Temperature Dependence of Liquid-Vapor Nucleation Rate for the Yukawa Model Fluid

ABSTRACT

The nonclassical nucleation theory based on the density functional method for the Yukawa model fluid is studied. The integral equation that determines the density profile and the work of formation of a nucleus is transformed into a simple differential equation of the Ginzburg-Landau (or Cahn-Hilliard) model of phase transition such that it can be solved numerically. The temperature dependence of the nucleation rates of liquid drops and of vapor bubbles of this Yukawa model fluid is compared with the predictions from the classical nucleation theory. The resultant temperature dependence and deviation from the classical prediction for liquid drops is compatible with the observed discrepancies between the experimental results and the classical predictions.

^† A part of this work was presented at the Ninth International Conference on Liquid and Amorphous Metals, Chicago 1995.

Notes

^† A part of this work was presented at the Ninth International Conference on Liquid and Amorphous Metals, Chicago 1995.