Re: [ATM] Conic height

["Richard F.L.R. Snashall" <rflrs@rcn.com>]

Richard F.L.R. Snashall wrote:
 > Before I set up some form of iterative solution...
 >
 > Does anyone know of a closed form equation (or one of two
 > roots)for the following:
 >
 >  From a point on the node of a conic section at height yn from
 > the axis, draw a line intersecting the conic section, such that
 > it is normal to it.  What is the height, yc, at the conic
 > section.

Apparently, I'm in one of my unclear modes again;-)  cf:

	http://users.rcn.com/rflrs/secondary.jpg

The height yn is the height of the ray at the nodal plane, the
plane tangent to the conic at the axis of symmetry.  The height
yc is the height of the ray at the conic itself.

I surmise that the requirement that the ray be normal to the
conic at the point of intersection means the equation for yc
(in terms of yn and the constants that define the conic) will
be a quartic, but I'm not sure.

-- 

Rick S.

http://users.rcn.com/rflrs


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