On convex surfaces with minimal moment of inertia
J. Math. Phys. 48, 122902 (2007); doi:10.1063/1.2823888
Published 28 December 2007
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We investigate the problem of minimizing the moment of inertia among convex surfaces in
3 having a specified surface area. First, we prove that a minimizing surface exists, and derive a necessary condition holding at points of positive curvature. Then we show that an equilateral triangular prism is the optimal triangular prism, that the cube is the optimal rectangular prism, and that the sphere is (locally) optimal among ellipsoids. Many examples of convex surfaces are examined, among which the lowest moment of inertia is achieved by a truncated tetrahedron. The problem of finding the global minimizing surface remains open. The analogous problem in two dimensions has been solved by Sachs and later by Hall, who showed that the equilateral triangle minimizes the moment of inertia, among all convex curves with given length.
©2007 American Institute of Physics
| History: | Received 8 June 2007; accepted 17 November 2007; published 28 December 2007 |
| Permalink: |
http://link.aip.org/link/?JMAPAQ/48/122902/1 |
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