Epicycloids are formed by tracing the path of a fixed point on a circle as it rolls aroung the outside of a larger circle. Examines several possibilities related to epicycloids (and hypocycloids), presenting more mathematical patterns and artistic shapes that result from using several computer programs. Program listings are included. (JN)

Discusses properties of epicycloids. (The easiest way to picture them is to think of a piece of radioactive bubble gum attached to a wheel which is rolling around the outside of a larger wheel.) Includes a computer program (TRS-80 color computer) that will graph any epicycloid with integer values for the radii. (JN)

Everyone is familiar with the concept that the cube and octahedron, dodecahedron and icosahedron are dual pairs, with the tetrahedron being self-dual. On the face of it, the concept seems straightforward; however, in all but the most symmetrical cases it is far from clear. By using the computer and three-dimensional graphics programs, it is…

Presents algorithms for the simulation and motion display of the three basic kinematic devices: (1) four bar linkages; (2) the slider crank; and (3) the inverted slider crank mechanisms. The algorithms were implemented on a Commodore-VIC 20 microcomputer system with 6500 bytes of available memory. (Author/JN)