Mathematical Methods and Models in Phase Transitions

Book excerpt: The modelling and the study of phase transition phenomena are capital issues as they have essential applications in material sciences and in biological and industrial processes. We can mention, e.g., phase separation in alloys, ageing of materials, microstructure evolution, crystal growth, solidification in complex alloys, surface diffusion in the presence of stress, evolution of the surface of a thin flow in heteroepitaxial growth, motion of voids in interconnects in integrated circuits, treatment of airway closure disease by surfactant injection, fuel injection, fire extinguishers etc., This book consists of 11 contributions from specialists in the mathematical modelling and analysis of phase transitions. The content of these contributions ranges from the modelling to the mathematical and numerical analysis. Furthermore, many numerical simulations are presented. Finally, the contributors have tried to give comprehensive and accurate reference lists. This book should thus serve as a reference book for researchers interested in phase transition phenomena.