Abstract
The behavior of the nonlinear Cahn-Hilliard equation for asymmetric systems,c t =∇2(±c+Bc 2+c 3-∇2 c) within the unstable subspinodal region is explored. Energy considerations and amplitude equation methods are employed. Evidence is given for a transition from periodically structured“spinodal” behavior to nucleation behavior somewhere within the traditional spinodal. A mechanism for describing a time-dependent lengthening of the dominant wavelength is explored.
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Novick-Cohen, A. The nonlinear Cahn-Hilliard equation: Transition from spinodal decomposition to nucleation behavior. J Stat Phys 38, 707–723 (1985). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01010486
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01010486