Strong solutions in the dynamical theory of compressible fluid mixtures

Abstract: In this paper we investigate the compressible Navier-Stokes-Cahn-Hilliard equations (the so-called NSCH model) derived by Lowengrub and Truskinowsky. This model describes the flow of a binary compressible mixture; the fluids are supposed to be macroscopically immiscible, but partial mixing is permitted leading to narrow transition layers. The internal structure and macroscopic dynamics of these layers are induced by a Cahn-Hilliard law that the mixing ratio satisfies. The PDE constitute a strongly coupled hyperbolic-parabolic system. We establish a local existence and uniqueness result for strong solutions.