DYNAMICAL RELAXATION OF THE SURFACE-TENSION OF MISCIBLE PHASES

The dynamical behavior of the surface tension of two initially immisci ble phases on raising the temperature to a value greater than or equal to the critical temperature is studied using analytic techniques, mea n field dynamical equations, Monte Carlo simulations, and molecular dy namics 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.