On the parabolicity of the Muskat problem: Well-posedness, fingering, and stability results

Abstract

We consider in this paper the Muskat problem in a periodic geometry and incorporate capillary as well as gravity effects in the modelling. The problem re-writes as an abstract evolution equation and we use this property to prove well-posedness of the problem and to establish exponential stability of some flat equilibrium. Using bifurcation theory we also find finger shaped steady-states which are all unstable.