IDEAL GLASS · Simulation and test of ideal glass model

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Project objective

There probably exist more theories for the glass transition than for any other phenomenon in condensed matter physics except high-Tc superconductivity. Some of these theories assume that the glass transition reflects an underlying (possibly frustrated) thermodynamic phase transition; others describe the glass transition as a purely kinetic phenomenon. It is important to disentangle, as much as possible, the roles of structural correlations and purely kinetic effects in the absence of such correlations. Recently, Prof. Frenkel's group developed a model for glass-forming fluids that has the structural properties of an ideal gas. If this system undergoes dynamical arrest, it is a purely kinetic effect. Surprisingly, no earlier studies of ideal, off-lattice glass formers exist. In view of the present proliferation of theories for the glass transition, we believe that a careful and systematic study of the Sideal glassa is both necessary and timely. We propose to study the properties of this model glass by molecular dynamics simulations. By comparing the properties of this system to those of a typical aSstructurala glass former, we aim to provide quantitative data that can be used to test the underlying assumptions of existing theories for the glass transition. Ultimately, we hope that our simulations will allow us to make unambiguous statements about the limits of applicability of existing theoretical models for the glass transition.

Original text from CORDIS.

Participants

• STICHTING VOOR FUNDAMENTEEL ONDERZOEK DER MATERIE · UTRECHTCoordinatorNetherlands

Links

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