Minimality via second variation for microphase separation of diblock copolymer melts

We consider a non local isoperimetric problem arising as the sharp interface limit of the Ohta-Kawasaki free energy introduced to model microphase separation of diblock copolymers. We perform a second order variational analysis that allows us to provide a quantitative second order minimality condition. We show that critical configurations with positive second variation are indeed strict local minimizers of the nonlocal perimeter. Moreover we provide, via a suitable quantitative inequality of isoperimetric type, an estimate of the deviation from minimality for configurations close to the minimum in the $L^1$ topology

Motion of three-dimensional elastic films by anisotropic surface diffusion with curvature regularization

Short time existence for a surface diffusion evolution equation with curvature regularization is proved in the context of epitaxially strained three-dimensional films. This is achieved by implementing a minimizing movement scheme, which is hinged on the $H^{-1}$-gradient flow structure underpinning the evolution law. Long-time behavior and Liapunov stability in the case of initial data close to a flat configuration are also addressed.Comment: 44 page

A quantitative second order minimality criterion for cavities in elastic bodies

We consider a functional which models an elastic body with a cavity. We show that if a critical point has positive second variation, then it is a strict local minimizer. We also provide a quantitative estimate