Simple Monte Carlo Cellular Models for Surface Evolution

Abstract

Monte Carlo cellular simulations are described for some simple surface evolution models. Surface growth is simulated by adding new cells to the surface. The bonding of a new cell arriving to a site on the surface depends on the number of cells present around that site; new cells are more likely to stick at sites with the fewest missing surrounding cells. Applications are given for simulating the propagation of a flame front and the formation of surface landforms; and the (anisotropic) growth of a crystal, where the surface may grow more rapidly in one direction than others.

Keywords

• Cellular Automata, Crystal Growth, Geomorphology.