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Let $u: \Omega \to \mathbf{R}$ be a $C^{0,\alpha}$ function, with $\alpha \in (0,1]$, defined on a bounded, open domain $\Omega$. Suppose that $u$ is a viscosity subsolution of the equation $\Delta U = A$ in $\Omega$, for some constant $A > 0$: $u$ is '$A$-strictly subharmonic' in the viscosity sense.

How well can $u$ be approximated by a regular subsolution $v$, say with $\Delta v \geq (1-\epsilon)A$ in the classical sense? Can one find such a $v \in C^2(\Omega)$ with $\lvert u - v \rvert_{C^{0,\alpha}} \leq \epsilon$?

  • I suspect this kind of thing is well-known (maybe via an inf-convolution or similar), but unfortunately I know very little viscosity theory.
  • If there is a trade-off between ensuring $\Delta v \geq (1 - \epsilon) A$ and the smallness of $\lvert u - v \rvert_{C^{0,\alpha}}$, then I would prioritize the latter—say something like $\Delta v \geq 2^{-N}A$ and $\lvert u - v \rvert_{C^{0,\alpha}} \leq 2^{-N}$ would be fine.
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    $\begingroup$ You may wish to use standard mollification, which preserves viscosity subsolutions to any concave elliptic equation of the form $F(D^2u) = 0$. $\endgroup$ Commented Jan 10, 2023 at 17:28
  • $\begingroup$ @ConnorMooney That's great - thanks! Is this in the user's guide? $\endgroup$
    – Leo Moos
    Commented Jan 10, 2023 at 17:56
  • $\begingroup$ Sure! I'd check the chapter on concave equations in the book of Caffarelli-Cabre. $\endgroup$ Commented Jan 10, 2023 at 18:03

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