We consider an extension of the classical Fisher–Kolmogorov equation, called the “Fisher–Stefan” model, which is a moving boundary problem on $0<x<L(t)$. A key property of the Fisher–Stefan model is the “spreading–vanishing dichotomy”, where solutions with $L(t)>L_{\text{c}}$ will eventually spread as $t\rightarrow \infty$, whereas solutions where $L(t)\ngtr L_{\text{c}}$ will vanish as $t\rightarrow \infty$. In one dimension it is well known that the critical length is $L_{\text{c}}=\unicode[STIX]{x1D70B}/2$. In this work, we re-formulate the Fisher–Stefan model in higher dimensions and calculate $L_{\text{c}}$ as a function of spatial dimensions in a radially symmetric coordinate system. Our results show how $L_{\text{c}}$ depends upon the dimension of the problem, and numerical solutions of the governing partial differential equation are consistent with our calculations.

The stability of flat interfaces with respect to a spatial semidiscretization of a solidification model is analyzed. The considered model is the quasi-static approximation of the Stefan problem with dynamical Gibbs–Thomson law. The stability analysis bases on an argument developed by Mullins and Sekerka for the undiscretized case. The obtained stability properties differ from those with respect to the quasi-static model for certain parameter values and relatively coarse meshes. Moreover, consequences on discretization issues are discussed.