The Centrifuge Problem

Overview

A solution of the Centrifuge Problem in Wolfram Mathematica.

Given a centrifuge with n holes, is it possible to balance k test tubes?

This solution, in particular centrifuge_problem_exhaustive_legacy.nb, is further explored in by blog: https://aldomann.com/post/the-centrifuge-problem/

Examples

Below we can see raw solutions for n=4 and n=12.

4 // FindCentrifugeSols // DrawCentrifugeSols

12 // FindCentrifugeSols // DrawCentrifugeSols

Below we can see unique solutions (under rotation) for n=4 and n=12.

4 // FindCentrifugeSols // ReduceRotations // DrawCentrifugeSols

4 // FindCentrifugeSols // ReduceRotations // DrawCentrifugeSols