Dynamic van der Waals theory

We present a dynamic van der Waals theory starting with entropy and energy functional with gradient contributions. The resultant hydrodynamic equations contain the stress arising from the density gradient. It provides a general scheme of two-phase hydrodynamics involving the gas-liquid transition in nonuniform temperature. Some complex hydrodynamic processes with evaporation and condensation are examined numerically. They are (i) adiabatically induced spinodal decomposition, (ii) piston effect with a bubble in liquid, (iii) temperature and velocity profiles around a droplet in heat flow, (iv) efficient latent heat transport at small liquid densities (the mechanism of heat pipes), (v) boiling in gravity with continuous bubble formation and rising, and (vi) spreading and evaporation of liquid on a heated boundary wall.