Phase field and level set methods for modeling solute precipitation and/or dissolution

The dynamics of solid–liquid interfaces controlled by solute precipitation and/or dissolution due to the chemical reaction at the interface were computed in two dimensions using a phase field models. Sharp-interface asymptotic analysis demonstrated that the phase field solutions should converge to the proper sharp-interface precipitation/dissolution limit. For the purpose of comparison, the numerical solution of the sharp-interface model for solute precipitation/dissolution was directly solved using a level set method. In general, the phase field results are found in good agreement with the level set results for all reaction rates and geometry configurations investigated. Present study supports the applications of both methods to more complicated and realistic reactive systems, including the nuclear waste release and mineral precipitation and dissolution.

► The paper presents two modeling methods for the dynamics of solid–liquid interface.
► The interface dynamics is controlled by solute precipitation and/or dissolution.
► Numerical solutions were obtained by a level set method and a phase field method.
► Two methods are found in good agreement for all reaction rates and geometry studied.
► Both computational methods are promising in solving practical problems.