Highly efficient and stable numerical algorithm for a two-component phase-field crystal model for binary alloys

This paper considers the numerical approximation of a two-component phase-field crystal model consisting of two coupled nonlinear Cahn–Hilliard equations of binary alloys. We develop a highly efficient time-marching scheme with second-order accuracy based on the SAV approach, in which two additional stabilization terms are introduced to improve stability, thus allowing large time steps. Unconditional energy stability is then proved strictly. By simulating a large number of numerical simulations in 2D and 3D, including binary crystal growth and phase separation with vacancies, we then verify the stability and accuracy of the scheme. •A first energy stable, second-order scheme for the phase-field model of binary alloys.•One only needs to solve a linear and decoupled system at each time step.•Numerous 2D and 3D numerical results for binary alloys are given.