Cahn-Hilliard equations and phase transition dynamics for binary systems (Q1019221)

The Cahn-Hilliard (C-H) equation describes a phase separation process in which the two components of a binary fluid separate into two homogeneous different domains. Recently, the authors proposed a new theory to classify phase transitions systems and their purpose herein is to apply it to the C-H equation. One considers the main two models which are: the model defined by the classical C-H equation, and the model defined by the C-H equation coupled with entropy, to study phase transitions which produce latent heat. The dynamical transitions are analyzed in general domains, rectangular domains, and in the presence of boundary conditions, respectively. In the appendix one recalls the basic elements of the dynamic transition theory developed by the authors previously, and which is herein applied.