In:
The Journal of Chemical Physics, AIP Publishing, Vol. 131, No. 2 ( 2009-07-14)
Abstract:
Although intuitively appealing, the concept of spinodal is rigorously defined only in systems with infinite range interactions (mean-field systems). In short-range systems, a pseudospinodal can be defined by extrapolation of metastable measurements, but the point itself is not reachable because it lies beyond the metastability limit. In this work we show that a sensible definition of spinodal points can be obtained through the short time dynamical behavior of the system deep inside the metastable phase by looking for a point where the system shows critical behavior. We show that spinodal points obtained by this method agree both with the thermodynamical spinodal point in mean-field systems and with the pseudospinodal point obtained by extrapolation of metaequilibrium behavior in short-range systems. With this definition, a practical determination can be achieved without regard for equilibration issues.
Type of Medium:
Online Resource
ISSN:
0021-9606
,
1089-7690
Language:
English
Publisher:
AIP Publishing
Publication Date:
2009
detail.hit.zdb_id:
3113-6
detail.hit.zdb_id:
1473050-9
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