What is the largest possible volume of the convex hull of an open/closed curve of unit length in $\mathbb{R}^3$?



Largest possible volume of the convex hull of a curve of unit length
I believe this problem has been mentioned a few times in the literature, and has been solved for certain restrictions on the curve. For example if the curve has no four coplanar points then the maximal volume is achieved by one turn of a circular helix of height $\frac{1}{\sqrt{3}}$ and base radius $\frac{1}{\pi\sqrt{6}}$, this is due to Egervary. For more references see section A28 of "Unsolved problems in geometry" by H.T. Croft, K.J. Falconer, R.K. Guy. Melzak and Schoenberg have treated the corresponding problem for closed loops (Schoenberg has treated even dimensions), and have given answers under similar restrictions. In no case is a complete answer known.


