Universal convex covering problems under translation and discrete rotations
We consider the smallest-area universal covering of planar objects of perimeter 2 (or equivalently closed curves of length 2) allowing translation and discrete rotations. In particular, we show that the solution is an equilateral triangle of height 1 when translation and discrete rotation of π are allowed. Our proof is purely geometric and elementary. We also give convex coverings of closed curves of length 2 under translation and discrete rotations of multiples of π/2 and 2π/3. We show a minimality of the covering for discrete rotation of multiples of π/2, which is an equilateral triangle of height smaller than 1, and conjecture that the covering is the smallest-area convex covering. Finally, we give the smallest-area convex coverings of all unit segments under translation and discrete rotations 2π/k for all integers k≥ 3.
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