An application of the Cahn-Hilliard approach to smoothed particle hydrodynamics

Abstract

The development of a methodology for the simulation of structure forming processes is highly desirable. The smoothed particle hydrodynamics (SPH) approach provides a respective framework for modeling the self-structuring of complex geometries. In this paper, we describe a diffusion-controlled phase separation process based on the Cahn-Hilliard approach using the SPH method. As a novelty for SPH method, we derive an approximation for a fourth-order derivative and validate it. Since boundary conditions strongly affect the solution of the phase separation model, we apply boundary conditions at free surfaces and solid walls. The results are in good agreement with the universal power law of coarsening and physical theory. It is possible to combine the presented model with existing SPH models.