Cahn-Hilliard Phase Separation

Spinodal decomposition and coarsening in 2D

Step: 0 ⟨φ⟩: 0.00 Domain scale: -
The Cahn-Hilliard equation ∂φ/∂t = M∇²(φ³ − φ − ε²∇²φ) describes phase separation. Starting from a nearly uniform state, spinodal decomposition creates interpenetrating domains that coarsen over time as t^(1/3) (Lifshitz-Slyozov law). Adjust ε to control interface width.