Mixed Finite Element Method for Modified Poisson–Nernst–Planck/Navier–Stokes Equations

In this paper, a complete mixed finite element method is developed for a modified Poisson–Nernst–Planck/Navier–Stokes (PNP/NS) coupling system, where the original Poisson equation in PNP system is replaced by a fourth-order elliptic equation to more precisely account for electrostatic correlations in a simplified form of the Landau–Ginzburg-type continuum model. A stabilized mixed weak form is defined for each equation of the modified PNP/NS model in terms of primary variables and their corresponding vector-valued gradient variables, based on which a stable Stokes-pair mixed finite element is thus able to be utilized to discretize all solutions to the entire modified PNP/NS model in the framework of Stokes-type mixed finite element approximation. Semi- and fully discrete mixed finite element schemes are developed and are analyzed for the presented modified PNP/NS equations, and optimal convergence rates in energy norms are obtained for both schemes. Numerical experiments are carried out to validate all attained theoretical results.