A versatile phase-field model of surface diffusion is used to simulate the evolution of View the MathML source" class="mathImg" data-mathURL="/science?_ob=MathURL&_method=retrieve&_eid=1-s2.0-S0169433216310832&_mathId=si6.gif&_user=111111111&_pii=S0169433216310832&_rdoc=1&_issn=01694332&md5=dc379459e73d8853832109047e848f53">en"> geometries.
The anisotropic surface energy of Ge is realistically considered.
Morphological changes and coalescence of Ge/Si crystals is reproduced and assessed.