trajectoid

plural trajectoids

1. mathematicsA solid shape that traces a periodic trajectory when rolled down a slope.

   1 more example

   Here, we develop an algorithm to design such bodies—which we call ‘trajectoids’—and then validate these designs experimentally by three-dimensionally printing the computed shapes and tracking their rolling paths, including those that close onto themselves such that the body’s centre of mass moves intermittently uphill.

   2023, Sobolev, Y.I.; Dong, R.; Tlusty, T; et al., “Solid-body trajectoids shaped to roll along desired pathways”, in Nature, volume 620, pages 310–315