On iterative subdomain methods for the Stokes-Darcy problem

Abstract

Iterative subdomain methods for the StokesDarcy problem that use Robin boundary conditions on the interface are reviewed. Their common underlying structure and their main differences are identified. In particular, it is clarified that there are different updating strategies for the interface conditions. For small values of fluid viscosity and hydraulic permeability, which are relevant in applications from geosciences, it is shown in numerical studies that only one of these updating strategies leads to an efficient numerical method, if this strategy is used in combination with appropriate parameters in the Robin boundary conditions. In particular, it is observed that the values of appropriate parameters are larger than those proposed so far. Not only the size but also the ratio of appropriate Robin parameters depends on the coefficients of the problem.