Equivalence between condensation and boiling in a Lennard-Jones fluid.

摘要: Condensation and boiling are phase transitions highly relevant to industry, geology, atmospheric science. These initiated by the nucleation of a drop in supersaturated vapor bubble an overstretched liquid, respectively. The surface tension between both phases, liquid vapor, is key parameter development such stage. Whereas can be readily measured for flat interface, there technical conceptual limitations obtain it curved interface nucleus. On side, quite difficult observe critical nucleus experiments. From point view, interfacial free energy depends on choice dividing surface, being one nucleation. We bypass limitation performing simulations Lennard-Jones fluid where we equilibrate nuclei (both drops bubbles). Regarding hurdle, find cluster size searching radius that correctly predicts rates barriers when combined with Classical Nucleation Theory. With definition same value bubbles given radius. Thus, condensation viewed as two sides coin. Finally, combine data coming from obtain, via different routes, estimates Tolman length, allows describing curvature dependence theoretical framework.