Botanical Mathematical problem...

[likespaphs]

I got this from someone where i work and was wondering if anyone had any thoughts. Thanks...

Hi there, we are a group of students and Alum who are working on a curious botanical-mathematical problem. We are trying to approximately model the bend of a flower stem in varying positions, and our instincts are it must be bent along the smooth curve of some logarithm-like function perhaps, but we are no experts. We were wondering if you could lend any help or guidance in the matter towards finding a very simple formula to describe this natural bending of a fibrous line object, such as a plant stem. Any and all help or referral or direction is [FONT=&quot]appreciated greatly! Thank you for your time. Sincerely, Scott [/FONT]
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[ohio-guy]

I seem to recall that a lot of curves in nature are based on some formula that was figured out by seeing how a nautilus shell grows, and it is like 1 to .61 when extrapolated out to 2 dimensions.

It is a number that ends up being used in a lot of architecture, ie a pleasing length vs height of a temple etc in ancient times

This may not be what you are looking for, but does it ring a bell with anyone else?

 

[Elena]

but does it ring a bell with anyone else?

Yup, the golden ratio. That's more or less as much as I know about it though

 

[streetmorrisart]

Everyone is right, and I'm a little embarrassed to be linking to this as a source, but it's not a bad outline of what I believe you're looking for. It's almost impossible to create anything displeasing to the eye if you keep these lines and points in the back of your mind:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Golden_spiral

 

[Ernie]

I make golden spirals in the snow in winter! No math involved in that and as natural a curve as ever.

-Steve Jobs (Ernie)

 

[swamprad]

^Hahahahaha......