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Harald Garcke

Publications and source records attributed to Harald Garcke.

At least 55 records · Page 3Linked to original sources

Arbitrary Lagrangian-Eulerian finite element approximations for axisymmetric two-phase flow

We analyze numerical approximations for axisymmetric two-phase flow in the arbitrary Lagrangian-Eulerian (ALE) framework. We consider a parametric formulation for the evolving fluid interface in terms of a one-dimensional generating curve. For the two-phase Navier-Stokes equations, we introduce both conservative and nonconservative ALE weak formulations in the 2d meridian half-plane. Piecewise linear parametric elements are employed for discretizing the moving interface, which is then coupled to a moving finite element approximation of the bulk equations. This leads to a variety of ALE methods, which enjoy either an equidistribution property or unconditional stability. Furthermore, we adapt these introduced methods with the help of suitable time-weighted discrete normals, so that the volume of the two phases is exactly preserved on the discrete level. Numerical results for rising bubbles and oscillating droplets are presented to show the efficiency and accuracy of these introduced methods.

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Long-time dynamics of the Cahn--Hilliard equation with kinetic rate dependent dynamic boundary conditions

We consider a Cahn--Hilliard model with kinetic rate dependent dynamic boundary conditions that was introduced by Knopf, Lam, Liu and Metzger (ESAIM Math. Model. Numer. Anal., 2021) and will thus be called the KLLM model. In the aforementioned paper, it was shown that solutions of the KLLM model converge to solutions of the GMS model proposed by Goldstein, Miranville and Schimperna (Physica D, 2011) as the kinetic rate tends to infinity. We first collect the weak well-posedness results for both models and we establish some further essential properties of the weak solutions. Afterwards, we investigate the long-time behavior of the KLLM model. We first prove the existence of a global attractor as well as convergence to a single stationary point. Then, we show that the global attractor of the GMS model is stable with respect to perturbations of the kinetic rate. Eventually, we construct exponential attractors for both models, and we show that the exponential attractor associated with the GMS model is robust against kinetic rate perturbations.

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Unfitted finite element methods for axisymmetric two-phase flow

We propose and analyze unfitted finite element approximations for the two-phase incompressible Navier--Stokes flow in an axisymmetric setting. The discretized schemes are based on an Eulerian weak formulation for the Navier--Stokes equation in the 2d-meridian halfplane, together with a parametric formulation for the generating curve of the evolving interface. We use the lowest order Taylor--Hood and piecewise linear elements for discretizing the Navier--Stokes formulation in the bulk and the moving interface, respectively. We discuss a variety of schemes, amongst which is a linear scheme that enjoys an equidistribution property on the discrete interface and good volume conservation. An alternative scheme can be shown to be unconditionally stable and to conserve the volume of the two phases exactly. Numerical results are presented to show the robustness and accuracy of the introduced methods for simulating both rising bubble and oscillating droplet experiments.

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Structure-preserving discretizations of two-phase Navier-Stokes flow using fitted and unfitted approaches

We consider the numerical approximation of a sharp-interface model for two-phase flow, which is given by the incompressible Navier-Stokes equations in the bulk domain together with the classical interface conditions on the interface. We propose structure-preserving finite element methods for the model, meaning in particular that volume preservation and energy decay are satisfied on the discrete level. For the evolving fluid interface, we employ parametric finite element approximations that introduce an implicit tangential velocity to improve the quality of the interface mesh. For the two-phase Navier-Stokes equations, we consider two different approaches: an unfitted and a fitted finite element method, respectively. In the unfitted approach, the constructed method is based on an Eulerian weak formulation, while in the fitted approach a novel arbitrary Lagrangian-Eulerian (ALE) weak formulation is introduced. Using suitable discretizations of these two formulations, we introduce two finite element methods and prove their structure-preserving properties. Numerical results are presented to show the accuracy and efficiency of the introduced methods.

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Approximation and existence of a viscoelastic phase-field model for tumour growth in two and three dimensions

In this work, we present a phase-field model for tumour growth, where a diffuse interface separates a tumour from the surrounding host tissue. In our model, we consider transport processes by an internal, non-solenoidal velocity field. We include viscoelastic effects with the help of a general Oldroyd-B type description with relaxation and possible stress generation by growth. The elastic energy density is coupled to the phase-field variable which allows to model invasive growth towards areas with less mechanical resistance. The main analytical result is the existence of weak solutions in two and three space dimensions in the case of additional stress diffusion. The idea behind the proof is to use a numerical approximation with a fully-practical, stable and (subsequence) converging finite element scheme. The physical properties of the model are preserved with the help of a regularization technique, uniform estimates and a limit passage on the fully-discrete level. Finally, we illustrate the practicability of the discrete scheme with the help of numerical simulations in two and three dimensions.

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Global regularity and asymptotic stabilization for the incompressible Navier-Stokes-Cahn-Hilliard model with unmatched densities

We study an initial-boundary value problem for the incompressible Navier-Stokes-Cahn-Hilliard system with non-constant density proposed by Abels, Garcke and Grün in 2012. This model arises in the diffuse interface theory for binary mixtures of viscous incompressible fluids. This system is a generalization of the well-known model H in the case of fluids with unmatched densities. In three dimensions, we prove that any global weak solution (for which uniqueness is not known) exhibits a propagation of regularity in time and stabilizes towards an equilibrium state as $t \rightarrow \infty$. More precisely, the concentration function $ϕ$ is a strong solution of the Cahn-Hilliard equation for (arbitrary) positive times, whereas the velocity field $\mathbf{u}$ becomes a strong solution of the momentum equation for large times. Our analysis hinges upon the following key points: a novel global regularity result (with explicit bounds) for the Cahn-Hilliard equation with divergence-free velocity belonging only to $L^2(0,\infty; \mathbf{H}^1_{0,σ}(Ω))$, the energy dissipation of the system, the separation property for large times, a weak-strong uniqueness type result, and the Lojasiewicz-Simon inequality. Additionally, in two dimensions, we show the existence and uniqueness of global strong solutions for the full system. Finally, we discuss the existence of global weak solutions for the case of the double obstacle potential.

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Sharp interface analysis of a diffuse interface model for cell blebbing with linker dynamics

We investigate the convergence of solutions of a recently proposed diffuse interface/phase field model for cell blebbing by means of matched asymptotic expansions. It is a biological phenomenon that increasingly attracts attention by both experimental and theoretical communities. Key to understanding the process of cell blebbing mechanically are proteins that link the cell cortex and the cell membrane. Another important model component is the bending energy of the cell membrane and cell cortex which accounts for differential equations up to sixth order. Both aspects pose interesting mathematical challenges that will be addressed in this work like showing non-singularity formation for the pressure at boundary layers, deriving equations for asymptotic series coefficients of uncommonly high order, and dealing with a highly coupled system of equations.

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Phase-Field Methods for Spectral Shape and Topology Optimization

We optimize a selection of eigenvalues of the Laplace operator with Dirichlet or Neumann boundary conditions by adjusting the shape of the domain on which the eigenvalue problem is considered. Here, a phase-field function is used to represent the shapes over which we minimize. The idea behind this method is to modify the Laplace operator by introducing phase-field dependent coefficients in order to extend the eigenvalue problem on a fixed design domain containing all admissible shapes. The resulting shape and topology optimization problem can then be formulated as an optimal control problem with PDE constraints in which the phase-field function acts as the control. For this optimal control problem, we establish first-order necessary optimality conditions and we rigorously derive its sharp interface limit. Eventually, we present and discuss several numerical simulations for our optimization problem.

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A Cahn-Hilliard phase field model coupled to an Allen-Cahn model of viscoelasticity at large strains

We propose a new Cahn-Hilliard phase field model coupled to incompressible viscoelasticity at large strains, obtained from a diffuse interface mixture model and formulated in the Eulerian configuration. A new kind of diffusive regularization, of Allen-Cahn type, is introduced in the transport equation for the deformation gradient, together with a regularizing interface term depending on the gradient of the deformation gradient in the free energy of the system. We study the global existence of a weak solution for the model. While standard diffusive regularizations of the transport equation for the deformation gradient presented in literature allows the existence study only for simplified cases, i.e. in two space dimensions and for convex elastic free energy densities of Neo-Hookean type which are independent from the phase field variable, the present regularization allows to study more general cases. In particular, we obtain the global existence of a weak solution in three space dimensions and for generic nonlinear elastic energy densities with polynomial growth. Our analysis considers elastic free energy densities which depend on the phase field variable and which can possibly degenerate for some values of the phase field variable. By means of an iterative argument based on elliptic regularity bootstrap steps, we find the maximum allowed polynomial growths of the Cahn-Hilliard potential and the elastic energy density which guarantee the existence of a solution in three space dimensions. We propose two unconditionally energy stable finite element approximations of the model, based on convex splitting ideas and on the use of a scalar auxiliary variable, proving the existence and stability of discrete solutions. We finally report numerical results for different test cases with shape memory alloy type free energy with pure phases characterized by different elastic properties.

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A diffuse-interface approach for solid-state dewetting with anisotropic surface energies

We present a diffuse-interface model for the solid-state dewetting problem with anisotropic surface energies in ${\mathbb R}^d$ for $d\in\{2,3\}$. The introduced model consists of the anisotropic Cahn--Hilliard equation, with either a smooth or a double-obstacle potential, together with a degenerate mobility function and appropriate boundary conditions on the wall. Upon regularizing the introduced diffuse-interface model, and with the help of suitable asymptotic expansions, we recover as the sharp-interface limit the anisotropic surface diffusion flow for the interface together with an anisotropic Young's law and a zero-flux condition at the contact line of the interface with a fixed external boundary. Furthermore, we show the existence of weak solutions for the regularized model, for both smooth and obstacle potential. Numerical results based on an appropriate finite element approximation are presented to demonstrate the excellent agreement between the proposed diffuse-interface model and its sharp-interface limit.

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Phase field topology optimisation for 4D printing

This work concerns a structural topology optimisation problem for 4D printing based on the phase field approach. The concept of 4D printing as a targeted evolution of 3D printed structures can be realised in a two-step process. One first fabricates a 3D object with multi-material active composites and apply external loads in the programming stage. Then, a change in an environmental stimulus and the removal of loads cause the object deform in the programmed stage. The dynamic transition between the original and deformed shapes is achieved with appropriate applications of the stimulus. The mathematical interest is to find an optimal distribution for the materials such that the 3D printed object achieves a targeted configuration in the programmed stage as best as possible. Casting the problem as a PDE-constrained minimisation problem, we consider a vector-valued order parameter representing the volume fractions of the different materials in the composite as a control variable. We prove the existence of optimal designs and formulate first order necessary conditions for minimisers. Moreover, by suitable asymptotic techniques, we relate our approach to a sharp interface description. Finally, the theoretical results are validated by several numerical simulations both in two and three space dimensions.

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Numerical analysis for the interaction of mean curvature flow and diffusion on closed surfaces

An evolving surface finite element discretisation is analysed for the evolution of a closed two-dimensional surface governed by a system coupling a generalised forced mean curvature flow and a reaction--diffusion process on the surface, inspired by a gradient flow of a coupled energy. Two algorithms are proposed, both based on a system coupling the diffusion equation to evolution equations for geometric quantities in the velocity law for the surface. One of the numerical methods is proved to be convergent in the $H^1$ norm with optimal-order for finite elements of degree at least two. We present numerical experiments illustrating the convergence behaviour and demonstrating the qualitative properties of the flow: preservation of mean convexity, loss of convexity, weak maximum principles, and the occurrence of self-intersections.

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A structure-preserving finite element approximation of surface diffusion for curve networks and surface clusters

We consider the evolution of curve networks in two dimensions (2d) and surface clusters in three dimensions (3d). The motion of the interfaces is described by surface diffusion, with boundary conditions at the triple junction points/lines, where three interfaces meet, and at the boundary points/lines, where an interface meets a fixed planar boundary. We propose a parametric finite element method based on a suitable variational formulation. The constructed method is semi-implicit and can be shown to satisfy the volume conservation of each enclosed bubble and the unconditional energy-stability, thus preserving the two fundamental geometric structures of the flow. Besides, the method has very good properties with respect to the distribution of mesh points, thus no mesh smoothing or regularization technique is required. A generalization of the introduced scheme to the case of anisotropic surface energies and non-neutral external boundaries is also considered. Numerical results are presented for the evolution of two-dimensional curve networks and three-dimensional surface clusters in the cases of both isotropic and anisotropic surface energies.

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Numerical analysis for a Cahn-Hilliard system modelling tumour growth with chemotaxis and active transport

In this work, we consider a diffuse interface model for tumour growth in the presence of a nutrient which is consumed by the tumour. The system of equations consists of a Cahn--Hilliard equation with source terms for the tumour cells and a reaction-diffusion equation for the nutrient. We introduce a fully-discrete finite element approximation of the model and prove stability bounds for the discrete scheme. Moreover, we show that discrete solutions exist and depend continuously on the initial and boundary data. We then pass to the limit in the discretization parameters and prove convergence to a global-in-time weak solution to the model. Under additional assumptions, this weak solution is unique. Finally, we present some numerical results including numerical error investigation in one spatial dimension and some long time simulations in two and three spatial dimensions.

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Qualitative Properties for a System Coupling Scaled Mean Curvature Flow and Diffusion

We consider a system consisting of a geometric evolution equation for a hypersurface and a parabolic equation on this evolving hypersurface. More precisely, we discuss mean curvature flow scaled with a term that depends on a quantity defined on the surface coupled to a diffusion equation for that quantity. Several properties of solutions are analyzed. Emphasis is placed on to what extent the surface in our setting qualitatively evolves similar as for the usual mean curvature flow. To this end, we show that the surface area is strictly decreasing but give an example of a surface that exists for infinite times nevertheless. Moreover, mean convexity is conserved whereas convexity is not. Finally, we construct an embedded hypersurface that develops a self-intersection in the course of time. Additionally, a formal explanation of how our equations can be interpreted as a gradient flow is included.

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Short Time Existence for Coupling of Scaled Mean Curvature Flow and Diffusion

We prove a short time existence result for a system consisting of a geometric evolution equation for a hypersurface and a parabolic equation on this evolving hypersurface. More precisely, we discuss a mean curvature flow scaled with a term that depends on a quantity defined on the surface coupled to a diffusion equation for that quantity. The proof is based on a splitting ansatz, solving both equations separately using linearization and a contraction argument. Our result is formulated for the case of immersed hypersurfaces and yields a uniform lower bound on the existence time that allows for small changes in the initial value of the height function.

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A Cahn-Hilliard model coupled to viscoelasticity with large deformations

We propose a new class of phase field models coupled to viscoelasticity with large deformations, obtained from a diffuse interface mixture model composed by a phase with elastic properties and a liquid phase. The model is formulated in the Eulerian configuration and it is derived by imposing the mass balance for the mixture components and the momentum balance that comes from a generalized form of the principle of virtual powers. The latter considers the presence of a system of microforces and microstresses associated to the microscopic interactions between the mixture's constituents together with a system of macroforces and macrostresses associated to their viscoelastic behavior, taking into account also the friction between the phases. The free energy density of the system is given as the sum of a Cahn-Hilliard term and an elastic polyconvex term, with a coupling between the phase field variable and the elastic deformation gradient in the elastic contribution. General constitutive assumptions complying with a mechanical version of the second law of thermodynamics in isothermal situations are taken. We study the global existence of a weak solution for a simplified and regularized version of the general model, which considers an incompressible elastic free energy of Neo-Hookean type with elastic coefficients depending on the phase field variable. The regularization is properly designed to deal with the coupling between the phase field variable and the elastic deformation gradient in the elastic energy density. The analysis is made both in two and three space dimensions.

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Viscoelastic Cahn--Hilliard models for tumour growth

We introduce a new phase field model for tumour growth where viscoelastic effects are taken into account. The model is derived from basic thermodynamical principles and consists of a convected Cahn--Hilliard equation with source terms for the tumour cells and a convected reaction-diffusion equation with boundary supply for the nutrient. Chemotactic terms, which are essential for the invasive behaviour of tumours, are taken into account. The model is completed by a viscoelastic system constisting of the Navier--Stokes equation for the hydrodynamic quantities, and a general constitutive equation with stress relaxation for the left Cauchy--Green tensor associated with the elastic part of the total mechanical response of the viscoelastic material. For a specific choice of the elastic energy density and with an additional dissipative term accounting for stress diffusion, we prove existence of global-in-time weak solutions of the viscoelastic model for tumour growth in two space dimensions $d=2$ by the passage to the limit in a fully-discrete finite element scheme where a CFL condition, i.e. $Δt\leq Ch^2$, is required. Moreover, in arbitrary dimensions $d\in\{2,3\}$, we show stability and existence of solutions for the fully-discrete finite element scheme, where positive definiteness of the discrete Cauchy--Green tensor is proved with a regularization technique that was first introduced by J. W. Barrett, S. Boyaval ("Existence and approximation of a (regularized) Oldroyd-B model". In: M3AS. 21.9 (2011), pp. 1783--1837). After that, we improve the regularity results in arbitrary dimensions $d\in\{2,3\}$ and in two dimensions $d=2$, where a CFL condition is required. Then, for $d=2$, we pass to the limit in the discretization parameters and show that subsequences of discrete solutions converge to a global-in-time weak solution. Finally, we present numerical results.

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