Coarsening in fluid phase transitions

Abstract

We review the understanding of the kinetics of fluid phase separation in various space dimensions. Morphological differences, percolating or disconnected domains, based on overall composition in a binary liquid or on density in a vapor liquid system, are discussed. Depending upon the morphology, various possible mechanisms for domain growth are pointed out and discussions of corresponding theoretical predictions are provided. On the computational front, useful models and simulation methodologies are presented. Theoretically predicted growth laws have been tested via molecular dynamics simulations of vapor liquid transitions. In the case of a disconnected structure, the mechanism has been confirmed directly. (C) 2015 Academie des sciences. Published by Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.