The Schönhardt polyhedron, a non-convex shape that resists partition into tetrahedra unless new vertices are added, remains the primary mathematical contribution of Erich Schönhardt. This specific geometric finding, published in 1928, addressed structural complexities in polyhedral decomposition that continue to influence the field of computational geometry decades after his death in Stuttgart.
Academic Foundation
Erich Schönhardt was born in Stuttgart in 1891 and maintained German citizenship throughout his life. His formal education took place at the University of Stuttgart and the University of Tübingen. He completed his doctoral studies in 1920 under the supervision of Ludwig Maurer, writing a thesis focused on the mathematical theory of Schottky groups.
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During the 1930s, Schönhardt held the position of Dozentenführer at the University of Tübingen, serving as the Nazi political leader of the faculty. In this capacity, he officially denounced his colleague Erich Kamke, citing Kamke's marriage to a Jewish woman as the basis for the action. Schönhardt subsequently transitioned to the University of Stuttgart in 1936, where he served as rector from 1939 until 1942.
Professional Editorial Work
Beyond his research and administrative duties, Schönhardt maintained a consistent presence in German academic publishing. He served as a permanent editor for the journal Deutsche Mathematik. His career was also marked by his membership in the Burschenschaft Alemannia Stuttgart, a student fraternity. He concluded his career and life in Stuttgart in 1979.
Fast facts
- Born: 1891, Stuttgart
- Died: 1979, Stuttgart
- Field: Mathematics, Logic & Foundations
- Doctorate: 1920, University of Tübingen
- Rector: University of Stuttgart, 1939-1942
- Notable discovery: Schönhardt polyhedron (1928)
- Editorial role: Deutsche Mathematik
Questions readers ask
What is the Schönhardt polyhedron?
It is a non-convex polyhedron that cannot be partitioned into smaller tetrahedra without the addition of extra vertices.
Where did he hold academic positions?
He worked at both the University of Tübingen and the University of Stuttgart.
Achievements
- Held posts at University of Tübingen and University of Stuttgart
