Optimal packings of two to four equal circles on any flat torus (Q2329183)

A flat torus is the quotient of the Euclidean plane by a lattice generated by two independent vectors. Let \(v_1=(0, 1)\) and \(v_2=(x, y)\) with \(x^2+y^2\geq 1\), \(y>0\), and \(x\in [0, 1/2]\) and let \(k=2,3,4\). Consider an optimal packing of \(k\) equal circles on the flat torus generated by \(v_1\), \(v_2\). Using techniques from rigidity theory and topological graph theory, the authors provide an explicit formula in terms of \(x\) and \(y\) for the common radius of the circles as well as determine their optimal location.