Convergence of Space-Time Discrete Threshold Dynamics to Anisotropic Motion by Mean Curvature

Abstract

We analyze the continuum limit of a thresholding algorithm for motion by mean curvature of one dimensional interfaces in various space-time discrete regimes. The algorithm can be viewed as a time-splitting scheme for the Allen-Cahn equation which is a typical model for the motion of materials phase boundaries. Our results extend the existing statements which are applicable mostly in semi-discrete (continuous in space and discrete in time) settings. The motivations of this work are twofolds: to investigate the interaction between multiple small parameters in nonlinear singularly perturbed problems, and to understand the anisotropy in curvature for interfaces in spatially discrete environments. In the current work, the small parameters are the the spatial and temporal discretization step sizes $\triangle x = h$ and $\triangle t = τ$. We have identified the limiting description of the interfacial velocity in the (i) sub-critical ($h \ll τ$), (ii) critical ($h = O(τ)$), and (iii) super-critical ($h \gg τ$) regimes. The first case gives the classical isotropic motion by mean curvature, while the second produces intricate pinning and de-pinning phenomena and anisotropy in the velocity function of the interface. The last case produces no motion (complete pinning).