An adaptive finite-element Moreau–Yosida-based solver for a non-smooth Cahn–Hilliard problem

An adaptive finite-element semi-smooth Newton solver for the Cahn–Hilliard model with double obstacle free energy is proposed. For this purpose, the governing system is discretized in time using a semi-implicit scheme, and the resulting time-discrete system is formulated as an optimal control problem with pointwise constraints on the control. For the numerical solution of the optimal control problem, we propose a function space-based algorithm which combines a Moreau–Yosida regularization technique for handling the control constraints with a semi-smooth Newton method for solving the optimality systems of the resulting sub-problems. Further, for the discretization in space and in connection with the proposed algorithm, an adaptive finite-element method is considered. The performance of the overall algorithm is illustrated by numerical experiments.