Numerical exploration of a forward-backward diffusion equation

Abstract

We analyze numerically a forward-backward diffusion equation with a cubic-like diffusion function, -emerging in the framework of phase transitions modeling- and its "entropy" formulation determined by considering it as the singular limit of a third-order pseudo-parabolic equation. Precisely, we propose schemes for both the second and the third order equations, we discuss the analytical properties of their semi-discrete counter-parts and we compare the numerical results in the case of initial data of Riemann type, showing strengths and flaws of the two approaches, the main emphasis being given to the propagation of transition interfaces.