Liquid argon: Monte carlo and molecular dynamics calculations

Abstract

Thermodynamic properties of liquid argon are calculated by Monte Carlo and molecular dynamics techniques, using accurate pair-potential functions determined from the properties of solid and gaseous argon, together with the Axilrod-Teller three-body interaction. Satisfactory techniques for evaluating three-body contributions to thermodynamic properties without excessive requirements of computer time are described. Quantum corrections are included. Agreement with experiment is excellent: the best pair and triplet potentials give an excellent description of the properties of solid, gaseous and liquid argon.