====== Ulam's packing conjecture ======

When packing //convex identical //3-dimensional objects into a defined space, is a sphere the most 'efficient' shape when considering the amount of free space in the gaps?

According to the conjecture, the sphere is the convex solid which forces the largest fraction of space to remain empty.

Packed spheres leave around 25.95% of space unfilled - and intuitively would seem to be the most efficient shape.

To date, however, no mathematical proof has been discovered to show that the sphere is the most efficient.

See:[[https://arxiv.org/abs/1305.0289|Pessimal packing shapes]] //arXiv,// 2013, //Metric Geometry.//

//Note: //In 2-dimensional and 4-dimensional space, proofs //have// been provided for special shapes.

----

Also see : [[content:mathematics:kelvin_problem]]