On Buffon's problem for a lattice and its deformations (Q1875893)

A Buffon's problem is considered, concerning the probability \(p_l\) that a random segment of length \(l\) intersects a side of a cell of a lattice \(R_{\alpha,a}\). The fundamental cell of \(R_{\alpha,a}\) is formed by joining two polygons. The first one is an equilateral octagon of side \(a\), the measures of its angles being \(\pi-\alpha\) and \(\pi/2+\alpha\), \(\alpha\in ]0,\pi/2[\). The second one is the square of side \(a\). The two polygons are joined together along a side of the octagon whose adjacent angles have equal measure. Under the assumption that \(l\leq a\), the authors obtain \[ p_l= \frac{6}{\pi(1+\sin\alpha)(1+\cos\alpha)} \frac{l}{a}- \frac{3-\alpha\cot\alpha- (\pi/2-\alpha)\tan\alpha} {2\pi(1+\sin\alpha)(1+\cos\alpha)} \left(\frac{l}{a}\right)^2. \] For the lattice \(R_{\pi/4,a}\) the case \(l\geq a\) is also considered, and \(p_l\) is derived through a four cases analysis.