Circumscribing constant-width bodies with polytopes (Q1296214)

Any set of diameter 2 in \(\mathbb R^n\) is contained in a convex body of constant width 2. Consequently, if some polytope \(P\) circumscribes every convex body of constant width 2, it contains every set of diameter 2. A conjecture of \textit{V.~V.~Makeev} [Mat. Zametki 55, 128-130 (1994); translation in Math. Notes 55, 423-425 (1994; Zbl 0830.52003)], generalizes this theorem to higher dimensions: Every constant width body in \(R^n\) is inscribed in a polytope similar to \(D_n,\) the dual of the difference body of a regular simplex. The conjecture is motivated by the fact that \(D_n\) has \(n(n + 1)\) sides, the largest number possible for a polytope that has the circumscribing property. In this note, the author proves that every constant width body in \(\mathbb R^3\) is circumscribed by an odd number of congruent copies of \(D_3\) (in a homological sense), as is also the case in two dimensions. In particular, he proves the conjecture of Makeev for \(n = 3,\) a special case of which was conjectured in 1974 by Chakerian. The following partial generalization is also proved: Every strictly convex body in \(\mathbb R^3\) is inscribed in a polyhedron which is affinely equivalent to the standard rhombic dodecahedron.