About the ``normal growth'' approximation in the dynamical theory of phase transitions (Q1337992)

We investigate the possibility of deducing the ``normal growth'' approximation from the viscosity-capillarity model which incorporates both strain rates and strain gradients into constitutive functions. Since this model is capable of describing fine structure of a ``thick'' advancing phase boundary, one can derive, rather than postulate, a kinetic relation governing the mobility of the phase boundary and check the validity of the ``normal growth'' approximation.