Phase-field systems for grain boundary motions under isothermal solidifications

Two main existence theorems are proved for two nonstandard systems of parabolic initial-boundary value problems. The systems are based on the "$\phi$-$\eta$-$\theta$ model" proposed by Kobayashi [RIMS Kokyuroku, 1210 (2001), 68-77] as a phase-field model of planar grain boundary motion under isothermal solidification. Although each of the systems has specific characteristics and mathematical difficulties, the proofs of the main theorems are based on the time discretization method by means of a common approximating problem. As a consequence, we provide a uniform solution method for a wide scope of parabolic systems associated with the $\phi$-$\eta$-$\theta$ model.