Shape optimization of a thermal insulation problem

Abstract

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