Abstract:

Equations are derived which generalize the Laplace-Kelvin laws of force and chemical potential balance for a curved interface between a solid and its melt. The main difference from previous treatments are strain corrections in the equation of melting equilibrium, for which a simple physical picture is developed. These corrections are usually small, but they are essential in order to achieve an internally consistent formulation. When applied to sound transmission at the solid-superfluid interface of4He, they guarantee energy conservation thereby answering a paradox raised by Maris.