A non-isotropic free transmission problem governed by quasi-linear operators (Q2048645)

This article discusses a class of model problems for which there is a phase change when there is diffusion between different media. One example of this is the change from ice to water. A variational functional is set up in terms of the transition functions and it is shown that if can be formulated as a free boundary problem in all space. To do this additional terms are added to the functional. One of these is called a compensating function which essentially penalises the change of phase. One problem is that the functionals are not convex and consequently the local behaviour needs to be examines. It is necessary to examine and to prove the existance and conditions for the functional to be a minimizer. In one particular case, the Dirchlet boundary conditions, the concept of finite perimeter is defined and proved to be valid.