Space curve

A space curve is a curve in three-dimensional Euclidean space.

A helix is a space curve that winds around an axis while advancing along it at a constant rate. A circular helix can be parametrized by $(R\cos t,R\sin t,at)$.

The displayed space curve, $s>0$, lies on a cone and is parametrized by arc length. It has a constant tangent angle with its axis, while the turn spacing shrinks geometrically toward the limiting apex. Its curvature is $1/(\sqrt{2}s)$: differentiate its unit tangent with respect to $s$. Infinitely many turns accumulate at the apex with finite arc length; the apex itself is not a regular point of the curve.

The pitch is the axial displacement per complete turn. For a circular helix with $z=a\varphi +b$, the signed pitch for increasing angle is $2\pi a$, and its magnitude is $2\pi |a|$. Pitch is independent of the cylinder radius.