A generalization of domains of constant width (Q5962903)

The width \(\omega(K,\theta)\) of a convex domain \(K\subset\mathbb R^2\) is the sum of the support functions of \(K\) in directions \(\theta\) and \(-\theta\), \(\omega(K,\theta)=h(K,\theta)+h(K,\theta+\pi)\). The famous examples of domains of constant width are the disc and the Reuleaux triangle. The latter solves the Blaschke-Lebesgue problem in two dimensions: what is the minimal area of a convex domain with a constant width? The Blaschke-Lebesgue problem is open in dimensions \(n\geq 3\). One can define \(k\)-order width functions as \(\omega_k(K,\theta)=h(K,\theta)+h(K,\theta+\frac{2\pi}{k})+\dots+h(K,\theta+\frac{2(k-1)\pi}{k})\). Clearly, \(\omega(K,\theta)=\omega_2(K,\theta)\). One can generalise the Blaschke-Lebesgue problem for \(\omega_k\) and it is open for \(k>3\). In pursuit of this, the author proves several new properties of \(\omega_k\). Let \(H=\max_\theta\omega_k(K,\theta)\), \(h=\min_\theta\omega_k(K,\theta)\). Theorems 3.3. and 3.4 give two-side estimates via \(h\) and \(H\) for the perimeter of an arbitraty convex body \(K\). Theorem 3.2 gives a two-side estimate for \(H\) in terms of \(h\), with examples of equalities. Theorem 3.1 says that \(K\) is of constant \(k\)-order width if and only if \(K+K_1+\dots K_{k-1}\) is a disc. Here \(K_i\) is the rotation of \(K\) on the angle \(\frac{2i\pi}{k}\).