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Chapter 5

Chapter 5 discusses the Serret-Frenet equations, which are fundamental in the theory of curves, detailing the relationships between the tangent, normal, and binormal vectors. It establishes that a curve is uniquely defined by its curvature and torsion as functions of a natural parameter. Additionally, it introduces the concept of involutes, which are curves that intersect the tangent lines of another curve orthogonally.

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36 views2 pages

Chapter 5

Chapter 5 discusses the Serret-Frenet equations, which are fundamental in the theory of curves, detailing the relationships between the tangent, normal, and binormal vectors. It establishes that a curve is uniquely defined by its curvature and torsion as functions of a natural parameter. Additionally, it introduces the concept of involutes, which are curves that intersect the tangent lines of another curve orthogonally.

Uploaded by

Qurat Ul Ain
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© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Chapter 5

The theory of curves

FRENET Equations:

Theorem 01

Along a curve x=x(s), the vectors t, n, and b satisfy


˙ n
ṫ=k

ṅ=−kt +τb

ḃ=−τ n

The above equations are called Serret-Frenet equations of the curve. They are basic in the
development of theory of curves and should be committed to memory. The 1st and 3rd equations
have already been derived. To obtain the second, we simply differentiate n=b×t . This gives ,
using the 1st and 3rd equation.

ṅ=ḃ ×t +b × ṫ=−τ ( n× t )+ ˙b × ( kn )=(−τ ) (-b)+k(-t)=-kt+τb

Observe that if we write the Frenet equation as

ṫ=0 t+ kn+0 b

ṅ=−kt +0 n+ τb

ḃ=0 t−τn+0 b

the coefficients of t, n, b form the matrix

( 0 k 0
−¿ k ¿ 0 ¿ ¿
−τ ¿ 0 ¿
)
Theorem 02

A curve is defined uniquely by its curvature and torsion as functions of a natural parameter.

The equations k=k(S), τ =τ ( S )

Which give the curvature and torsion of a curve as functions of s are called the natural or
intrinsic equations of a curve, for they completely define the curve.

Involutes:
The tangent lines to a curve C generates a surface called the tangent surface of C.

A curve C* which lies on the tangent surface of C and intersects the tangent lines orthogonally Is
called an involute of C.

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