ENGINEERING CURVES

CONICS

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What are Engineering Curves ?
What are Engineering Curves ?

Why it is required to learn ?

USES OF ENGINEERING CURVES

Useful by their nature & characteristics.

Laws of nature represented on graph.

Useful in engineering in understanding

laws, manufacturing of
various items, designing mechanisms
analysis of forces, construction of
bridges, dams, water tanks etc.
CLASSIFICATION OF ENGG. CURVES

1. CONICS
2. CYCLOIDAL
CURVES
3. INVOLUTE

4. SPIRAL

5. HELIX
CLASSIFICATION OF ENGG. CURVES

1. CONICS
2. CYCLOIDAL
CURVES
3. INVOLUTE

4. SPIRAL

5. HELIX
What is Cone ?
It is a surface generated by moving a
Straight line keeping one of its end fixed &
other end makes a closed curve.
The fixed point is known as vertex or apex.
The closed curve is Vertex/Apex
known as base.
If the base/closed curve
is a circle, we get a cone.
90º
If the base/closed
curve is a polygon, we
get a pyramid. Base
The line joins apex to the center of base is
called axis.
If axes is perpendicular to base, it is called as
right circular cone.

If axis of cone is not Vertex/Apex

perpendicular to base, it is Cone Axis
called as oblique cone. Generator

The line joins vertex/

90º
apex to the
circumference of a cone
is known as generator. Base
 CONICS
Definition :- The section obtained by the
intersection of a right circular cone by a
cutting plane in different position relative
to the axis of the cone are called
CONICS.
 CIRCLE
When the cutting plane is perpendicular to
the axis or parallel to the base in a right
cone we get circle the section.

Sec Plane

Circle
Definition :- ELLIPSE
When the cutting plane is inclined to the
axis but not parallel to generator or the
inclination of the cutting plane(α) is greater
than the semi cone angle(θ), we get an
ellipse as the section.
θ
α>θ
α
 PARABOLA
When the cutting plane is inclined to the axis
and parallel to one of the generators of the
cone or the inclination of the plane(α) is equal
to semi cone angle(θ), we get a parabola as
the section.

θ α=θ
α
 HYPERBOLA
Definition :-
When the cutting plane is parallel to the
axis or the inclination of the plane with
cone axis(α) is less than semi cone
angle(θ), we get a hyperbola as the
section.
α=0
α<θ θ
θ
 CONICS
Definition :- The locus of point moves in a
plane such a way that the ratio of its
distance from fixed point (focus) to a fixed
Straight line (Directrix) is always constant.
Conic Curve
M P
Directrix
F
C
V
Focus

Fixed straight line is called as directrix.

Fixed point is called as focus.
 The line passing through focus &
perpendicular to directrix is called as axis.

The intersection of conic curve with axis is

called as vertex.

Conic Curve
M P Axis
Directrix
F
C
V
Vertex Focus
 Conic Curve
M P Axis
Directrix
F
C
V
Vertex Focus
N Q

Distance of a point from focus

Ratio =
Distance of a point from directrix
= Eccentricity
= PF/PM = QF/QN = VF/VC
= e
 ELLIPSE
Ellipse is the locus of a point which moves in
a plane so that the ratio of its distance
from a fixed point (focus) and a fixed
straight line (Directrix) is a constant and
less than one.

P Ellipse
M Axis
Directrix
Vertex F
C V
Focus Eccentricity=PF/PM
N = QF/QN
Q
< 1.
 ELLIPSE
Ellipse is the locus of a point, which moves in a
plane so that the sum of its distance from two
fixed points, called focal points or foci, is a
constant. The sum of distances is equal to the
major axis of the ellipse.
C
P

O
A B
F1 F2

Q D
 P C

CF1 +CF2 = AB
O
A B but CF1 = CF2
F1 F2
hence,CF1=(1/2) AB

Q D
PF1 + PF2 = QF1 + QF2 = CF1 +CF2 = constant
= F1A + F1B = F2A + F2B
But F1A = F2B

F1A + F1B = F2B + F1B = AB

= Major Axis
 C
Major Axis = 100 mm
Minor Axis = 60 mm
O
A B
F1 F2 CF1 = ½ AB = AO

D
C
Major Axis = 100 mm
F1F2 = 60 mm
O
A B CF1 = ½ AB = AO
F1 F2

D
Uses :-

Shape of a man-hole
Shape of tank in a tanker

Flanges of pipes, glands and stuffing boxes

Shape used in bridges and arches

Monuments

Path of earth around the sun

Shape of trays etc.

 PARABOLA
Definition :-
The parabola is the locus of a point, which
moves in a plane so that its distance from a
fixed point (focus) and a fixed straight line
(directrix) are always equal.
Ratio (known as eccentricity) of its distances
from focus to that of directrix is constant
and equal to one (1). Parabola
M P
Directrix
Axis
Vertex F
C V
Eccentricity = PF/PM Focus
= QF/QN N Q
= 1.
Uses :-

Motor car head lamp reflector.

Sound reflector and detector.

Bridges and arches construction

Shape of cooling towers.

Path of particle thrown at any angle with

earth, etc.

Home
 HYPERBOLA
It is the locus of a point which moves in a
plane so that the ratio of its distances
from a fixed point (focus) and a fixed
straight line (directrix) is constant and
grater than one.

P Hyperbola
M Axis
Directrix
F
C
V Eccentricity = PF/PM
Vertex Focus
N = QF/QN
Q
> 1.
Uses :-

Nature of graph of Boyle’s law

Shape of overhead water tanks

Shape of cooling towers etc.

 CONIC SECTIONS
ELLIPSE, PARABOLA AND HYPERBOLA ARE CALLED CONIC SECTIONS
BECAUSE
THESE CURVES APPEAR ON THE SURFACE OF A CONE
WHEN IT IS CUT BY SOME TYPICAL CUTTING PLANES.

OBSERVE
ILLUSTRATIONS
GIVEN BELOW..

Ellipse

Section Plane

a
Section Plane

bol
Through Generators Hyperbola
Parallel to Axis.
a
Par

Section Plane Parallel

to end generator.
 ENGINEERING CURVES
{Conic Sections}

ELLIPSE PARABOLA HYPERBOLA

1. Basic Locus Method 1. Basic Locus Method 1. Basic Locus Method

(Directrix – focus) (Directrix – focus) (Directrix – focus)

2. Arcs of Circle Method 2. Rectangle Method 2. Rectangular Hyperbola

(coordinates given)

Methods of Drawing
Tangents & Normals
To These Curves.
 COMMON DEFINATION OF ELLIPSE, PARABOLA & HYPERBOLA:
These are the loci of points moving in a plane such that the ratio of it’s distances
from a fixed point And a fixed line always remains constant.
The Ratio is called ECCENTRICITY. (E)
A) For Ellipse E<1
B) For Parabola E=1
C) For Hyperbola E>1

SECOND DEFINATION OF AN ELLIPSE:-

It is a locus of a point moving in a plane
such that the SUM of it’s distances from TWO fixed
points
always remains constant.
{And this sum equals to the length of major axis.}
These TWO fixed points are FOCUS 1 & FOCUS 2
PROBLEM 6:- POINT F IS 50 MM FROM A LINE AB.A POINT P IS MOVING IN A PLANE ELLIPSE
SUCH THAT THE RATIO OF IT’S DISTANCES FROM F AND LINE AB REMAINS CONSTANT
AND EQUALS TO 2/3 DRAW LOCUS OF POINT P. { ECCENTRICITY = 2/3 } DIRECTRIX-FOCUS METHOD

ELLIPSE
A
STEPS:

DIRECTRIX
1 .Draw a vertical line AB and point F
50 mm from it.
2 .Divide 50 mm distance in 5 parts. 45mm
3 .Name 2nd part from F as V. It is 20mm
and 30mm from F and AB line resp.

30mm
It is first point giving ratio of it’s
distances from F and AB 2/3 i.e 20/30
4 Form more points giving same ratio
such (vertex) V
as 30/45, 40/60, 50/75 etc. F ( focus)
5.Taking 45,60 and 75mm distances from
line AB, draw three vertical lines to the
right side of it.
6. Now with 30, 40 and 50mm distances in
compass cut these lines above and
below,
with F as center.
7. Join these points through V in smooth
curve.
This is required locus of P.It is an
ELLIPSE.
B
 ELLIPSE
Problem 14:
TANGENT & NORMAL
TO DRAW TANGENT & NORMAL
TO THE CURVE
ELLIPSE
FROM A GIVEN POINT ( Q ) A

DIRECTRIX
1.JOIN POINT Q TO F. T
2.CONSTRUCT 900 ANGLE WITH
THIS LINE AT POINT F
3.EXTEND THE LINE TO MEET DIRECTRIX
AT T
4. JOIN THIS POINT TO Q AND EXTEND. THIS IS
TANGENT TO ELLIPSE FROM Q (vertex) V
5.TO THIS TANGENT DRAW PERPENDICULAR F ( focus)
LINE FROM Q. IT IS NORMAL TO CURVE. 900
N

Q
N

T
PROBLEM 9: Point F is 50 mm from a vertical straight line AB. PARABOLA
Draw locus of point P, moving in a plane such that DIRECTRIX-FOCUS METHOD
it always remains equidistant from point F and line AB.

PARABOLA
SOLUTION STEPS:
1.Locate center of line, perpendicular A
to
AB from point F. This will be initial
point P and also the vertex.
2.Mark 5 mm distance to its right side, P1
name those points 1,2,3,4 and from
those
draw lines parallel to AB. (VERTEX) V
3.Mark 5 mm distance to its left of P F
O 1 2 3 4
and
name it 1. ( focus)
4.Take O-1 distance as radius and F as
center draw an arc
cutting first parallel line to AB.
P2
Name
upper point P1 and lower point P2.
(FP1=O1)
B
5.Similarly repeat this process by
taking
again 5mm to right and left and
locate
P3P4.
6.Join all these points in smooth curve.
 PARABOLA
Problem 15: TANGENT & NORMAL
TO DRAW TANGENT & NORMAL
TO THE CURVE T PARABOLA
FROM A GIVEN POINT ( Q )
A

1.JOIN POINT Q TO F.
2.CONSTRUCT 900 ANGLE WITH
THIS LINE AT POINT F
3.EXTEND THE LINE TO MEET DIRECTRIX
AT T
4. JOIN THIS POINT TO Q AND EXTEND. THIS IS VERTEX V
TANGENT TO THE CURVE FROM Q 900
F
5.TO THIS TANGENT DRAW PERPENDICULAR ( focus)
LINE FROM Q. IT IS NORMAL TO CURVE.
N

Q
B N

T
PROBLEM 12:- POINT F IS 50 MM FROM A LINE AB.A POINT P IS MOVING IN A PLANE HYPERBOLA
SUCH THAT THE RATIO OF IT’S DISTANCES FROM F AND LINE AB REMAINS CONSTANT
AND EQUALS TO 3/2 DRAW LOCUS OF POINT P. { ECCENTRICITY = 3/2 }
DIRECTRIX
FOCUS METHOD

STEPS: A
1 .Draw a vertical line AB and point F
50 mm from it.
2 .Divide 50 mm distance in 5 parts. 30mm
3 .Name 2nd part from F as V. It is 20mm
and 30mm from F and AB line resp.

45m
It is first point giving ratio of it’s

m
distances from F and AB 3/2 i.e 30/20
4 Form more points giving same ratio
such (vertex)
V
F ( focus)
as 45/30, 60/40, 75/50 etc.
5.Taking 30,40 and 50mm distances from
line AB, draw three vertical lines to the
right side of it.
6. Now with 45, 60 and 75mm distances in
compass cut these lines above and
below,
with F as center.
7. Join these points through V in smooth
curve.
This is required locus of P. It is an
ELLIPSE.
B
 HYPERBOLA
Problem 16
TANGENT & NORMAL
TO DRAW TANGENT & NORMAL
TO THE CURVE
FROM A GIVEN POINT ( Q ) A

1.JOIN POINT Q TO F.
2.CONSTRUCT 900 ANGLE WITH THIS LINE AT
POINT F T
3.EXTEND THE LINE TO MEET DIRECTRIX AT T
4. JOIN THIS POINT TO Q AND EXTEND. THIS IS
TANGENT TO CURVE FROM Q
(vertex)
V
F ( focus)
5.TO THIS TANGENT DRAW PERPENDICULAR 900
LINE FROM Q. IT IS NORMAL TO CURVE.
N

N Q

T
PROBLEM 4. ELLIPSE
MAJOR AXIS AB & MINOR AXIS CD ARE
BY ARCS OF CIRCLE METHOD
100 AND 70MM LONG RESPECTIVELY
.DRAW ELLIPSE BY ARCS OF CIRLES
METHOD. As per the definition Ellipse is locus of point P moving in
a plane such that the SUM of it’s distances from two fixed
STEPS: points (F1 & F2) remains constant and equals to the length
1.Draw both axes as usual.Name the of major axis AB.(Note A .1+ B .1=A . 2 + B. 2 = AB)
ends & intersecting point
2.Taking AO distance i.e.half major p4 C
axis, from C, mark F1 & F2 On AB . p3
p2
( focus 1 and 2.)
p1
3.On line F1- O taking any distance,
mark points 1,2,3, & 4
4.Taking F1 center, with distance A-1
draw an arc above AB and taking F2 A B
O
F1 1 2 3 4 F2
center, with B-1 distance cut this arc.
Name the point p1
5.Repeat this step with same centers
but
taking now A-2 & B-2 distances for
drawing arcs. Name the point p2
6.Similarly get all other P points.
D
With same steps positions of P can
be
located below AB.
7.Join all points by smooth curve to
get
PROBLEM 7: A BALL THROWN IN AIR ATTAINS 100 M HIEGHT
PARABOLA
AND COVERS HORIZONTAL DISTANCE 150 M ON GROUND. RECTANGLE METHOD
Draw the path of the ball (projectile)-

STEPS: 6 6
1.Draw rectangle of above size and
divide it in two equal vertical parts
2.Consider left part for construction. 5 5
Divide height and length in equal
number of parts and name those
1,2,3,4,5& 6 4 4
3.Join vertical 1,2,3,4,5 & 6 to the
top center of rectangle
4.Similarly draw upward vertical
3 3
lines from horizontal1,2,3,4,5
And wherever these lines intersect
previously drawn inclined lines in
sequence Mark those points and 2 2
further join in smooth possible curve.
5.Repeat the construction on right side
rectangle also.Join all in sequence. 1 1
This locus is Parabola.
.

1 2 3 4 5 6 5 4 3 2 1
Problem No.10: Point P is 40 mm and 30 mm from horizontal HYPERBOLA
and vertical axes respectively.Draw Hyperbola through it. THROUGH A POINT
OF KNOWN CO-ORDINATES
Solution Steps:
1)      Extend horizontal line
from P to right side. 2
2)      Extend vertical line from
P upward.
3)      On horizontal line from
P, mark some points taking
any distance and name them
after P-1, 2,3,4 etc.
4)      Join 1-2-3-4 points to pole
O. Let them cut part [P-B]
also at 1,2,3,4 points. 1
5)      From horizontal 1,2,3,4
draw vertical lines
downwards and
6)      From vertical 1,2,3,4 2 1 P 1 2 3
points [from P-B] draw
horizontal lines.
7)      Line from 1 horizontal 1
and line from 1 vertical will
meet at P1.Similarly mark P2,40 mm 2
P3, P4 points.
3
8)      Repeat the procedure by
marking four points on
upward vertical line from P O
and joining all those to pole
O. Name this points P6, P7, P8 30 mm
etc. and join them by smooth
curve.