Symmetrization in geometry (Q728216)

Symmetrization procedures for sets in geometry (or for functions in analysis) are well-known techniques for proving extremal properties of particularly symmetric objects. The present paper is a thorough investigation of symmetrizations of sets in \({\mathbb R}^n\), considered per se and from a structural point of view. A general notion of \(i\)-symmetrization (with respect to an \(i\)-dimensional subspace \(H\)) is introduced. Several properties are suggested which a symmetrization procedure on compact sets or convex bodies may have or not have. Among them are monotonicity, preservation of some functional, idempotence, and several invariance properties regarding \(H\)-symmetry, projections, or translations. Various classical symmetrization procedures, such as \(p\)th central symmetrization, Steiner, Schwarz, Minkowski, Blaschke symmetrization, and an extended notion of fiber symmetrization, are carefully checked for these properties. Relations between the properties are studied, and numerous examples are given. Steiner symmetrization is characterized as the unique \((n-1)\)-symmetrization on convex bodies in \({\mathbb R}^n\), \(n\geq 2\), that is monotone, volume preserving, and either invariant on \(H\)-symmetric spherical cylinders or projection invariant. A similar result holds for Minkowski symmetrization, with `volume preserving' replaced by `mean width preserving'. Further topics are \(M\)-symmetrization, generalizations of Steiner and Minkowski symmetrization, containments between different symmetrals, and (briefly) convergence of successive symmetrals.