Physics – Condensed Matter – Soft Condensed Matter
Scientific paper
2010-08-18
Physics
Condensed Matter
Soft Condensed Matter
13 pages, 7 figures
Scientific paper
The statistical mechanics of phase transitions in dense systems of polydisperse particles presents distinctive challenges to computer simulation and analytical theory alike. The core difficulty, namely dealing correctly with particle size fractionation between coexisting phases, is set out in the context of a critique of previous simulation work on such systems. Specialized Monte Carlo simulation techniques and moment free energy method calculations, capable of treating fractionation exactly, are then described and deployed to study the fluid-solid transition of an assembly of repulsive spherical particles described by a top-hat "parent" distribution of particle sizes. The cloud curve delineating the solid-fluid coexistence region is mapped as a function of the degree of polydispersity $\delta$, and the properties of the incipient "shadow" phases are presented. The coexistence region is found to shift to higher densities as $\delta$ increases, but does not exhibit the sharp narrowing predicted by many theories and some simulations.
Sollich Peter
Wilding Nigel B.
No associations
LandOfFree
Phase behaviour of polydisperse spheres: simulation strategies and an application to the freezing transition does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this scientific paper.
If you have personal experience with Phase behaviour of polydisperse spheres: simulation strategies and an application to the freezing transition, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Phase behaviour of polydisperse spheres: simulation strategies and an application to the freezing transition will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-505315