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Nature 460, 801-802 (13 August 2009) | doi:10.1038/460801a; Published online 12 August 2009

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Mathematical physics: A tight squeeze

Henry Cohn1

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How can identical particles be crammed together as densely as possible? A combination of theory and computer simulations shows how the answer to this intricate problem depends on the shape of the particles.

We all know from experience with luggage just how difficult it is to pack objects efficiently into a limited space. These difficulties are even greater when huge numbers of objects, such as grains of wheat, are involved.

  1. Henry Cohn is at Microsoft Research New England, One Memorial Drive, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02142, USA.
    Email: cohn@microsoft.com

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RESEARCH

Dense packings of the Platonic and Archimedean solids

Nature Letters to Editor (13 Aug 2009)