close-packing
Spheres touching everywhere
Close-packing describes the arrangement of objects—typically spheres or atoms—so they occupy the minimum possible space.
In chemistry and materials science, close-packed structures are crystal lattices where atoms nestle into the gaps left by their neighbors: a close-packed hexagonal lattice.
The concept extends to any efficient spatial arrangement: close-packing oranges in a crate.
Gapless plane coverage
- tilingSurface-covering arrangement
- space-fillingUsing all available room
- spheresRound solids, all points equidistant
- hexagonalSix-edged polygon's form
cubic · optimal · arrangement · density · regularity · uniformity · congruent · tangent
Openwork of crossed strips
- hexagonalSix-edged polygon's form
- cubicOf three dimensions
- atomsSmallest elemental units
- spheresRound solids, all points equidistant
body-centered · coordination · interstitial · alloys · polymorphism · voids
tessellation
Gapless plane coverage
- tilingSurface-covering arrangement
- space-fillingUsing all available room
- spheresRound solids, all points equidistant
hexagonal · cubic · optimal · arrangement · density · regularity · uniformity · congruent · tangent · interlocking
lattice
Openwork of crossed strips
spheres · body-centered · coordination · interstitial · alloys · polymorphism · voids
compressed
Reduced by pressure
crammed · jammed · stuffed · sardines · tight · snug · confined · cramped · wedged · nestled
close-packingdispersal
Spreading in many directions
scattering · spread out · separation · rarefaction · dilution
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