Numerical solution of a Stefan-like problem in Bingham rheology

Many physical as well as geodynamical and technological processes connected with heat and diffusion involving phase-change phenomena lead to solve free boundary problems of Stefan-like type. In this paper, a generalized two-phase Stefan-like problem is formulated and discussed. The method used is based on the weak formulation in enthalpy formulation, on Bingham rheology, on concentration of solid (visco-plastic) and liquid (strongly visco-plastic with very low threshold of plasticity) components and the finite element technique. The existence of the solution of the continuous problem and of its FE approximation are presented and discussed.