hodograph

[ hod-uh-graf, -grahf ]

Phonetic (Standard)IPA

noun

, Mathematics, Mechanics.

the figure described by the extremity of a vector that has a fixed origin and a position vector equal to the velocity of a moving particle.

hodograph

/ ˈhɒdəˌɡrɑːf; -ɡræf /

1840–50; < Greek hod ( ós ) way + -o- + -graph

C19: from Greek hodos way + -graph

For applications of the hodograph to the solution of kinematical problems see Mechanics.

Thus for a circular orbit with the centre of force at an excentric point, the hodograph is a conic with the pole as focus.

The annexed fig. 70 exhibits the various cases, with the hodograph in its proper orientation.

In the motion of a projectile under gravity the hodograph is a vertical line described with constant velocity.

The pole O of the hodograph is inside on or outside the circle, according as the orbit is an ellipse, parabola or hyperbola.

April 19, 2024tortuous

[tawr-choo-uhs ]

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