arXiv subjects

J. G. Alcázar

Publications and source records attributed to J. G. Alcázar.

3 recordsLinked to original sources

arXiv2015

Involutions of polynomially parametrized surfaces

We provide an algorithm for detecting the involutions leaving a surface defined by a polynomial parametrization invariant. As a consequence, the symmetry axes, symmetry planes and symmetry center of the surface, if any, can be determined directly from the parametrization, without computing or making use of the implicit representation. The algorithm is based on the fact, proven in the paper, that any involution of the surface comes from an involution of the parameter space (the real plane, in our case); therefore, by determining the latter, the former can be found. The algorithm has been implemented in the computer algebra system Maple 17. Evidence of its efficiency for moderate degrees, examples and a complexity analysis are also given.

math.AG↗

arXiv2013

Detecting Symmetries of Rational Plane and Space Curves

This paper addresses the problem of determining the symmetries of a plane or space curve defined by a rational parametrization. We provide effective methods to compute the involution and rotation symmetries for the planar case. As for space curves, our method finds the involutions in all cases, and all the rotation symmetries in the particular case of Pythagorean-hodograph curves. Our algorithms solve these problems without converting to implicit form. Instead, we make use of a relationship between two proper parametrizations of the same curve, which leads to algorithms that involve only univariate polynomials. These algorithms have been implemented and tested in the Sage system.

math.AG↗

arXiv2012

On the Shape of Curves that are Rational in Polar Coordinates

In this paper we provide a computational approach to the shape of curves which are rational in polar coordinates, i.e. which are defined by means of a parametrization (r(t),θ(t)) where both r(t),θ(t) are rational functions. Our study includes theoretical aspects on the shape of these curves, and algorithmic results which eventually lead to an algorithm for plotting the "interesting parts" of the curve, i.e. the parts showing the main geometrical features of it. On the theoretical side, we prove that these curves, with the exceptions of lines and circles, cannot be algebraic (in cartesian coordinates), we characterize the existence of infinitely many self-intersections, and we connect this with certain phenomena which are not possible in the algebraic world, namely the existence of limit circles, limit points, or spiral branches. On the practical side, we provide an algorithm which has been implemented in the computer algebra system Maple to visualize this kind of curves. Our implementation makes use (and improves some aspects of) the command polarplot currently available in Maple for plotting curves in polar form.

cs.SC↗