Dynamical relaxation of the surface tension of miscible phases

Abstract

The dynamical behavior of the surface tension of two initially immiscible phases on raising the temperature to a value greater than or equal to the critical temperature is studied using analytic techniques, mean field dynamical equations, Monte Carlo simulations, and molecular dynamics simulations. Distinct behavior is predicted in situations with a conserved order parameter and when no conservation law is operative. A novel scaling form is obtained for a system evolving to equilibrium at its critical temperature.