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arXiv · 2601.16522

Numerical efficiency of explicit time integrators for phase-field models

Marco Seiz·Tomohiro Takaki
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Abstract

Phase-field simulations are a practical but also expensive tool to calculate microstructural evolution. This work aims to compare explicit time integrators for a broad class of phase-field models involving coupling between the phase-field and concentration. Particular integrators are adapted to constraints on the phase-field as well as storage scheme implications. Reproducible benchmarks are defined with a focus on having exact sharp interface solutions, allowing for identification of dominant error terms. Speedups of 4 to 114 over the classic forward Euler integrator are achievable while still using a fully explicit scheme without appreciable accuracy loss. Application examples include final stage sintering with pores slowing down grain growth as they move and merge over time.

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Marco Seiz, Tomohiro Takaki. 2026-01-23. Numerical efficiency of explicit time integrators for phase-field models. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.commatsci.2026.114599

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