Hamilton-Jacobi equations and distance functions on Riemannian manifolds (Q1871847)

The paper contains a multitude of sharp results concerning several types of properties of the {distance function}, \(d_K(x):=\inf_{y\in K}d(x,y),\) \(x\in M\), associated to a nonempty closed subset \(K\) of a smooth, connected, \(n\)-dimensional complete Riemannian manifold \((M,g)\). Using arguments from optimal control theory one proves first that, in the class of bounded from below functions, \(d_K(.)\) is the unique viscosity solution of the eikonal equation \[ | \nabla u| -1=0\text{ in }M\setminus K, \quad u=0\text{ on }K, \] hence a semiconcave function, while its square, \(d_K^2(.)\), is the unique viscosity solution of the Hamilton-Jacobi equation \[ | \nabla u| -2u=\text{ in }M, \quad u=0\text{ on }K. \] The largest part of the paper is dedicated to {rectifiability} properties of the subset \(Sing\subset M\) of the {singular points} \(x\in M\) at which \(d_K(.)\) is not differentiable and to similar properties of its closure \(\overline{Sing}\).