Spinodal decomposition in a 3-component alloy · Diffuse interface model
Component A
Component B
Component C
RGB Composite (R=A, G=B, B=C)
Parameters
Step: 0
Physics
The Cahn–Morral model extends Cahn–Hilliard to multicomponent systems. The free energy density includes mixing entropy + interaction + gradient terms:
f = Σ cᵢ ln cᵢ + Σᵢⱼ χᵢⱼ cᵢ cⱼ + κ|∇c|²
Evolution: ∂cᵢ/∂t = ∇·(Mᵢ ∇μᵢ) where μᵢ = δF/δcᵢ is the chemical potential. The multicomponent constraint Σcᵢ = 1 couples all fields.
Watch spinodal decomposition create intricate three-phase microstructures — labyrinths, droplets, and percolated networks depending on composition and χ.