The \(C^{1,\alpha}\) boundary Harnack principle in a slit domain and its application to the Signorini problem (Q7302232)

In this paper, the author proves the \(C^{2,\alpha}\) regularity of the free boundary in the Signorini (or thin obstacle) problem with variable coefficients.\N\NMore precisely, let \(A\) be even in \(x_{n+1}\), uniformly elliptic, with bounded \(C^{\alpha}\) norm (for some \(\alpha<1/2\)). Assume also that \(A^{ij}=A^{ji}=0\) for \(i\le n\), \(j=n+1\) and that \(\partial_i A\) is \(C^{\alpha}\) for all \(i\le n\), with \(\partial_i A^{n+1,n+1}=0\) for \(i\le n\). Fix \(F\in W^{1,\infty}\), and consider an even in \(x_{n+1}\) solution \(U\) of the thin obstacle problem\N\[\N\begin{cases} \operatorname{div}(A\nabla U)=F \text{ when } U>0 \text{ or } x_n\neq 0\\\N\operatorname{div}(A\nabla U)\le F \text{ in the weak sense.} \end{cases}\N\]\NThe main result of the paper proves that if zero is a regular free boundary point, then the free boundary is a \(C^{2,\alpha}\) graph near the origin. This is done using a \(C^{1,\alpha}\) boundary Harnack inequality in slit domains, which, in turn, is proved using ideas from [\textit{S. Terracini} et al., Arch. Ration. Mech. Anal. 248, No. 2, Paper No. 29, 44 p. (2024; Zbl 1537.35109)], as a consequence of Schauder estimates.