On optimality conditions of relaxed non-convex variational problems

Non-convex variational problems in many situations lack a classical solution. Still they can be solved in a generalized sense, e.g., they can be relaxed by means of Young measures. Various sets of optimality conditions of the relaxed non-convex variational problems can be introduced. For example, the so-called “variations” of Young measures lead to a set of optimality conditions, or the Weierstrass maximum principle can be the base of another set of optimality conditions. Moreover the second order necessary and sufficient optimality conditions can be derived from the geometry of the relaxed problem. In this article the sets of optimality conditions are compared. Illustrative examples are included.  2004 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved