Shape optimization for Dirichlet problems: Relaxed formulation and optimality conditions (Q1813610)

The paper is concerned with the optimal design problem \[ \inf_ A \int_ \Omega j\bigl(x,u_ A(x)\bigr) dx, \] where \(\Omega{}\) is a given domain of \({\mathbf R}^ n\) (\(n\geq{} 2\)), \(A\) varies in the open subsets of \(\Omega{}\) and \(u_ A\in{} H^ 1_ 0\bigl(A\bigr)\) is the solution of the problem \[ \Delta{} u_ A=-f\quad\quad\hbox{\mathrm in }A. \] The cost functions \(j\) and \(f\in{} L^ 2\bigl(\Omega{}\bigr)\) are given. In general, the infimum is not attained. By using the approximation results of \textit{G. Dal Maso} and \textit{U. Mosco} [Appl. Math. Optim. 15, 15-63 (1987; Zbl 0644.35033)], the authors are able to find a relaxed formulation of the problem which always admits a solution. Moreover, they find a set of necessary conditions for optimality. Some of these were already known in the literature [see for instance \textit{O. Pironneau}, ``Optimal shape design for elliptic systems'' (1984; Zbl 0534.49001)].