On the multiple Borsuk numbers of sets (Q2017114)

In 1933, \textit{K. Borsuk} [Fundam. Math. 20, 177--190 (1933; Zbl 0006.42403)] conjectured that if \(S \subseteq \mathbb{R}^n\) is a set of diameter \(d>0\), then \(S\) can be decomposed as a union of \(n+1\) sets, each of which has diameter strictly less than \(d\). This conjecture remained open for many years until \textit{J. Kahn} and \textit{G. Kalai} [Bull. Am. Math. Soc., New Ser. 29, No. 1, 60--62 (1993; Zbl 0786.52002)] provided an infinite family of counterexamples in 1993. This led to the question of how many sets of strictly smaller diameter are required to cover \(S\). The \textit{Borsuk number} of a set \(S \subseteq \mathbb{R}^n\) is defined as the smallest integer \(m\) such that \(S\) can be decomposed as the union of \(m\) subsets, each of which has diameter strictly smaller than the diameter of \(S\). The purpose of this paper is to extend the definition of the Borsuk number. For a set \(S \subseteq \mathbb{R}^n\) with diameter \(d>0\), the authors define the \(k\)-\textit{fold Borsuk number} of \(S \subseteq \mathbb{R}^n\), to be the smallest integer \(m\) such that \(S\) can be decomposed as the union of \(m\) subsets, each of which has diameter strictly smaller than the diameter of \(S\) and such that each point of \(S\) lies in at least \(k\) of the subsets. The authors begin by characterizing the \(k\)-fold Borsuk numbers of subsets of \(\mathbb{R}^2\). They go on to study convex bodies that are centrally symmetric and/or smooth so that they can determine the \(k\)-fold Borsuk numbers of the standard Euclidean ball. In particular, they show that the \(k\)-fold Borsuk number of the ball \(\mathbb{B}^n\) is \(2k+n-1\). When \(k=1\), this corresponds to the number \(n+1\) in Borsuk's original conjecture and hence generalizes results of \textit{H. Hadwiger} [Comment. Math. Helv. 18, 73--75 (1945; Zbl 0063.01851); Comment. Math. Helv. 19, 72--73 (1946; Zbl 0063.01852)]. They go on to study finite point sets in \(\mathbb{R}^3\) and the asymptotic behavior of the \(k\)-fold Borsuk numbers.