Slow dynamics for the Cahn-Hilliard equation in higher space dimensions: The motion of bubbles (Q1386402)

The authors study the Cahn-Hilliard equation \[ u_t=-\Delta \bigl(\varepsilon^2 \Delta u-F'(u) \bigr),\;x\in\Omega, \quad {\partial u\over\partial n} ={\partial \over \partial n}\bigl( \varepsilon^2 \Delta u-F'(u) \bigr)= 0,\;x\in\partial \Omega, \] where \(\Omega\) is a bounded domain, and \(F\) is a double well potential. They consider layered solutions, that is solutions that are equal to 1 or -1 everywhere except for thin zones localized about an interface. The evolution of interfaces is crucial for understanding the behavior of the solutions. Here is what the authors write about their work (authors' abstract): ``It is known that the Van der Waals-Cahn-Hilliard (W-C-H) dynamics can be approximated by a quasi-static Stefan problem with surface tension. It turns out that the Stefan problem has a manifold of equilibria equal in dimension to that of the domain \(\Omega\): any sphere of fixed radius with interface contained in the domain is an equilibrium (indistinguishable from the point of view of the perimeter functional). We resolve this degeneracy by showing that at the W-C-H level this manifold is replaced by a quasi-invariant stable manifold, on which the typical solution preserves its ``bubble'' like shape until it reaches the boundary. Moreover, we show that the ``bubble'' moves superslowly. We also obtain an equation that determines those special spheres that correspond to equilibria at the W-C-H level. Our work establishes the phenomenon of superslow motion in higher space dimensions in the class of single interface solutions''.