ENGINEERING GRAPHICS-LOCI

ENGINEERING GRAPHICS-LOCI

Definition
A locus (plural loci ) is the path traced out by a point that moves under given definite
conditions.
You may not have been aware of it, but you have met loci many times before.One of the most common loci is that of a point that moves so that its distance from another fixed point remains constant: this produces a circle. Another locus that you know is that of a point that moves so that its distance from a line remains constant:this produces parallel lines. Problems on loci can take several different forms. One important practical application is finding the path traced out by points on mechanisms. This may be done simply to see if there is sufficient clearance around a mechanism or, with further knowledge beyond the scope of this book, to determine the velocity and hence the forces acting upon a component.