Computing Curvature: 2D Plane & Axi-Symmetric Surfaces

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In summary, the conversation discusses two expressions for the curvature in non-standard situations. The first expression deals with a 2D plane curve and is expressed in terms of the slope angle. The second expression is for an axi-symmetric surface in 3D and is defined in terms of the mean curvature. The conversation also mentions the geometrical relation between the slope angle and the dependence of the curve on the angle. The participants are seeking clarification on how to derive these expressions or where to find a source that explains the process.
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rsq_a
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I'm having a really hard time working with non-standard expressions for the curvature. This deals with two expressions for the curvature, one for a 2D plane curve, and the other for an axi-symmetric surface in 3D.

The plane curve

Suppose we have a plane curve given by [itex]x = h(y)[/itex] for both x and y positive. In a paper I'm reading, the author writes:
The surface curvature can be expressed in terms of the slope angle, [itex]\beta[/itex] of the surface as per
[tex]
\kappa = -\frac{d( \cos\beta)}{dy}.
[/tex]

The geometrical relation,
[tex]
\frac{dh}{dy} = \frac{1}{\tan \beta}
[/tex]

expresses the dependence of h on [itex]\beta[/itex]

The second expression is more or less clear for me (modulo whether it should be negated or not). The first expression is not. How do you go from the standard definition:
[tex]
\kappa = \frac{h''}{(1+(h')^2)^{3/2}},
[/tex]

to this result?

Surface curvature

This one is from another paper. The author assumes that there is an axi-symmetric surface [itex]S(z,r) = 0[/itex], which is only a function of [itex]z[/itex] and [itex]r[/itex] in spherical coordinates. He states that the mean curvature is
[tex]
\kappa = (S_z^2 +S_r^2)^{-3/2} \left[ S_z^2 S_{rr} - 2S_z S_r S_{rz} + S_r^2 S_{zz} + r^{-1} S_r(S_r^2 + S_z^2)\right].
[/tex]

If we denote the downward angle of the slope at an arbitrary position on the drop surface by [tex]\delta[/tex], so that
[tex]
\cos\delta = \frac{S_z}{\sqrt{S_z^2+S_r^2}} \qquad
\sin\delta = \frac{S_r}{\sqrt{S_z^2+S_r^2}}
[/tex]

then the curvature can be written as
[tex]
\kappa = \frac{1}{r} \frac{d}{dr} \left(r \sin\delta\right)
[/tex]

along [itex]S = 0[/itex]

Again, I could really use some help in seeing how these expressions were derived. Or if it's not trivial, perhaps a source where the work is shown.
 
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Related to Computing Curvature: 2D Plane & Axi-Symmetric Surfaces

1. What is curvature in 2D plane and axi-symmetric surfaces?

Curvature is a mathematical concept that describes how much a surface is curved at a given point. In 2D plane and axi-symmetric surfaces, curvature is the measure of how much the surface deviates from being a flat plane or a perfect circle, respectively.

2. How is curvature calculated in 2D plane and axi-symmetric surfaces?

In 2D plane, curvature is calculated by finding the radius of the osculating circle at a given point on the surface. In axi-symmetric surfaces, curvature is calculated by finding the radius of curvature at the meridional and circumferential directions at a given point.

3. What is the difference between positive and negative curvature?

Positive curvature occurs when the surface curves outward, like a sphere. Negative curvature occurs when the surface curves inward, like a saddle. In 2D plane, positive curvature is represented by a positive value, while negative curvature is represented by a negative value.

4. How does curvature affect the shape of a surface?

Curvature can affect the overall shape of a surface by determining whether it is flat, curved, or somewhere in between. High curvature values indicate a more curved surface, while low curvature values indicate a flatter surface.

5. What are some real-world applications of computing curvature in 2D plane and axi-symmetric surfaces?

Computing curvature in 2D plane and axi-symmetric surfaces has various applications in fields such as engineering, physics, and computer graphics. It is used to analyze and design structures, study the behavior of fluids, and create realistic 3D models of objects.

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