A cut finite element method for a Stokes interface problem

Abstract

We present a finite element method for the Stokes equations involving two immiscible incompressible fluids with different viscosities and with surface tension. The interface separating the two fluids does not need to align with the mesh. We propose a Nitsche formulation which allows for discontinuities along the interface with optimal a priori error estimates. A stabilization procedure is included which ensures that the method produces a well conditioned stiffness matrix independent of the location of the interface.