Approximation by smooth embedded hypersurfaces with positive mean curvature

Abstract

Here we initiate the study of the following problem. Let Ω be a compact domain in a Riemannian manifold such that ∂Ω is of minimum area for the contained volume. Can ∂Ω be approximated by smooth hypersurfaces of positive mean curvature? It reduces to the question of whether or not a stable (or minimizing) hypercone in a Euclidian space can be approximated by smooth hypersurfaces of positive mean curvature. The positive solution to the problem may be useful for studying the curvature and topology of Ω.We show in this paper that such approximation is possible provided that the given minimal cone satisfies some additional hypothesis.