Random packings and the structure of simple liquids II. The molecular geometry of simple liquids

Abstract

Machine calculations by Monte Carlo methods enable us to simulate real liquids in real space, and to reproduce the thermodynamic properties of a real liquid assembly. On the basis of the geometrical descriptions of part I, the structures of these simulated arrays are compared with the random packing. The results demonstrate the essential validity of Bernal’s concept of the liquid state; moreover, by artificially hardening the interaction potential, we can throw light upon the structural differences between real and idealized systems.