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Statistical mechanics of light elements at high pressure. VI - Liquid-state calculations with Thomas-Fermi-Dirac theoryA model free energy is developed for hydrogen-helium mixtures based on solid-state Thomas-Fermi-Dirac calculations at pressures relevant to the interiors of giant planets. Using a model potential similar to that for a two-component plasma, effective charges for the nuclei (which are in general smaller than the actual charges because of screening effects) are parameterized, being constrained by calculations at a number of densities, compositions, and lattice structures. These model potentials are then used to compute the equilibrium properties of H-He fluids using a charged hard-sphere model. The results find critical temperatures of about 0 K, 500 K, and 1500 K, for pressures of 10, 100, and 1000 Mbar, respectively. These phase separation temperatures are considerably lower (approximately 6,000-10,000 K) than those found from calculations using free electron perturbation theory, and suggest that H-He solutions should be stable against phase separation in the metallic zones of Jupiter and Saturn.
Document ID
19840053054
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Reprint (Version printed in journal)
External Source(s)
Authors
Macfarlane, J. J.
(Arizona, University Tucson, AZ, United States)
Date Acquired
August 12, 2013
Publication Date
May 1, 1984
Publication Information
Publication: Astrophysical Journal, Part 1
Volume: 280
ISSN: 0004-637X
Subject Category
Plasma Physics
Accession Number
84A35841
Funding Number(s)
CONTRACT_GRANT: NSG-7045
CONTRACT_GRANT: NAGW-192
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Other

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