Error estimates for semi-discrete finite element approximations for a moving boundary problem capturing the penetration of diffusants into rubber

• We consider a moving boundary problem with kinetic condition that describes the diffusion of solvent into rubber and study semi-discrete finite element approximations of the corresponding weak solutions. We report on both a priori and a posteriori error estimates for the mass concentration of the diffusants, and respectively, for the a priori unknown position of the moving boundary. Our working techniques include integral and energy-based estimates for a nonlinear parabolic problem posed in a transformed fixed domain combined with a suitable use of the interpolation-trace inequality to handle the interface terms. Numerical illustrations of our FEM approximations are within the experimental range and show good agreement with our theoretical investigation. This work is a preliminary investigation necessary before extending the current moving boundary modeling to account explicitly for the mechanics of hyperelastic rods to capture a directional swelling of the underlying elastomer.

Ämnesord

NATURVETENSKAP  -- Matematik (hsv//swe)

NATURAL SCIENCES  -- Mathematics (hsv//eng)

Nyckelord

Moving boundary problem

finite element method

method of lines

a priori error estimate

a posteriori error estimate

diffusion of chemicals into rubber

Matematik

Mathematics

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