On the curvature of free boundaries with a Bernoulli-type condition (Q2470086)

The following Bernoulli-type problem is at hand: given a closed curve \(\gamma \subset {\mathbb R}^2\), find a closed curve \(\Gamma\) (exterior to \(\gamma\)) and \(u \in C^2(\Omega)\), such that \[ \begin{cases} \Delta u = 0, &\text{in }\Omega\\ u = 1, &\text{on }\gamma\\ u = 0 \text{ and } |\nabla u| = 1 &\text{on }\Gamma, \end{cases} \] where \(\Omega\) is the region in the plane contained in between \(\gamma\) and \(\Gamma\). It is well-known that this problem admits a solution, and that \(\Gamma\) is analytic. The purpose of the paper under review is to determine geometric properties of \(\Gamma\) in relation to \(\gamma\). The results presented extend earlier findings by \textit{A. Acker} [Math. Methods Appl. Sci. 6, 449--456 (1984; Zbl 0558.35081), and 8, 387--404 (1986; Zbl 0616.35084)] by giving a one-to-one correspondence between maximal arcs of positive (negative) curvature on \(\Gamma\) and \(\gamma\). It is furthermore proved that local maxima (minima) of the curvature of \(\Gamma\) correspond to similar local maxima (minima) along \(\gamma\) of smaller curvature, i.e. \(\Gamma\) ``bends less'' than \(\gamma\). The main methods used come from complex and harmonic analysis, and hence rely on the fact that \(u\) is a harmonic function. For an earlier overview of the problem, see \textit{M. Flucher} and \textit{M. Rumpf} [J. Reine Angew. Math. 486, 165--204 (1997; Zbl 0909.35154)], and for a comparison with similar problems within fluid mechanics -- where gravity plays a major role -- cf. \textit{E. Varvaruca} [Interfaces Free Bound. 9, No. 3, 367--381 (2007; Zbl 1148.35102)].