Weak solutions of a viscous model for fluid-bubbles interaction

Abstract

We present a system of Navier-Stokes type that describes the dynamics of several spherical bubbles of gas in a liquid. It is derived from a more complete model, where the bubbles are seen as inclusions of gas of homogeneous barotropic pressure with free surfaces. The usual condition of continuity of the stress is relaxed in order to preserve the sphericity of the bubbles through time. We construct weak solutions \`a la Leray for this relaxed system, up to collision between the bubbles. Although these solutions are reminiscent of weak solutions for fluid-solid interaction systems, accounting for the compression/dilation of the bubbles creates new and significant mathematical difficulties.