Finite element methods for a class of continuum models for immiscible flows with moving contact lines

In this paper, we present a finite element method for two‐phase incompressible flows with moving contact lines. We use a sharp interface Navier–Stokes model for the bulk phase fluid dynamics. Surface tension forces, including Marangoni forces and viscous interfacial effects, are modeled. For describing the moving contact lines, we consider a class of continuum models that contains several special cases known from the literature. For the whole model, describing bulk fluid dynamics, surface tension forces, and contact line forces, we derive a variational formulation and a corresponding energy estimate. For handling the evolving interface numerically, the level‐set technique is applied. The discontinuous pressure is accurately approximated by using a stabilized extended finite element space. We apply a Nitsche technique to weakly impose the Navier slip conditions on the solid wall. A unified approach for discretization of the (different types of) surface tension forces and contact line forces is introduced. Results of numerical experiments are presented, which illustrate the performance of the solver. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.