A variational inequality approach to free boundary problems with applications in mould filling (Q1848553)

This very important and useful monograph introduces readers to a study of an evolutionary variational inequality approach to a moving free boundary problem, both with respect to the mathematical analysis and to the numerical treatment. The main features of this variational inequality formulation of obstacle type are a second order elliptic differential operator, a memory term, time-dependent convex (constrain) sets and different types of boundary conditions. The inequality approach of obstacle type results from the application of an integral (Baiocchi type) transformation. It takes an intermediate position between elliptic and parabolic inequalities and comprises an elliptic differential operator, memory term and time-dependent convex constraint sets. The presented book gives a rigorous analysis of an evolutionary variational inequality approach to a degenerate moving free boundary problem. It covers mathematical modelling, existence, uniqueness and regularity results, numerical analysis of finite element and finite volume approximations, as well as numerical simulation results for applications in polymer processing. Finite element models and finite volume approximations are described and their convergence properties are established. The book includes a comprehensive description of injection and compression moulding which is presented in terms of different mathematical models, a generalised Hele-Shaw flow, a distance concept and Navier-Stokes flow. In carrying out the variational analysis the author systematically uses results on elliptic and evolutionary variational inequalities, convex analysis, nonlinear equation with monotone operators and fixed point operators. The text is suitable for applied mathematicians working in the field of nonlinear partial differential equations and their applications. However, the book will also be useful for physicists and engineers at universities and those working in industry.