Mathematical model for substitutional binary diffusion in solids

Abstract: In this paper we detail the mechanisms that drive substitutional binary diffusion and derive appropriate governing equations. We focus on the one-dimensional case with insulated boundary conditions. Asymptotic expansions are used in order to simplify the problem. We are able to obtain approximate analytical solutions in two distinct cases: the two species diffuse at similar rates, and the two species have largely different diffusion rates. A numerical solution for the full problem is also described.