Gap functions and error bounds for variational-hemivariational inequalities

Abstract

In this paper we investigate the gap functions and regularized gap functions for a class of variational–hemivariational inequalities of elliptic type. First, based on regularized gap functions introduced by Yamashita and Fukushima, we establish some regularized gap functions for the variational–hemivariational inequalities. Then, the global error bounds for such inequalities in terms of regularized gap functions are derived by using the properties of the Clarke generalized gradient. Finally, an application to a stationary nonsmooth semipermeability problem is given to illustrate our main results