Morphology and Scaling In Continuum Ballistic Deposition

A pair of coupled differential equations is introduced to study ballistic deposition-type phenomena. Our equations allow for an arbitrary topology of the growing interface, capture nonlocal effects such as shadowing, incorporate surface diffusion in a natural manner, and permit the monitoring of the interior structure of the growing film. Results of vertical, off-vertical, and two-rain deposition are presented. Morphological transitions of the growing interface are observed, on varying the strength and angle of the depositing rain.