The Finsler Metric Obtained as the $Γ$-limit of a Generalised Manhattan Metric

Abstract: The $\Gamma$-limit for a sequence of length functionals associated with a one parameter family of Riemannian manifolds is computed analytically. The Riemannian manifold is of `two-phase' type, that is, the metric coefficient takes values in ${1,\beta}$, with $\beta$ sufficiently large. The metric coefficient takes the value $\beta$ on squares, the size of which are controlled by a single parameter. We find a family of examples of limiting Finsler metrics that are piecewise affine with infinitely many lines of discontinuity. Such an example provides insight into how the limit metric behaves under variations of the underlying microscopic Riemannian geometry, with implications for attempts to compute such metrics numerically.