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Converse of Scherk–Segre theorem on the number of vertices of a convex space curve

It is well known that any smooth simple closed convex curve $\gamma$ in $\mathbb{R}^{3}$ that meets no plane in more than 4 points has exactly 4 vertices, i.e., points of vanishing torsion; here "...
Matteo Raffaelli's user avatar
4 votes
1 answer
139 views

Characterization of convexity by connectedness of hyperplane sections

Let $S$ be a smooth closed connected embedded hypersurface in $\mathbb R^n$. Is it true that $S$ is convex, i.e. is a boundary of a convex set, if and only if any section of $S$ by a hyperplane is ...
Dmitrii Korshunov's user avatar
6 votes
1 answer
444 views

Can every smooth space curve be realized as an origami curved crease?

Many years ago, Ron Resch told me that he proved that every smooth simple space curve $C$ could be realized as a curved crease $\gamma$ in the interior of a piece of paper. He never published this (as ...
Joseph O'Rourke's user avatar
6 votes
1 answer
604 views

When is the cut locus a finite tree?

Let $\Omega \subset \mathbf{R}^2$ be a bounded, simply connected domain, with a regular boundary, say of class $C^2$ at least. Let the cut locus $C$ of $\Omega$ be the set of points $x \in \Omega$ for ...
Leo Moos's user avatar
  • 5,038
31 votes
6 answers
2k views

If a triangle can be displaced without distortion, must the surface have constant curvature?

Suppose $S$ is a Riemannian 2-manifold (e.g. a surface in $\mathbb{R}^3$). Let $T$ be a geodesic triangle on $S$: a triangle whose edges are geodesics. If $T$ can be moved around arbitrarily on $S$ ...
Joseph O'Rourke's user avatar
6 votes
3 answers
365 views

Sliding through a curvature-bounded tube: Maximum volume?

My 1st question has a straightforward answer but I'd appreciate hints on a proof. My 2nd question is open from my point of view. Q1. Is it the case that the maximum convex volume body inside a ...
Joseph O'Rourke's user avatar
7 votes
1 answer
162 views

Estimate of number of boundary components of a compact Riemannian 2-surface

Let $X$ be a compact smooth 2-dimensional Riemannian manifold with boundary. Assume that the Gauss curvature of $X$ is at least $-1$ and the diameter is at most $D$. Assume that near the boundary the ...
asv's user avatar
  • 21.8k
7 votes
1 answer
231 views

Estimate of area of 2-dimensional surface

Let $X$ be a compact smooth 2-dimensional Riemannian manifold with boundary. Assume that the Gauss curvature of $X$ is at least $\kappa$, the diameter is at most $D$, and the second fundamental form ...
asv's user avatar
  • 21.8k
5 votes
0 answers
464 views

Examples of spiraling geodesics?

Does there exist a closed, bounded surface $S$ embedded in $\mathbb{R}^3$ that has a geodesic $\gamma$ that spirals around a point $x$, getting closer and closer, but never reaching $x$? Here I ...
Joseph O'Rourke's user avatar
5 votes
0 answers
391 views

Gage-Grayson-Hamilton curve-shortening flow, at an angle

The Gage-Grayson-Hamilton curve-shortening flows along the normal to the curve:                     &...
Joseph O'Rourke's user avatar
3 votes
0 answers
127 views

Behaviour of geodesics on surfaces as one of the two endpoints moves slightly

Let $u$ and $v$ be two points on a surface (I guess, a Riemann surface) $\Sigma$ such that there is a unique geodesic between $u$ and $v$ on $\Sigma$. Now let $l$ be an arbitrary line that passes ...
Hooman's user avatar
  • 415
6 votes
1 answer
184 views

Self-avoiding/reflecting geodesics on a convex surface

Let $S$ be the surface of a convex body embedded in $\mathbb{R}^3$. For me $S$ is a convex polyhedron, but I am happy to view $S$ as a smooth body with positive Gaussian curvature at each point, or ...
Joseph O'Rourke's user avatar
29 votes
2 answers
1k views

Is every closed curve in 3D a geodesic on a genus-0 surface?

Let $\gamma$ be a smooth, closed, unknotted curve embedded in $\mathbb{R}^3$. Q. Does there always exist a smooth, embedded, genus-zero surface $S \subset \mathbb{R}^3$ such that $\gamma$ is a (...
Joseph O'Rourke's user avatar
22 votes
4 answers
3k views

What is the analog of the "Fundamental Theorem of Space Curves," for surfaces, and beyond?

The "Fundamental Theorem of Space Curves" (Wikipedia link; MathWorld link) states that there is a unique (up to congruence) curve in space that simultaneously realizes given continuous curvature $\...
Joseph O'Rourke's user avatar
7 votes
4 answers
1k views

On discrete version of curve shortening flow

One can define an analogous version of the curve shortening flow for polygons in $\mathbb R^2$, namely defined by the differential equation $\dot{p_i}(t)=\frac{v_i(t)}{|v_i(t)|^2}$, where $p_i$ is the ...
Gerardo Arizmendi's user avatar
6 votes
5 answers
4k views

Formulas for equidistant curves

I'm trying to draw on the computer a curve that keeps always the same distance(given as parameter) from a given curve. I know the formula for the given curve. I tried moving perpendicular to the first ...
Iulian Serbanoiu's user avatar