7–11 Sept 2026
Humboldt Universität zu Berlin
Europe/Berlin timezone

The periodic Kelvin problem

9 Sept 2026, 16:30
1h
Main Building/Floor 1-Room Senatssaal - Senatssaal (HU (Main Building))

Main Building/Floor 1-Room Senatssaal - Senatssaal

HU (Main Building)

HU Berlin Main Building Unter den Linden 6 10117 Berlin
150
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Plenary Talks Plenary Talk

Speaker

Matteo Novaga (University of Pisa)

Description

The classical Kelvin problem seeks the optimal equal-volume partition of $\mathbb R^d$ minimizing boundary surface area. In this talk, we present recent progress on periodic minimizing partitions in both isotropic and anisotropic settings.
Focusing first on two-dimensional configurations, we analyze optimal planar tilings and extend these techniques to higher dimensions, exploring connections with multi-bubble partitions, phase separation models, and periodic minimal surfaces, with emphasis on regularity, qualitative properties, and asymptotic volume regimes. Finally, we discuss the minimality of the regular truncated octahedron among all 3D parallelohedra.
The results are based on joint works with A. Cesaroni, F. Nobili and E. Paolini.

Author

Matteo Novaga (University of Pisa)

Presentation materials