What is Helix: Definition and 79 Discussions

A helix (), plural helixes or helices (), is a shape like a corkscrew or spiral staircase. It is a type of smooth space curve with tangent lines at a constant angle to a fixed axis. Helices are important in biology, as the DNA molecule is formed as two intertwined helices, and many proteins have helical substructures, known as alpha helices. The word helix comes from the Greek word ἕλιξ, "twisted, curved". A "filled-in" helix – for example, a "spiral" (helical) ramp – is called a helicoid.

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  1. I

    Understanding Alpha Helices Classifications

    Hi folks, I'm confused about classifying alpha helices. I don't understand how a 3.613 and a 310 helix differentiate... Well, I know that a 3.613 helix has 3.6 residues per turn and 13 atoms in between each hydrogen bond (I think)? Likewise a 310 helix has 3 residues per turn and 10 atoms...
  2. W

    Helix - Variable Diameter with constant Pitch

    Im trying to find an equation for a helix that gets wider and thinner yet the angle of all the coils remains constant. Is this possible? Any ideas? Thank you! PS - I am not a math expert, but throughly enjoy the process! walt
  3. Z

    Compute Length of Helix Given Radius & Pitch

    Given the radius and pitch , how can we compute the length of a helix??
  4. S

    Helix (spool and wire) geometry

    Homework Statement (From Stewart's Calculus Early Transcendentals (4th ed), Ch. 13 Problems Plus #8) A cable has radius r and length L and is wound around a spool with radius R without overlapping. What is the shortest length along the spool that is covered by the cable? Homework Equations...
  5. S

    How can I draw a helical coil in Maxwell 3D v11 without getting an error?

    Hello Everyone, I'm a new user to both PF & Maxwell 3D. I've been having a lot of problems trying to draw a helical coil in Maxwell 3D v11. There is a 'CreateHelix' function in Maxwell 3D & when I use this function (which has to be drawn on a 2D object), I get this error: [error] Body...
  6. M

    Can a spinning thread form a helix through gravity and force?

    I'm currently writing a computer simulation (in Java) of the formation of a helix from a spinning thread. The analogy I use is to imagine a piece of thread held between two fingers and left to hang via gravity. When the thread is spun by rolling one finger against the other, the thread will...
  7. M

    Helix Formation Simulation: A Materials Science Perspective

    I'm currently writing a computer simulation (in Java) of the formation of a helix from a spinning thread. The analogy I use is to imagine a piece of thread held between two fingers and left to hang via gravity. When the thread is spun by rolling one finger against the other, the thread will...
  8. H

    Torque transmitted through a helix angle?

    Hi all, my first post here, I've succumbed to some help if possible, i know its wrong but it's getting my goat! now, and many times in years gone by. I am building something as always, and reverse engineering exisiting drive components to select suitable new ones if that makes sense. In...
  9. L

    What is the Curvature of a Helix Given by a Parametric Equation?

    Homework Statement Find the curvature of a helix given by the parametric equation r(t)=<acost, asint, bt> where a and b are real numbers Homework Equations I know k=|T'(t)/r'(t)| The Attempt at a Solution and I believe the answer to be k=b/(a2+b2)1/2, I just don't know how to get there
  10. L

    Finding Curvature of Helix Given Parametric Equation

    Homework Statement Find the curvature of a helix given by the parametric equation r(t)=<acost, asint, bt> where a and b are real numbers Homework Equations I know k=|T'(t)/r'(t)| The Attempt at a Solution and I believe the answer to be k=b/(a2+b2)1/2, I just don't know how to get there
  11. L

    Drawing Protein Helix with Twists and Curves: How to Proceed?

    hello everbody! I need help I usage this formula to draw helix http://mathworld.wolfram.com/Helix.html But I need draw helix in this format with twists and curves along the route http://www.postyourimage.com/view_image.php?img_id=92mJqL2pHvURq321216910960 This helix have...
  12. I

    How to integrate int ydx + zdy over a helix?

    Homework Statement \intydx + zdy C where C is the part of the helix r(t)=(sin t)(i) + (cos t)(j) + t(k) and 0 < t < pi (those should be greater than or equal to signs) \int(cost)(cost)-t(sint) \int(1+cos 2t)/2 - t sint with limits from zero to pi. this then equaled to...
  13. B

    How Can I Define the Bank Angle of a Roller Coaster Helix Track?

    Homework Statement I am working on an overly simplified roller-coaster design but I have found a problem in defining a banked helix track piece. Essentially I want to be able to track the lateral, normal, and tangential g-forces acting on some point mass, so I need to obtain equations for the...
  14. B

    Is it possible to define a bank angle for a helix roller-coaster track?

    I am working on an overly simplified roller-coaster design but I have found a problem in defining a banked helix track piece. Essentially I want to be able to track the lateral, normal, and tangential g-forces acting on some point mass, so I need to obtain equations for the tangent and normal...
    • Beyond Aphelion
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  15. Z

    How Do You Determine the Axis of a Helix?

    I'm trying to understand how to find the axis of a helix but so far I seem to be hitting a blank. How for instance would I go about finding the axis of the helix r(t)=(e^t)costi+(e^t)sin(t)j+(e^t)k ? I would be very gratefull for any and all assistance.
  16. S

    Parametric Representation of a Helix

    Just wanted to check and see if this is right. The k-component of the vector is what I'm unsure of...I've always sucked at converting to parametric form. :) Homework Statement Convert to parametric form: x^{2} + y^{2} = 9, z = 4arctan(y/x) The Attempt at a Solution The i- and...
  17. D

    S4 helix of voltage-gated channels is the voltage sensor of the channel

    im trying to understand this any explanations
  18. B

    Equations to do with the z distance of a screw helix.

    Homework Statement You have a screw with the distance between the threads being equal to 0.1mm. It takes a torque of 10Nm to turn the screw about 2pi radians. What would the torque be to turn a screw with the z distance equal to 0.2mm. Explain your reasoning. Homework Equations Not sure...
  19. R

    Consequences of pressure on helix

    Two engineers are disagreeing on the following issue. Can anyone assist in providing a 3rd opinion? The question relates to the force required to compress a simple helical compression spring. Assume a compression spring is resting on a work table in absolute pressure of approximately...
  20. N

    Equation of a Helix: Find Answers to Parametric Equations

    I am looking to find the equation of a helix, now I know that a double helix is given in terms of 3 parametric equations x=acost, y=asint, z=bt I just would like to know the answers to 2 of my own questions. a) What is the resulting equation for the double helix, b) what are the...
  21. N

    Superconducting helix penetration

    In the giant proximity effect of superconductors, the penetrating supercurrent can be modeled using bosons. During some project work, modeling this phenomena Using vortices, I was thinking, whether the bosons can penetrate the interface of the normal conducting material being modeled by a helix...
  22. J

    Finding the Radius of Curvature for a Helix: What is the Formula?

    I was wondering how to find the radius of curvature of a helix. If it's circling around the z axis, the radius of it's projection onto the xy axis is a circle of radius r. Let one full cycle of the helix around the z-axis cover a distance d along the z-axis, then what is R, the radius of...
  23. Z

    The Triple Helix: Exploring its Possibilities and Limitations

    the dna is made up be a double helix, but would it be possible to have a tripple helix? if so what would the advantage be and what disadvantages does exist? I've been thinking on this and have come nowhere exept it would be fun to see it cause we don't have it. and is it possible to create...
  24. M

    Finding Area Under a Helix: A Stumper Problem

    I have been long thinking on how one would set up an integral to find the area under a helix (the area between the helix and the line it is encircling). I couldn't get a good expression for dA, because the infinitessimal cuts were all bent, and I wasn't sure how I could accurately approximate...
  25. E

    Creating a Helix in Maya: A Simple Guide

    Hi! I'm investigating whether you must use a logarithmic formula to describe a helix, or if it's enough to use two phase shifted sine curves... I've done a little excel document with a very siple implementation of two sine curves. One normal with the amplitude 23.8 and another one with the same...
  26. P

    Acceleration of a bead sliding down a Helix

    Can a bead desecnd down a helix have zero vertical component for its acceleration? (i.e. If I found my result to only has coefficients for its horizontal radial component unit vector (e_r), but zero for that of the vertical unit vector (e_z) ! ... That means I got zero vertical component for...
  27. N

    Why g-proteins has a shape of a helix?

    does anyone know why g-proteins has a shape of a helix??
  28. Jeebus

    Unveiling the Mystery of T-Helix: All You Need to Know

    Does anyone know by chance what a T-helix is?
  29. J

    Does Consciousness Alter our Understanding of the Double Helix Theory?

    [SOLVED] Double helix and conciousness What do you know about Conciousness. It is a further development on the double helix theory. Francis Crick
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