Homogenization of Multiple Integrals

Homogenization theory describes the macroscopic properties of structures with fine microstructure. Its applications are diverse and include optimal design and the study of composites. The theory relies on the asymptotic analysis of fast-oscillating differential equations or integral functionals. This book is an introduction to the homogenization of nonlinear integral functionals. It emphasizes general results that do not rely on smoothness or convexity assumptions. The book presents a rigorous mathematical description of the overall properties of such functionals, with various applications that range from cellular elastic materials to Riemannian metrics and Hamilton-Jacobi equations. The book also includes self-contained introductions to the theories of gamma-convergence and weak lower semicontinuous functionals.

Andrea Braides is at SISSA, Trieste. Anneliese Defranceschi is at Parma University.