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The structure of area-minimizing double bubbles

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Abstract

We show that the least area required to enclose two volumes in ℝn orS n forn ≥ 3 is a strictly concave function of the two volumes. We deduce that minimal double bubbles in ℝn have no empty chambers, and we show that the enclosed regions are connected in some cases. We give consequences for the structure of minimal double bubbles in ℝn. We also prove a general symmetry theorem for minimal enclosures ofm volumes in ℝn, based on an idea due to Brian White.

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Supported in part by NSF DMS-9409166.

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Hutchings, M. The structure of area-minimizing double bubbles. J Geom Anal 7, 285–304 (1997). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02921724

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