conforming finite element methods for the coupled Stokes and Darcy problem

This paper proposes and analyzes a numerical method for solving the coupled Stokes and Darcy problem, an interface problem between a fluid, governed by Stokes equations, and a flow in a porous medium, governed by Darcy equations. The method employs H ( div ) conforming finite elements for the velocity field in both Stokes and Darcy subdomains. Optimal-order error estimates are established.