Optimal second-order regularity for the p-Laplace system

Abstract

Second-order estimates are established for solutions to the $p$-Laplace system with right-hand side in $L^2$. The nonlinear expression of the gradient under the divergence operator is shown to belong to $W^{1,2}$, and hence to enjoy the best possible degree of regularity. Moreover, its norm in $W^{1,2}$ is proved to be equivalent to the norm of the right-hand side in $L^2$. Our global results apply to solutions to both Dirichlet and Neumann problems, and entail minimal regularity of the boundary of the domain. In particular, our conclusions hold for arbitrary bounded convex domains. Local estimates for local solutions are provided as well.