12

Can someone help me create a spiral (helix) similar to the one shown in the image? How might this be done except from drawing the curves perfectly by hand?

enter image description here

I achieved the desired result, but very painstakingly by drawing everything from hand. See the pictures below. To specify my question: Is there a simpler way to draw a shape similar to this?

spiral_illustrator_1

spiral_illustrator_2

Improve this question
0

3 Answers 3

Reset to default
14

I have made a tool that (jooGraphFunction) allows you to graph mathematical functions as curves. As part of the documentation, there is a example of how to do this as well as instructions on how to run scripts.

I will summarize the script briefly here for sake of completeness and posterity should my bitbucket account go under or change too much. The parametric function for a circle is 

cos(t)
sin(t)

You will want to squish that equation a bit to make it look as if seen from side. Or you can use orthographic projection in which case the equation becomes:

0.86605 * cos(t) - 0.86605 * sin(t)
-0.5 * cos(t) - 0.5 * sin(t)

Then add variables for size and just slide it upwards as much as you like for a final equation of:

0.86605 * radius *cos(t) - 0.86605 * radius * sin(t)
-0.5 * radius* cos(t) - 0.5 * radius* sin(t) + pitch*t

inject this in the script dialog. Other projections are possible. Then adjust the max range to get the desired length of spiral.

enter image description here

Image 1: Spirals with different pitch.

The benefit of graphing is that you can do arbitrarily complex shapes and once you have the formula its easy to repeat it over and over again. Off course you can develop more complex formulas.

enter image description here

Image 2: A few simple extension to the previous helix for inspiration.

Improve this answer
10

1) Begin by cutting an oval in half,

enter image description here

2) Duplicate this curve and move it down as far as you'd like, (some guides might help keep everything even)

enter image description here

3) Draw an oval which meets in the middle with the center two ends of the previous curves and cut it in half as well,

enter image description here

4) Copy and paste the curves from steps 2 and 3 to achieve the desired length.

Improve this answer
3
  • Sure you see this a lot but its not a spiral, tough a quite good substitute
    – joojaa
    Dec 5, 2016 at 22:12
  • I tend to roll pretty quick and dirty when I'm working visually. Output is all that matters in this medium after all, and cheating saves a lot of hours.
    – Jim
    Dec 5, 2016 at 22:56
  • Yes but there is only one problem when you do this you couple the pitch with the size of your oval. Anyway this is a perfectly acceptable solution. In this case its fast but its not so fast when people make spirals out of circle halves or quarters. Besides you dont actually save any time since i allready spent the time so you dont have to :)
    – joojaa
    Dec 5, 2016 at 23:14
-2

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ByYwXXY8wMs

This is the best I found, although it is in Korean. I don't speak a lick of it, but I still got the gist and figured it out.

Improve this answer
1
  • 2
    Hello Monika, welcome to GDSE and thanks for your answer. You are receiving downvotes because we like it for answers to be as self-sufficient as possible, as link-only answers are susceptible to link rot (e.g. what if the Youtube video is deleted?). Would you be so kind as to edit your answer to include the most essential parts of the process? Thank you.
    – PieBie ♦
    Mar 18, 2020 at 7:10

Your Answer

By clicking “Post Your Answer”, you agree to our terms of service and acknowledge that you have read and understand our privacy policy and code of conduct.

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged or ask your own question.