Cyclide (/ˈsaɪklɪd/) is a mathematical term referring to a curved surface generated by a moving straight line. The spelling of cyclide can be explained with the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA) as follows: the first syllable is pronounced as "sigh" (IPA: saɪ), while the second syllable is pronounced as "klide" (IPA: klɪd). The vowel sound in the second syllable is an "i" sound (IPA: ɪ). The correct spelling of the word is important in mathematics, where precision and accuracy are necessary.
A cyclide refers to a surface in geometry that is obtained by rotating a segment or curve around a fixed axis. It can be envisioned as a closed surface with distinctive properties and characteristics. Specifically, a cyclide has the fascinating property of being a doubly-ruled surface, which means that through each point on its surface there are two distinct straight lines that pass. These lines are known as rulings, and they lie entirely on the surface of the cyclide.
Cyclides can be categorized into different types based on their shape or properties. For instance, a Dupin cyclide is formed by the rotation of a circle while simultaneously translating it along another circle. This results in a surface that possesses constant curvature and exhibits interesting patterns. Another type is the right conoid, which is formed by rotating a line segment around an axis, creating a cone-like structure.
Cyclides find applications in various mathematical and engineering fields. For instance, they have been extensively studied in the field of computer-aided geometric design to develop algorithms for designing complex shapes. Additionally, cyclides have also been used in mechanical engineering for designing gears, providing a geometrically precise contact profile for smooth gear motion. Moreover, their unique properties make cyclides fascinating objects of study in mathematics and contribute to advancements in differential geometry.
The word "Cyclide" is derived from the Greek word "kuklos", which means "circle" or "cycle". In mathematics, a cyclide refers to a particular type of surface that can be generated by the rotation of a circle or a family of circles. The term was coined by the French mathematician and physicist Adhémar Jean Claude Barré de Saint-Venant in the mid-19th century.