Sphere Packings and foams
- Date: 10/02/2006
Lecturer(s):
Thomas C. Hales (University of Pittsburgh)
Location:
University of Calgary
Topic:
Kepler's conjecture asserts that the densest possible arrangement of
congruent balls in three dimensions is the familiar pyramid
arrangement, which is used to stack oranges at the fruit stand. A
300-page proof of this theorem finally appeared in July, after a review
process that lasted eight years. This theorem, while rather difficult
to prove, can be considered as a warm-up exercise to a number of
interesting conjectures related to sphere packings and foams in three
dimensions and higher.
Other Information:
PIMS Distinguished Chair Lectures 2006
Sponsor:
