Theory for the thermodynamics and structure of nonuniform systems, with applications to the liquid-vapor interface and spinodal decomposition

Journal Article · Tue Jul 01 00:00:00 EDT 1975 · J. Chem. Phys.; (United States)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1063/1.431041· OSTI ID:6629275

Abraham, f F

A theory is proposed for the description of the thermodynamics and structure of nonuniform fluids. The theory is based on a generalization of liquid-state perturbation theory of uniform fluids and on the Fisk-Widom generalization of the thermodynamic theory of van der Waals and Cahn-Hilliard. The theory is applied to the liquid-vapor interface near the triple point and near the critical point, and to the thermodynamic analysis of the stability of a single-phase fluid in the spinodal region (spinodal decomposition). The limitations of the van der Waals/Cahn-Hilliard theory for surfaces and Cahn's analysis for spinodal decomposition are discussed. (19 refs.)

• Research Organization: IBM Corp.
• OSTI ID: 6629275
• Journal Information: J. Chem. Phys.; (United States), Journal Name: J. Chem. Phys.; (United States) Vol. 63:1; ISSN JCPSA
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CHEMISTRY
400201* -- Chemical & Physicochemical Properties
ENGINEERING
FLUIDS
GASES
INTERFACES
INTERMOLECULAR FORCES
LIQUIDS
MATHEMATICAL MODELS
RESERVOIR ENGINEERING
SURFACE PROPERTIES
SURFACE TENSION
THERMODYNAMICS
VAN DER WAALS FORCES
VAPORS