On a Hele-Shaw type domain evolution with convected surface energy density : the third-order problem

We investigate a moving boundary problem with a gradient flow structure which generalizes Hele–Shaw flow driven solely by surface tension to the case of nonconstant surface tension coefficient taken along with the liquid particles at boundary. The resulting evolution problem is first order in time, contains a third-order nonlinear pseudodifferential operator and is degenerate parabolic. Well-posedness of this problem in Sobolev scales is proved. The main tool is the construction of a variable symmetric bilinear form so that the third-order operator is semibounded with respect to it. Moreover, we show global existence and convergence to an equilibrium for solutions near trivial equilibria (balls with constant surface tension coefficient). Finally, numerical examples in 2D and 3D are given.