A convergent finite element method for two-phase Stokes flow driven by surface tension

Abstract

We present the first convergence proof for an iso-parametric finite element discretization of two-phase Stokes flow in $\Omega \subset \mathbb{R}^d$, $d=2,3$, with interface dynamics governed by mean curvature. The proof relies on a crucial discrete coupled parabolicity structure of the error system and a powerful iso-parametric framework of convergence analysis where we do not really discriminate consistency and stability. This new mixing idea leads to a non-trivial construction of the bulk mesh in the consistency analysis. The techniques and analysis developed in this paper provide fundamental numerical analysis tools for general curvature-driven free boundary problems.