Focal Conics: From Number Theory to Materials Geometry

Title

Focal Conics: From Number Theory to Materials Geometry

Subject

Physics

Contributor

Dr. Gareth Alexander

Abstract

This project showcases the packing of circles and ellipses using conic shapes and focal conics. We derive Descartes’ equation and an equivalent of it in hyperbolic space, then go over an application within a liquid crystal and derive the cylcides of Dupin that are around a given focal conic.

Meta Tags

Physics, Theoretical physics, Mathematics, Geometry

Files

Citation

Max Sketcher, “Focal Conics: From Number Theory to Materials Geometry,” URSS SHOWCASE, accessed September 7, 2026, https://linen-dog.lnx.warwick.ac.uk/items/show/1064.