On Linear and unconditionally energy stable Algorithms for Variable Mobility Cahn-Hilliard Type Equation with Logarithmic Flory-Huggins Potential

Abstract: In this paper, we consider the numerical approximations for the fourth order Cahn-Hilliard equation with concentration dependent mobility, and the logarithmic Flory-Huggins potential. One challenge in solving such a diffusive system numerically is how to develop proper temporal discretization for nonlinear terms in order to preserve the energy stability at the time-discrete level. We resolve this issue by developing a set of the first and second order time marching schemes based on a novel, called "Invariant Energy Quadratization" approach. Its novelty is that the proposed scheme is linear and symmetric positive definite because all nonlinear terms are treated semi-explicitly. We further prove all proposed schemes are unconditionally energy stable rigorously. Various 2D and 3D numerical simulations are presented to demonstrate the stability, accuracy and efficiency of the proposed schemes thereafter.