Existence of planar curves minimizing length and curvature (Q630199)

The authors consider the problem of reconstructing a curve that is partially hidden or corrupted by minimizing the functional \(\int\sqrt{1+K_{\gamma}^{2}}\,ds\), depending both on the length and curvature \(K\). They require that the starting and ending points are fixed as well as the initial and final directions. For this functional, the problem of the existence of minimizers is discussed on various functional spaces. The nonexistence of minimizers is proven in cases in which the initial and final directions are considered with orientation. In this case, minimizing sequences of trajectories may converge to curves with corners. The authors instead prove the existence of minimizers for the functional \(\int\|\overset{\cdot}{\gamma}(t)\|\sqrt{1+K_{\gamma}^{2}}\,dt\) for all boundary conditions if the initial and final directions are considered regardeless of orientation. In this case, minimizers may present at most two cusps but no corners.