Numerical simulation of polyhedral crystal growth based on a mathematical model arising from nonlocal thermomechanics (Q1360142)

A one-phase generalized Stefan problem is currently in use to describe the evolution of polyhedral crystals from germs to large crystals. In the paper, one develops an algorithm and the related software for the numerical simulation of polyhedral crystal growth based on this model and on spiral growth hypothesis, for which the growth is produced by birth of spirals on crystals faces. A front fixing formulation of the model is given, which is based on the interchange variable method; also referred to as isotherm migration method. The numerical method uses finite differences and a geometrical procedure for the construction of complex surface-crystal configuration.