Shape optimization of a thermal insulation problem

Abstract

AbstractWe study a shape optimization problem involving a solid $$K\subset {\mathbb {R}}^n$$ K ⊂ R n that is maintained at constant temperature and is enveloped by a layer of insulating material $$\Omega $$ Ω which obeys a generalized boundary heat transfer law. We minimize the energy of such configurations among all $$(K,\Omega )$$ ( K , Ω ) with prescribed measure for K and $$\Omega $$ Ω , and no topological or geometrical constraints. In the convection case (corresponding to Robin boundary conditions on $$\partial \Omega $$ ∂ Ω ) we obtain a full description of minimizers, while for general heat transfer conditions, we prove the existence and regularity of solutions and give a partial description of minimizers.