7
$\begingroup$

Let $D$ be a planar, bounded, convex open domain. Given a positive function $f:D\to(0,+\infty)$, let us consider the Poisson equation $$\Delta u=f\quad\hbox{in }D.$$ Not specifying any boundary condition, it admits a bunch of solutions $u=u_0+v$, where $u_0$ is a particular one (for instance the solution of the Dirichlet BVP with $u_0=0$ on $\partial D$), and $v$ is an arbitrary harmonic function.

Does there exist a convex solution (actually strongly convex in the sense that ${\rm D}^2u(x)$ is positive definite for every $x\in D$) ?

Let me refine the question as follows. For this, I denote $\nu$ and $\tau$ the unit normal and tangential vector fields along $\partial D$.

Does there exist a solution of the Laplace equation, satisfying the 2nd-order boundary condition ${\rm D}^2u(\nu,\tau)=0$ along $\partial D$ ? If so, is it a convex function ?

$\endgroup$
1
  • $\begingroup$ @WillieWong. Of course yes, $\tau$ is the tangent vector field. $\endgroup$ Commented Jun 3, 2022 at 13:24

1 Answer 1

8
$\begingroup$

I apologize for having posted this question too early. I realize that the answer to the first question is negative.

Actually suppose that $D=D(0;R)$ is a disk and $f=f(r)$ is a radial function. If a convex solution $u$ existed, then certainly $u_\theta(x):=u(R_\theta x)$ would be another one, where $R_\theta$ is a rotation. Then $$U:=\frac1{2\pi}\int_0^{2\pi}u_\theta\,d\theta$$ is again a convex solution, now a radial one $U=v(r)$. It satisfies $v''+\frac1r v'=f$, and the spectrum of ${\rm D}^2U$ is $\{v'',\frac1rv'\}$. Thus the existence of a convex solution for every smooth positive radial $f$ amounts to saying that $rv''+v'\ge0$ over $(0,R)$ for $v'(0)=0$, implies $v',v''\ge0$. This is obviously false.

$\endgroup$
2
  • $\begingroup$ What is the notation D$^2$? $\endgroup$
    – thedude
    Commented Jun 3, 2022 at 13:50
  • 1
    $\begingroup$ @thedude This is the Hessian matrix. $\endgroup$ Commented Jun 3, 2022 at 15:58

You must log in to answer this question.

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged .