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Symmetrical intersections of right circular cylinders

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  03 November 2016

Moreton Moore*
Affiliation:
Department of Physics, Royal Holloway College, University of London, Egham, Surrey TW20 0EX

Extract

The intersection of two circular cylinders of equal radius is not only of mathematical interest but also has application in both engineering and architecture. The joining of pipes of circular cross-section at a variety of given angles is an obvious example. The Romans and Normans, in using the barrel vault to span their buildings, were familiar with the geometry of intersecting cylinders where two such vaults crossed one another to form a cross vault. Larger numbers of equal intersecting cylinders arise in the following way.

Type
Research Article
Copyright
Copyright © Mathematical Association 1974

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References

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