mean curvature [¦mēn ′kər·və·chər]
Mean Curvature
(mathematics)
Half the sum of the principal curvatures at a point on a surface.
Mean Curvature
The mean curvature of a surface at a given point P on the surface is equal to the average of the principal curvatures of the surface at the point (seeDIFFERENTIAL GEOMETRY). If E, F, and G are the coefficients of the first fundamental quadratic form of the surface and L, M, and N are the coefficients of the surface’s second fundamental quadratic form, then the mean curvature H can be computed from the formula
If the mean curvature is equal to zero at every point of the surface, then the surface is known as a minimal surface.
Want to thank TFD for its existence? Tell a friend about us, add a link to this page, add the site to iGoogle, or visit the webmaster's page for free fun content.
| ?Page tools | ||
|---|---|---|
|