Development of stable operator splitting numerical algorithms for phase-field modeling and surface diffusion applications

Abstract

Implicit, explicit and spectral algorithms were used to create Allen-Cahn and Cahn-Hilliard phase field models. Individual terms of the conservation equations were approached by different methods using operator splitting techniques found in previous literature. In addition, dewetting of gold films due to surface diffusion was modeled to present the extendability and efficiency of the spectral methods derived. The simulations developed are relevant to many real systems and are relatively light in computational load because they take large time steps to drive the model into equilibrium. Results were analyzed by their relevancy to real world applications and further work in this field is outlined.