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V. I. Smirnov Seminar on Mathematical Physics
March 25, 2024 15:00, St. Petersburg, PDMI, room 311, zoom online-conference


Convex Trigonometry and Sub-Finsler Geometry

L. V. Lokutsievskiy

Steklov Mathematical Institute of Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow


https://youtu.be/1QKFOzPmiqk

Abstract: In this presentation, I will discuss a new convenient method for describing the boundaries of flat convex compact sets and their polars, generalizing classical trigonometric functions like $\cos$ and $\sin$. The properties of this pair of functions for the unit circle are inherited by two pairs of functions — for the set itself and its polar. These functions have proven to be very useful for solving so-called sub-Finsler problems. An example of such a problem is the Dido's problem: finding a curve in the plane of minimal length enclosing a given area. When the length of the curve is measured in Euclidean metric, the answer is well-known. However, if the length of the curve is measured, for example, in the $L_p$ metric on the plane $(|x|^p+|y|^p)^{1/p}$ (or any other non-Euclidean metric), the problem immediately becomes much more interesting. In the presentation, I will also provide other illustrative examples.
No prior knowledge of sub-Finsler geometry is required.


© Steklov Math. Inst. of RAS, 2024