Linear stability analysis of overdetermined problems with non-constant data

Abstract

We study an overdetermined problem that arises as the Euler-Lagrange equation of a weighted variational problem in elasticity. Based on a detailed linear analysis by spherical harmonics, we prove the existence and local uniqueness as well as an optimal stability estimate for the shape of a domain allowing the solvability of the overdetermined problem. Our linear analysis reveals that the solution structure is strongly related to the choice of parameters in the problem. In particular, the global uniqueness holds for the pair of the parameters lying in a triangular region.