arXiv subjects

William M Feldman

Publications and source records attributed to William M Feldman.

21 records · Page 2Linked to original sources

arXiv2019

Mean curvature flow with positive random forcing in 2-d

We consider the forced mean curvature flow in 2-d, finite range of dependence and positive random forcing. We prove flatness and existence of effective speed for initially flat propagating fronts. This is the analogue, in random media, of a result of Caffarelli and Monneau. The main new tools are a large scale Lipschitz estimate for the arrival time function, and a quantitative uniqueness result which does not use uniform local regularity.

math.AP↗

arXiv2018

Limit shapes of local minimizers for the Alt-Caffarelli energy functional in inhomogeneous media

This paper considers the Alt-Caffarelli free boundary problem in a periodic medium. This is a convenient model for several interesting phenomena appearing in the study of contact lines on rough surfaces, pinning, hysteresis and the formation of facets. We show the existence of an interval of effective pinned slopes at each direction $e \in S^{d-1}$. In $d=2$ we characterize the regularity properties of the pinning interval in terms of the normal direction, including possible discontinuities at rational directions. These results require a careful study of the families of plane-like solutions available with a given slope. Using the same techniques we also obtain strong, in some cases optimal, bounds on the class of limit shapes of local minimizers in $d=2$, and preliminary results in $d \geq 3$.

math.AP↗

arXiv2017

A free boundary problem with facets

We study a free boundary problem on the lattice whose scaling limit is a harmonic free boundary problem with a discontinuous Hamiltonian. We find an explicit formula for the Hamiltonian, prove the solutions are unique, and prove that the limiting free boundary has a facets in every rational direction. Our choice of problem presents difficulties that require the development of a new uniqueness proof for certain free boundary problems. The problem is motivated by physical experiments involving liquid drops on patterned solid surfaces.

math.AP↗