Common tangents to polytopes and convex bodies

Abstract:

It is well known that two pairs of disjoint circles in the plane have four common tangents. We will explore high dimensional variations of this theorem by considering the topology of the geometric locus of all tangent hyperplanes to a (properly separated) family of convex bodies. We discuss a few old problems and present some new results by formulating a suitable polytopal question.

Based in joint work with F. Castillo and J. Doolittle.

Note: This talk begins with a pre-seminar (aimed at graduate students) at 3:30–4:00. The main talk starts at 4:10.

Join Zoom Meeting: https://washington.zoom.us/j/91547335974
Meeting ID: 915 4733 5974