Counterexamples to the Five Neighbour Density Conjecture

We construct periodic packings of unequal circular disks in which every disk touches exactly five others, the smallest-to-largest radius ratio exceeds the Fejes Tóth threshold, and the density is below the conjectured bound √3π/7. These give a negative answer to Problem 1 of Section 2.5 in Brass, Moser and Pach, attributed there to G. and L. Fejes Tóth. A two-radius example has density between 0.72030 and 0.72031. A three-radius example has exact radius ratio 0.53329642 and density between 0.67254600021 and 0.67254600022. Each uses twelve disks in a period cell. We give explicit algebraic coordinates, explain the geometric search strategy, and reduce verification to polynomial identities, rational inequalities and a short bound covering all remaining translates. A small companion package provides the exact parameters, contact lists and an independently implemented verifier.

Authors

Publication Details

Journal
Zenodo (CERN European Organization for Nuclear Research)
Published
2026-11-10
DOI
https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.24095095
Primary Topic
Computational Geometry and Mesh Generation
Type
preprint
Controls
|||
ALL TIME
JAN
FEB
MAR
APR
MAY
JUN
JUL
AUG
SEP
OCT
NOV
preprint

Counterexamples to the Five Neighbour Density Conjecture

John Seamons
Zenodo (CERN European Organization for Nuclear Research)
Computational Geometry and Mesh Generation
preprint

Counterexamples to the Five Neighbour Density Conjecture

John Seamons
preprint en

Abstract

We construct periodic packings of unequal circular disks in which every disk touches exactly five others, the smallest-to-largest radius ratio exceeds the Fejes Tóth threshold, and the density is below the conjectured bound √3π/7. These give a negative answer to Problem 1 of Section 2.5 in Brass, Moser and Pach, attributed there to G. and L. Fejes Tóth. A two-radius example has density between 0.72030 and 0.72031. A three-radius example has exact radius ratio 0.53329642 and density between 0.67254600021 and 0.67254600022. Each uses twelve disks in a period cell. We give explicit algebraic coordinates, explain the geometric search strategy, and reduce verification to polynomial identities, rational inequalities and a short bound covering all remaining translates. A small companion package provides the exact parameters, contact lists and an independently implemented verifier.

Zenodo (CERN European Organization for Nuclear Research)
Computational Geometry and Mesh Generation
AI Navigator

Ask Laika to Summarize, Analyze, and Connect papers live on the map.

Summarize Papers & Methodologies

Extract key findings, datasets, and comparative methods across publications.

Benchmark Rankings & Visual Analytics

Rank top research institutions, authors, funders, topics, and journals by Field-Weighted Citation Impact (FWCI) and paper volume with instant charts.

Connect Distant Disciplines

Bridge topological clusters on the map to find hidden collaborative intersections.

Laika access coming soon