We consider a model for phase separation of a multi-component alloy with non-smooth free energy and a degenerate mobility matrix. In addition to showing well-posedness and stability bounds for our approximation, we prove convergence in one space dimension. Furthermore an iterative scheme for solving the resulting nonlinear discrete system is analysed. We discuss also how our approximation has to be modified in order to be applicable to a logarithmic free energy. Finally numerical experiments...

The article focuses on the application of the segmentation algorithm based on the numerical solution of the Allen-Cahn non-linear diffusion partial differential equation. This equation is related to the motion of curves by mean curvature. It exhibits several suitable mathematical properties including stable solution profile. This allows the user to follow accurately the position of the segmentation curve by bringing it quickly to the vicinity of the segmented object and by approaching the details...

The Cahn-Hilliard variational inequality is a non-standard parabolic variational inequality of fourth order for which straightforward numerical approaches cannot be applied. We propose a primal-dual active set method which can be interpreted as a semi-smooth Newton method as solution technique for the discretized Cahn-Hilliard variational inequality. A (semi-)implicit Euler discretization is used in time and a piecewise linear finite element discretization of splitting type is used in space leading...

The Cahn-Hilliard variational inequality is a non-standard parabolic variational inequality of fourth order for which straightforward numerical approaches cannot be applied. We propose a primal-dual active set method which can be interpreted as a semi-smooth Newton method as solution technique for the discretized Cahn-Hilliard variational inequality. A (semi-)implicit Euler discretization is used in time and a piecewise linear finite element discretization of splitting type is used in space...

We discuss the different roles of the entropy principle in modern thermodynamics. We start with the approach of rational thermodynamics in which the entropy principle becomes a selection rule for physical constitutive equations. Then we discuss the entropy principle for selecting admissible discontinuous weak solutions and to symmetrize general systems of hyperbolic balance laws. A particular attention is given on the local and global well-posedness of the relative Cauchy problem for smooth solutions....