No label defined (Q4947578)

This textbook presents an introduction into geometric variational problems such as \[ \min\Biggl\{\sigma_{n-1}(\partial E)+ \int_E f(x) dx\mid E\in{\mathcal R}\Biggr\}, \] where \(f\) is a given ``curvature'' function, \(\sigma_{n-1}\) denotes the \((n-1)\)-dimensional Hausdorff-measure in \(\mathbb{R}^n\), and \({\mathcal R}\) represents a suitable class of admissible subsets of \(\mathbb{R}^n\). As in standard variational calculus the existence of solutions can only be established in appropriate weak classes of sets \(E\) which leads to the notion of sets of finite perimeter. Moreover, one is immediately confronted with the question of (partial) regularity of minimizing surfaces. The regularity problem for weak minimizers is the subject of the last chapter of the present monograph, and the clear exposition of the author makes this highly non-trivial material understandable even for nonexperts in this field. Chapters 1 to 3 contain the necessary background material such as basic measure theory and the most important facts concerning the structure of sets of finite perimeter. In summary, this textbook is not only attractive for specialists, it also serves as a guideline for graduate students who want to have a good insight into one of the most prominent problems of geometric measure theory.