Published online by Cambridge University Press: 20 November 2018
Let d ≥ 2, and K ⊂ ℝd be a convex body with 0 ∈ int K. We consider the intersection body IK, the cross-section body CK and the projection body ΠK of K, which satisfy IK ⊂ CK ⊂ ΠK. We prove that [bd(IK)] ∩ [bd(CK)] ≠ (a joint observation with R. J. Gardner), while for d ≥ 3 the relation [CK] ⊂ int(ΠK) holds for K in a dense open set of convex bodies, in the Hausdorff metric. If IK = c ˙ CK for some constant c > 0, then K is centred, and if both IK and CK are centred balls, then K is a centred ball. If the chordal symmetral and the difference body of K are constant multiples of each other, then K is centred; if both are centred balls, then K is a centred ball. For d ≥ 3 we determine the minimal number of facets, and estimate the minimal number of vertices, of a convex d-polytope P having no plane shadow boundary with respect to parallel illumination (this property is related to the inclusion [CP] ⊂ int(ΠP)).