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: 

pims