title: A novel topological compression mechanism in a covalent liquid.
abstract: Monte Carlo simulations of tetrahedrally bonded SiO(2) liquid show that pressure induces large changes in the topology of its four-coordinated framework structure but leaves the average properties of local coordination environments virtually unchanged. Ring statistics are used to describe the liquid's topology; the observed changes paradoxically indicate that the liquid compresses primarily by increasing the size of its rings. A theory for the effects of ring formation on density, which also explains the density of crystalline tectosilicates, accounts for the compression of the liquid.
authors.forename: L
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Stixrude
authors.forename: M S
authors.initials: MS
authors.lastname: Bukowinski