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An Analog Macroscopic Technique for Studying Molecular Hydrodynamic Processes in Dense Gases and Liquids
Published on: December 4, 2017
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Entropy and the Tolman Parameter in Nucleation Theory.
Jürn W P Schmelzer1, Alexander S Abyzov2, Vladimir G Baidakov3
1Institute of Physics, University of Rostock, Albert-Einstein-Strasse 23-25, 18059 Rostock, Germany.
Entropy (Basel, Switzerland)
|December 3, 2020
Summary
This study enhances nucleation theory by linking surface tension to entropy changes, enabling accurate predictions for phase transitions. The new model describes surface tension
Area of Science:
- Thermodynamics
- Physical Chemistry
- Materials Science
Background:
- Classical nucleation theory relies on Gibbs' theory of interfacial phenomena to define critical cluster properties.
- Accurate prediction of nucleation rates requires understanding the size and curvature dependence of surface tension.
- Existing models often use entropy or enthalpy changes (latent heat) to describe surface tension in phase transitions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To expand the Stefan-Skapski-Turnbull rule for describing surface tension of critical clusters and its size dependence.
- To generalize the application of Tolman's equation for surface tension curvature dependence to various phase formation scenarios.
- To develop a unified approach for surface tension's size dependence across the metastable range from binodal to spinodal curves.
Main Methods:
- Utilizing the Stefan-Skapski-Turnbull rule to determine surface tension's dependence on pressure and temperature.
- Applying Tolman's equation to describe surface tension's curvature dependence in one-component and multi-component systems.
- Comparing the developed approach with alternative methods for specifying the Tolman parameter and surface tension size dependence.
Main Results:
- A novel method is presented to determine the size dependence of surface tension based on the Stefan-Skapski-Turnbull rule.
- The generalized Tolman equation is shown to be applicable for describing surface tension in condensation and boiling.
- A relation for surface tension's curvature dependence is derived, covering the entire metastable region of initial states.
Conclusions:
- The expanded Stefan-Skapski-Turnbull rule provides a robust framework for understanding surface tension in nucleation.
- The generalized Tolman equation offers a versatile tool for analyzing phase transitions across diverse systems and conditions.
- This work advances the thermodynamic theory of nucleation, improving predictions of phase formation phenomena.
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