Generalized Swift–Hohenberg and phase-field-crystal equations based on a second-gradient phase-field theory

Meccanica - The principle of virtual power is used derive a microforce balance for a second-gradient phase-field theory. In conjunction with constitutive relations consistent with a free-energy...     

On the thermodynamics of the Swift–Hohenberg theory

We present the microbalance including the microforces, the first- and second-order microstresses for the Swift–Hohenberg equation concomitantly with their constitutive equations, which are consistent with the free-energy imbalance. We provide an explicit form for the microstress structure for a free-energy functional endowed with second-order spatial derivatives. Additionally, we generalize the Swift–Hohenberg theory via a proper constitutive process. Finally, we present one highly resolved three-dimensional numerical simulation to demonstrate the particular form of the resulting microstresses and their interactions in the evolution of the Swift–Hohenberg equation.