The Cahn-Hilliard equation on an evolving surface

Abstract

We study the asymptotic limit of the Cahn-Hilliard equation on an evolving surface with prescribed velocity. The method of formally matched asymptotic expansions is extended to account for the movement of the domain. We consider various forms for the mobility and potential functions, in particular, with regards to the scaling of the mobility with the interface thickness parameter. Mullins-Sekerka, but also surface diffusion type problems, can be derived featuring additional terms which are due to the domain evolution. The asymptotic behaviour is supported and further explored with some numerical simulations.