Math Insight

Applet: A parametrized helicoid with normal vector

The function $\dlsp(\spfv,\spsv) = (\spfv\cos \spsv, \spfv\sin \spsv, \spsv)$ parametrizes a helicoid when $(\spfv,\spsv) \in \dlr$, where $\dlr$ is the rectangle $[0,1] \times [0, 2\pi]$ shown in the first panel. The cyan vector at the blue point $\dlsp(\spfv,\spsv)$ is the upward pointing unit normal vector at that point. You can drag the blue point in $\dlr$ or on the helicoid to specify both $\spfv$ and $\spsv$.

Applet links

This applet is found in the pages

• Introduction to a surface integral of a vector field

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default Marsden and Tromba Stewart

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