After successful completion of the course, students are able to analyze or "solve" typical problems in calculus of variations. Moreover, they will know techniques from Gamma-convergence, homogenization and Young measures.
classical examples (catenary curve, minimal surfaces), Euler-Lagrange equation, classical solution theory (via differential equations, "indirect method"), existence and uniqueness theory ("direct solution method", Tonelli's program), constrained problems, obstacle problems, variational inequalities, non-convex functionals, saddle point problems
presentation of the course material at the blackboard
The course starts Wednesday, March 4. On Mach 5, there is an extra course in the time slot of the exercise.
final oral exam (about 45')
Not necessary
partial differential equations, functional analysis
