A convex dual variational formulation for non-convex optimization applied to a non-linear model of plates

Abstract

This article develops duality principles applicable to the non-linear Kirchhoff-Love model of plates. The results are obtained through standard tools of convex analysis, functional analysis, calculus of variations and duality theory. The main duality principle concerns a convex (in fact concave) dual variational formulation and related new optimality conditions for the model in question. Finally, in the last section we develop some global existence results for a similar model in elasticity.