GIOVEDI' 11 DICEMBRE 2008

COLLOQUIUM

16:00-18:00, Aula Magna (Dip. Matematica) "Convex sets of constant width, or why geometry can be of vital importance" Bernd Kawohl (Universitat Koln)

Abstract: When does a steel pipe have an exactly circular cross section? When features constant exterior width from each angle? That could easily by verified with a big caliper or slide gauge, and this what used to happen in the process of assembling booster rockets for the spaces shuttle. The authors of the corresponding instructions had overlooked that there are geometric shapes, so called sets of constant width, that are not circles. This was a contributing factor to the Challenger desaster in 1986. In my talk I will point out that these odd sets show up in our daily life, and that there are interesting mathematical questions connected with them. The talk is directed at a general audience, not just mathematicians.

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