Convex Integration Solutions for the Geometrically Non-linear Two-Well Problem with Higher Sobolev Regularity

In this article we discuss higher Sobolev regularity of convex integration solutions for the geometrically non-linear two-well problem. More precisely, we construct solutions to the differential inclusion $\nabla u\in K$ subject to suitable affine boundary conditions for $u$ with $$K:= SO(2)\left[\begin{array}{ ccc } 1 & \delta \\ 0 & 1 \end{array}\right] \cup SO(2)\left[\begin{array}{ ccc } 1 & -\delta \\ 0 & 1 \end{array}\right]$$ such that the associated deformation gradients $\nabla u$ enjoy higher Sobolev regularity. This provides the first result in the modelling of phase transformations in shape-memory alloys where $K^{qc} \neq K^{c}$, and where the energy minimisers constructed by convex integration satisfy higher Sobolev regularity. We show that in spite of additional difficulties arising from the treatment of the non-linear matrix space geometry, it is possible to deal with the geometrically non-linear two-well problem within the framework outlined in \cite{RZZ18}. Physically, our investigation of convex integration solutions at higher Sobolev regularity is motivated by viewing regularity as a possible selection mechanism of microstructures.