Princeton researchers have beaten the
present world record for packing the most tetrahedra into a volume.
Research into these so-called packing problems have produced deep
mathematical ideas and led to practical applications as well.
Mathematicians define the five shapes
composing the Platonic solids as being convex polyhedra that are
regular. Their beauty and symmetry have fascinated minds, including that
of the Greek philosopher, Plato, for thousands of years.
Images: Courtesy of Torquato Laboratory
Salvatore Torquato
Professor of Chemistry and the Princeton Institute for the Science and Technology of Materials
Photo: Princeton University, Office of Communications, Brian Wilson, 2008