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We examine the possible trajectories of a classical particle, trapped in a two-dimensional infinite rectangular well, using the Hamilton-Jacobi equation. We observe that three types of trajectories are possible: periodic orbits, open orbits…
A Finsler, not necessarily symmetric, metric in the plane or its convex subset is called projective if its geodesics are straight segments. We consider Finsler billiards in a convex planar domain endowed with a projective Finsler metric. A…
A massive particle under the influence of a constant gravitational force that is bouncing inside an ideal reflecting mirror described by some function $f(x)$ is considered. For the associated flight trajectories we derive the parametric…
This work presents some results regarding three-dimensional billiards having a non-constant potential of Keplerian type inside a regular domain $D\subset \mathcal R^3$. Two models will be analysed: in the first one, only an inner Keplerian…
Ballistic transport through a collection of quantum billiards in undoped graphene is studied analytically within the conformal mapping technique. The billiards show pseudodiffusive behavior, with the conductance equal to that of a classical…
We study the dual of Philo's shortest line segment problem and find the optimal line segments passing through two given points, with a common endpoint, and with the other endpoints on a given line. This problem is dual, in a…
A simplex is the convex hull of $n+1$ points in $\mathbb{R}^{n}$ which form an affine basis. A regular simplex $\Delta^n$ is a simplex with sides of the same length. We consider the billiard flow inside a regular simplex of $\mathbb{R}^n$.…
For every quadrilateral sufficiently close to a rectangle, we shall show that it possess a periodic billiard path. This is an REU work done at ICERM in Summer 2012.
The Minimum Fill-in problem is to decide if a graph can be triangulated by adding at most k edges. Kaplan, Shamir, and Tarjan [FOCS 1994] have shown that the problem is solvable in time O(2^(O(k)) + k2 * nm) on graphs with n vertices and m…
In this experimental work we study billiard trajectories in triangular pyramids and try to establish conditions that guarantee the existence (or absence) of 4-cycles (there can be not more, than three of them). We formulate conjectures and…
Students in introductory physics courses struggle to understand virtual image formation by a plane mirror and the proper construction of ray diagrams. This difficulty, if not sufficiently addressed, results in further problems throughout…
An ancient optics problem of Ptolemy, studied later by Alhazen, is discussed. This problem deals with reflection of light in spherical mirrors. Mathematically this reduces to the solution of a quartic equation, which we solve and analyze…
This paper investigates the dynamics of optical billiards, a generalization of classic billiards, where light rays travel within a refractive medium and reflect elastically at the boundary. Inspired by studies of acoustic modes in rapidly…
A right triangular billiard system is equivalent to the system of two colliding particles confined in a one-dimensional box. In spite of their seeming simplicity, no definite conclusion has been drawn so far concerning their ergodic…
A lower bound for the number of 3-periodical billiard trajectories in a manifold embedded in Euclidean space is obtained.
We apply the technique of K\'aroly Bezdek and Daniel Bezdek to study billiard trajectories in convex bodies, when the length is measured with a (possibly asymmetric) norm. We prove a lower bound for the length of the shortest closed…
Much recent interest has focused on "open" dynamical systems, in which a classical map or flow is considered only until the trajectory reaches a "hole", at which the dynamics is no longer considered. Here we consider questions pertaining to…
Let $s$ be a source point and $t$ be a destination point inside an $n$-vertex simple polygon $P$. Euclidean shortest paths and minimum-link paths between $s$ and $t$ inside $P$ have been well studied. Both these kinds of paths are simple…
A triangular graphenic billiard is defined as a planar carbon polymer in the H\"uckeloid approximation of $\pi-$band electrons. It is shown that the equilateral triangle of arbitrary size and zig-zag edges allows for exact solutions of the…
A body moves in a medium composed of noninteracting point particles; interaction of particles with the body is absolutely elastic. It is required to find the body's shape minimizing or maximizing resistance of the medium to its motion. This…