Packing ovals in optimized regular polygons

We present a model development framework and numerical solution approach to the general problem-class of packing convex objects into optimized convex containers. Specifically, we discuss the problem of packing ovals ( egg - shaped objects, defined here as generalized ellipses) into optimized regular polygons in $$ {\mathbb{R}}^{2} $$ R 2 . Our solution strategy is based on the use of embedded Lagrange multipliers, followed by nonlinear optimization. Credible numerical results are attained using randomized starting solutions, refined by a single call to a local optimization solver. We obtain visibly good quality packings for packing 4 to 10 ovals into regular polygons with 3 to 10 sides in all 224 test problems presented here. Our modeling and solution approach can be extended towards handling other difficult packing problems.