ISSN:
1089-7690
Source:
AIP Digital Archive
Topics:
Physics
,
Chemistry and Pharmacology
Notes:
The curvature dependence of the liquid–vapor surface tension is described in the limit of small curvatures by Tolman's length. Measurements of it, either experimentally or in a simulation, have not yet given a clear idea of its magnitude, even its sign is being debated. Previous attempts to relate Tolman's length to a pressure tensor have led to ill-defined expressions. From an analysis of the pressure difference over the interface of a liquid drop, a pressure tensor expression is obtained for Tolman's length that does not suffer from the previously encountered inconsistencies. This pressure difference is studied in a simulation of liquid drops, leading to an estimate of Tolman's length. It appears to be small and bounds are given on it.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1063/1.462495
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