line appears in its true length in an elevation view.
Fig. 7-4 below shows the same oblique line being revolved about Fig. 7-3.
a horizontal axis. At (a) the axis passes through one end of the line True Length of a Line by
and, at (b) the axis passes through the mid-point of the line. Revolving about a Vertical Axis

True Length
of Axis
I Length
of Axis

r
bH ........
H I
a
Point View . I
of Axis "-I I
I F /'
I __ _
/
/ Point View I
/ of Axis "--1
/

(a) (b)
Fig. 7-4. True Length of a Line by Revolving about a Horizontal Axis
116 REVOLUTION [CHAP. 7

In general, the axis can pass through any point of the line. For convenience, it is usually better to
pass the axis through one of the end points of the line. In this case only one point needs to be revolved
to show the true length of the line as shown in Figures 7-3 and 7-4(a).

7.3 To FIND the TRUE SIZE of a PLANE

Analysis: Two conditions must be met in order for a plane to be revolved into its true size.
First, it must revolve about an axis which lies on the plane. Second, the axis
about which the plane revoives must lie parallel to the image plane upon which
the plane is projected. Therefore, if the plane is to be revolved so that it will
appear true size in the plan view, it must be revolved about a level line axis
on the plane. After determining the location of the axis, each point on the
plane is revolved until the plane
is level. b'
Example: In Fig. 7-5, the plane ABC is to be
revolved until it lies parallel to the horizontal plane.
A horizontal axis is drawn in the front elevation
view which will appear in its true length in the Point View
of Axis
plan view and as a point in the auxiliary elevation
view 1. The plane is revolved about the point view
of the axis in view 1 until it lies parallel to the
horizontal plane. Project the revolved points Band
C to the plan view until they intersect the projec- H
tions of points Band C drawn parallel to the H-l
folding line. Connect these revolved points Band C F
in the plan view to point A in order to determine
the true size of the plane.
It should be noted that a plane will appear as
an edge in the view which shows the axis as a point. Fig. 7-5.
This edge view, being an elevation view, also shows True Size of a Plane by
the true slope · of the plane. bF Revolving about a Horizontal Axis

7.4 To FIND the DIHEDRAL ANGLE

Analysis: A cutting plane which is passed
perpendicular to the intersection
of two planes determines the di-
hedral angle between the two
planes. After determining the
line of intersection between the
two planes, a cutting plane is
passed at a right angle to this line
of intersection and the intersec-
tion of the cutting plane with the
two given planes is thus deter-
mined. The plane of the angle
formed by these two intersection
lines is revolved to a position in
which its true size is shown.
Example: In Fig. 7-6, the plan and front
elevation views of planes ABC and BCD are given.
An auxiliary elevation view is drawn showing both
planes with their common line of intersection BC Fig. 7-6.
appearing in its true length. A cutting plane Xl' Dihedral Angle
is drawn perpendicular to line BC at any point, in by Revolution