preprint

Inserted: 17 jul 2026

Year: 2026

Abstract:

We investigate a second-order Modica-Mortola functional of the form \[ E_\varepsilon[u] := \int_Ω\frac{1}{\varepsilon} W(x, \nabla u) + \varepsilon
\nabla^2 u
^2 \, dx, \] which models solid--solid phase transitions in heterogeneous media. We neglect the assumption of frame indifference in the elastic energy density $W$ while allowing for space-dependent, pointwise-compatible wells. Under suitable assumptions on $W$ and regularity conditions on the associated rank-one connection, we prove that $E_\varepsilon$ $Γ$-converges to a local interfacial energy defined for suitable laminate-type configurations.