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A numerical scheme for the two phase Mullins-Sekerka problem. (English) Zbl 0823.65138

An algorithm is presented to numerically treat a free boundary problem arising in the theory of phase transition. The problem is one in which a collection of simple closed curves (particles) evolves in such a way that the enclosed area remains constant while the total arclength decreases. Material is transported between particles and within particles by diffusion, driven by curvature which expresses the effect of surface tension.
The algorithm is based on a reformulation of the problem, using boundary integrals, which is then discretized and cast as a semi-implicit scheme. This scheme is implemented with a variety of configurations of initial curves showing that convexity or even topological type may not be preserved.
(A C-code for this algorithm is available through the EJDE).
Reviewer: P.Bates

MSC:

65Z05 Applications to the sciences
65M06 Finite difference methods for initial value and initial-boundary value problems involving PDEs
65R20 Numerical methods for integral equations
82C26 Dynamic and nonequilibrium phase transitions (general) in statistical mechanics
35K05 Heat equation
35R35 Free boundary problems for PDEs
80A22 Stefan problems, phase changes, etc.
Full Text: EuDML EMIS