The exponential scalar auxiliary variable (E-SAV) approach for phase field models and its explicit computing

Abstract: In this paper, we consider an exponential scalar auxiliary variable (E-SAV) approach to obtain energy stable schemes for a class of phase field models. This novel auxiliary variable method based on exponential form of nonlinear free energy potential is more effective and applicable than the traditional SAV method which is very popular to construct energy stable schemes. The first contribution is that the auxiliary variable without square root removes the bounded from below restriction of the nonlinear free energy potential. Then, we prove the unconditional energy stability for the semi-discrete schemes carefully and rigorously. Another contribution is that we can discrete the auxiliary variable combined with the nonlinear term totally explicitly. Such modification is very efficient for fast calculation. Furthermore, the positive property of $r$ can be guaranteed which is very important and reasonable for the models' equivalence. Besides, for complex phase field models with two or more unknown variables and nonlinear terms, we construct a multiple E-SAV (ME-SAV) approach to enhance the applicability of the proposed E-SAV approach. A comparative study of classical SAV and E-SAV approaches is considered to show the accuracy and efficiency. Finally, we present various 2D numerical simulations to demonstrate the stability and accuracy.