Gradient theory of phase transitions with boundary contact energy (Q1101675): Difference between revisions

The author studies the asymptotic behavior, as \(\epsilon\) goes to zero, of solutions of the variational problems for the van der Waals-Cahn- Hilliard theory of phase transitions in a fluid. The internal free energy, per unit volume, is assumed to be given by \(\epsilon^ 2\) times the square of the gradient of the density \(\delta\) plus a function of \(\delta\), and the contact energy with the container walls, per unit surface area, is given by \(\epsilon\) times a function of the density \(\delta\). The result is the asymptotic behavior, as \(\epsilon\) goes to zero, of solutions by looking for a variational problem solved by the limit solution. This limit problem exists and agrees with the so-called liquid-drop problem.