Analysis of a finite element method for the Stokes--Poisson--Boltzmann equations

Abstract

We define a finite element method for the coupling of Stokes and nonlinear Poisson--Boltzmann equations. The novelty in the formulation is that the coupling from the electric potential to the drag in the momentum balance is rewritten as a weighted advection term. Using Banach's contraction principle, the Babu\v{s}ka--Brezzi theory, and the Minty--Browder theorem, we show that the governing equations have a unique weak solution. We also show that the discrete problem is well-posed, establish C\'ea estimates, and derive convergence rates. We exemplify the properties of the proposed scheme via some numerical experiments showcasing convergence and applicability in the study of electro-osmotic flows in micro-channels.