Thermomechanics of Evolving Phase Boundaries in the Plane

Morton E. Gurtin9780198536949, 0-19-853694-1

This is one of the few books on the subject of mathematical materials science. It discusses the dynamics of two-phase systems within the framework of modern continuum thermodynamics, stressing fundamentals. Two general theories are discussed: a mechanical theory that leads to a generalization of the classical curve-shortening equation and a theory of heat conduction that broadly generalizes the classical Stefan theory. This original survey includes simple solutions that demonstrate the instabilities inherent in two-phase problems. The free-boundary problems that form the basis of the subject should be of great interest to mathematicians and physical scientists.