Nonequilibrium characterization of spinodal points using short time dynamics.
Although intuitively appealing, the concept of spinodal is rigorously defined only in systems with infinite range interactions (mean-field systems). In short-range systems, a pseudospinodal can be defined by extrapolation of metastable measurements, but the point itself is not reachable because it lies beyond the metastability limit. In this work we show that a sensible definition of spinodal points can be obtained through the short time dynamical behavior of the system deep inside the metastable phase by looking for a point where the system shows critical behavior. We show that spinodal points obtained by this method agree both with the thermodynamical spinodal point in mean-field systems and with the pseudospinodal point obtained by extrapolation of metaequilibrium behavior in short-range systems. With this definition, a practical determination can be achieved without regard for equilibration issues.
Loscar
Ernesto S
ES
Departamento de Física and Instituto de Investigaciones Fisicoquímicas Teóricas y Aplicadas, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas, Universidad Nacional de La Plata, c.c. 16, suc. 4, 1900 La Plata, Argentina. yasser.loscar@gmail.com
Ferrero
Ezequiel E
EE
Grigera
Tomás S
TS
Cannas
Sergio A
SA