Minimizing harmonic maps into ellipsoids and harmonic diffeomorphisms (Q1849682)

This paper is concerned with harmonic maps between the Euclidean ball \(B^n\) (\(n\geq 3\)) and a hypersurface of revolution \(N\) of the same dimension. Sufficient conditions are given under which a weakly harmonic rotationally symmetric diffeomorphism between those manifolds is an energy minimizing harmonic map. The interesting case in this condition is when \(N\) is a hemi-ellipsoid. In this case, the theorem can be applied to give an affirmative answer to the question of minimality of the equator map which has been raised in [\textit{A. Baldes}, Math. Z. 185, 505-516 (1984; Zbl 0513.58021)] and [\textit{F. Hélein}, Manuscr. Math. 60, 235-257 (1988; Zbl 0646.58020)], in the case that \(N\) has been open.