Positive entropic schemes for a nonlinear fourth-order parabolic equation

Abstract

A finite-difference scheme with positivity-preserving and entropy-decreasing properties for a nonlinear fourth-order parabolic equation arising in quantum systems and interface fluctuations is derived. Initial-boundary value problems, the Cauchy problem and a rescaled equation are discussed. Based on this scheme we elucidate properties of the long-time asymptotics for this equation.