The nonlinear optimization problem in heat conduction

In this paper we study the existence and geometric properties of an optimal configuration to a nonlinear optimization problem in heat conduction. The quantity to be minimized is , where D is a fixed domain. A nonconstant temperature distribution is prescribed on and a volume constraint on the set where the temperature is positive is imposed. Among other regularity properties of an optimal configuration, we prove analyticity of the free boundary.Received: 6 October 2004, Accepted: 19 October 2004, Published online: 22 December 2004