Inverse problems of mixed type in linear plate theory

The characterisation of those shapes that can be made by the gravity sag-bending manufacturing process used to produce car windscreens and lenses is modelled as an inverse problem in linear plate theory. The corresponding second-order partial differential equation for the Young's modulus is shown to change type (possibly several times) for certain target shapes. We consider the implications of this behaviour for the existence and uniqueness of solutions of the inverse problem for some frame geometries. In particular, we show that no general boundary conditions for the inverse problem can be prescribed if it is desired to achieve certain kinds of target shapes.