Varifold solutions to volume-preserving mean curvature flow: existence and weak–strong uniqueness

In this contribution we introduce a novel weak solution concept for two-phase volume-preserving mean curvature flow, having both properties of unconditional global-in-time existence and weak-strong uniqueness. These solutions extend the ones proposed by Hensel and Laux (J Differ Geom 130:209-268, 2025) for the standard mean curvature flow, and consist in evolving varifolds coupled with the phase volumes by a transport equation. First, we show that, in the same setting as in Takasao (Arch Ration Mech Anal 247:52, 2023), any sharp interface limit of solutions to a slightly modified nonlocal Allen-Cahn equation is a varifold solution according to our new definition. Secondly, we crucially introduce a new notion of volume-preserving gradient-flow calibrations, allowing the extended velocity vector field to point in the normal direction on the interface. We show that any sufficiently regular strong solution is calibrated in this sense. Finally, we prove that any classical solution to volume-preserving mean curvature flow, which is then automatically a calibrated flow, is unique in the class of our new varifold solutions.

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Publication Details

Journal
Mathematische Annalen
Published
2026-03-12
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s00208-026-03421-9
Primary Topic
Solidification and crystal growth phenomena
Type
article
Field-Weighted Citation Impact
0.00

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article

Varifold solutions to volume-preserving mean curvature flow: existence and weak–strong uniqueness

Andrea Poiatti
Mathematische Annalen
Solidification and crystal growth phenomena
article

Varifold solutions to volume-preserving mean curvature flow: existence and weak–strong uniqueness

Andrea Poiatti
article en

Abstract

In this contribution we introduce a novel weak solution concept for two-phase volume-preserving mean curvature flow, having both properties of unconditional global-in-time existence and weak-strong uniqueness. These solutions extend the ones proposed by Hensel and Laux (J Differ Geom 130:209-268, 2025) for the standard mean curvature flow, and consist in evolving varifolds coupled with the phase volumes by a transport equation. First, we show that, in the same setting as in Takasao (Arch Ration Mech Anal 247:52, 2023), any sharp interface limit of solutions to a slightly modified nonlocal Allen-Cahn equation is a varifold solution according to our new definition. Secondly, we crucially introduce a new notion of volume-preserving gradient-flow calibrations, allowing the extended velocity vector field to point in the normal direction on the interface. We show that any sufficiently regular strong solution is calibrated in this sense. Finally, we prove that any classical solution to volume-preserving mean curvature flow, which is then automatically a calibrated flow, is unique in the class of our new varifold solutions.

Mathematische AnnalenVol. 394(4)
University of Vienna (AT)
Alexander von Humboldt-Stiftung, Istituto Nazionale di Alta Matematica "Francesco Severi", Austrian Science Fund, Universität Wien, Gruppo Nazionale per l'Analisi Matematica, la Probabilità e le loro Applicazioni
Openalex Percentile: Top 26%
Solidification and crystal growth phenomena
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