Energy-stable linear schemes for polymer-solvent phase field models

We present new linear energy-stable numerical schemes for numerical simulation of complex polymer-solvent mixtures. The mathematical model proposed by Zhou, Zhang and E (Physical Review E 73, 2006) consists of the Cahn-Hilliard equation which describes dynamics of the interface that separates polymer and solvent and the Oldroyd-B equations for the hydrodynamics of polymeric mixtures. The model is thermodynamically consistent and dissipates free energy. Our main goal in this paper is to derive numerical schemes for the polymer-solvent mixture model that are energy dissipative and efficient in time. To this end we will propose several problem-suited time discretizations yielding linear schemes and discuss their properties

Global existence of weak solutions to viscoelastic phase separation: Part II Degenerate Case

The aim of this paper is to prove global in time existence of weak solutions for a viscoelastic phase separation. We consider the case with singular potentials and degenerate mobilities. Our model couples the diffusive interface model with the Peterlin-Navier-Stokes equations for viscoelastic fluids. To obtain the global in time existence of weak solutions we consider appropriate approximations by solutions of the viscoelastic phase separation with a regular potential and build on the corresponding energy and entropy estimates.Comment: 29 pages, 28 figure

Global existence of weak solutions to viscoelastic phase separation: Part I Regular Case

We prove the existence of weak solutions to a viscoelastic phase separation problem in two space dimensions. The mathematical model consists of a Cahn-Hilliard-type equation for two-phase flows and the Peterlin-Navier-Stokes equations for viscoelastic fluids. We focus on the case of a polynomial-like potential and suitably bounded coefficient functions. Using the Lagrange-Galerkin finite element method complex behavior of solution for spinodal decomposition including transient polymeric network structures is demonstrated.Comment: 48 pages,11 figure