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Updated: Jun 23, 2026
08:41
Ultrasound Velocity Measurement in a Liquid Metal Electrode
Published on: August 5, 2015
Viscosity of liquid metals: An interpretation
J H Hildebrand1, R H Lamoreaux
1Department of Chemistry, University of California, Berkeley, Calif. 94720.
Summary
Liquid metal fluidity is a linear function of unoccupied volume, correlating with crystal structures. Viscosity relates to vaporization energy, particularly in transition metals due to d-electron bonding.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Physical Chemistry
- Condensed Matter Physics
Background:
- The fluidity of nonmetallic liquids is understood as a linear function of unoccupied volume.
- Understanding liquid metal behavior requires exploring their fluidity and viscosity relationships.
- Previous models often simplify the complex interactions within liquid metals.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between liquid metal fluidity and unoccupied volume.
- To explore the correlation between viscosity, expansion ratio, and energy parameters.
- To understand the role of electronic structure in the viscosity of transition metals.
Main Methods:
- Applied the equation varphi = B[(V/V(0)) - 1] to describe fluidity.
- Extrapolated fluidity data to determine intrinsic volumes (V(0)).
- Analyzed viscosity at a 10% expansion ratio (V/V(0) = 1.10) against solubility parameters.
Main Results:
- Fluidity shows a linear dependence on the ratio of unoccupied to intrinsic volume.
- Determined intrinsic volumes (V(0)) align with molal volumes of compact crystals.
- Viscosity correlates linearly with the square of solubility parameters at 10% expansion.
Conclusions:
- The fluidity of liquid metals can be accurately modeled using volume ratios.
- Viscosity is predictable based on energy of vaporization and expansion.
- Quasi-chemical bonds involving d-electrons explain viscosity in transition metals.
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