Kinetic derivation of Cahn-Hilliard fluid models

A compressible Cahn-Hilliard fluid model is derived from the kinetic theory of dense gas mixtures. The fluid model involves a van der Waals and Cahn-Hilliard gradient energy, a generalized Korteweg's tensor, a generalized Dunn and Serrin heat flux, and Cahn-Hilliard-type diffusive fluxes. Starting from the BBGKY hierarchy for gas mixtures, a Chapman-Enskog method is used-with a proper scaling of the generalized Boltzmann equations-as well as higher-order Taylor expansions of pair distribution functions. A Euler and van der Waals model is obtained at zeroth order, while the Cahn-Hilliard fluid model is obtained at first order, involving viscous, heat, and diffusive fluxes. The Cahn-Hilliard extra terms are associated with intermolecular forces and pair interaction potentials.