On symmetrization and Hessian equations (Q1122059)

A k-Hessian operator and k-Hessian integral \((k=1,...,n)\) are defined respectively by \[ S_ k(\nabla^ 2u)=\sum_{1\leq i_ 1<...<i_ k\leq n} \lambda_{i_ 1}...\lambda_{i_ k}\quad and\quad H_ k(u)=- (1/(k+1))\int_{\Omega}uS_ k(\nabla^ 2u) \] where \(\Omega\) is a domain in \(R^ n.\) In this paper for each k a symmetrization under which \(H_ k\) decreases is introduced. When k is 1, it is the classical Schwarz symmetrization. Such symmetrization is then used to study the Dirichlet problem for \(S_ k\). A result generalizes those obtained by G. Talenti on Monge-Ampère equations is obtained.