Shape optimization under width constraint: the Cheeger constant and the torsional rigidity

Abstract

In this article it is shown that the equilateral triangle maximizes the Cheeger constant and minimizes the torsional rigidity among shapes having a fixed minimal width. The proof techniques use direct comparisons with simpler shapes, consisting of disks with three disjoint caps. Comparison results for harmonic functions help establish that in non-equilateral configurations the shape derivative has an appropriate sign, contradicting optimality.