Physics – Condensed Matter – Soft Condensed Matter
Scientific paper
2009-05-08
Soft Matter 5 (2009) 2795-2803
Physics
Condensed Matter
Soft Condensed Matter
16 pages, 5 figures, to be published on Soft Matter
Scientific paper
10.1039/b903931g
Effective pair interactions with a soft-repulsive component are a well-known feature of polymer solutions and colloidal suspensions, but they also provide a key to interpret the high-pressure behaviour of simple elements. We have computed the zero-temperature phase diagram of four different model potentials with various degrees of core softness. Among the reviewed crystal structures, there are also a number of non-Bravais lattices, chosen among those observed in real systems. Some of these crystals are indeed found to be stable for the selected potentials. We recognize an apparently universal trend for unbounded potentials, going from high- to low-coordinated crystal phases and back upon increasing the pressure. Conversely, a bounded repulsion may lead to intermittent appearance of compact structures with compression and no eventual settling down in a specific phase. In both cases, the fluid phase repeatedly reenters at intermediate pressures, as suggested by a cell-theory treatment of the solids. These findings are of relevance for soft matter in general, but they also offer fresh insight into the mechanisms subtended to solid polymorphism in elemental substances.
Malescio Gianpietro
Prestipino Santi
Saija Franz
No associations
LandOfFree
The zero-temperature phase diagram of soft-repulsive particle fluids 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 The zero-temperature phase diagram of soft-repulsive particle fluids, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and The zero-temperature phase diagram of soft-repulsive particle fluids will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-703446