On the degree of the polynomial defining a planar algebraic curves of constant width

In this paper, we consider a family of closed planar algebraic curves $\mathcal{C}$ which are given in parametrization form via a trigonometric polynomial $p$. When $\mathcal{C}$ is the boundary of a compact convex set, the polynomial $p$ represents the support function of this set. Our aim is to examine properties of the degree of the defining polynomial of this family of curves in terms of the degree of $p$. Thanks to the theory of elimination, we compute the total degree and the partial degrees of this polynomial, and we solve in addition a question raised by Rabinowitz in \cite{Rabi} on the lowest degree polynomial whose graph is a non-circular curve of constant width. Computations of partial degrees of the defining polynomial of algebraic surfaces of constant width are also provided in the same way.Comment: 13 page

Semidefinite programming for optimizing convex bodies under width constraints

International audienceWe consider the problem of minimizing a functional (like the area, perimeter, surface) within the class of convex bodies whose support functions are trigonometric polynomials. The convexity constraint is transformed via the Fejer-Riesz theorem on positive trigonometric polynomials into a semidefinite programming problem. Several problems such as the minimization of the area in the class of constant width planar bodies, rotors and space bodies of revolution are revisited. The approach seems promising to investigate more difficult optimization problems in the class of three-dimensional convex bodies