Molecular Dynamics Simulation of a Small Drop of Liquid Argon

Results for molecular dynamics simulation method of small liquid drops of argon (N = 1200-14400 molecules) at 94.4 K through a Lennard-Jones intermolecular potential are presented in this paper as a preliminary study of drop systems. We have calculated the density profiles ${\rho}(r)$, and from which the liquid and gas densities ${\rho}_l$ and ${\rho}_g$, the position of the Gibbs' dividing surface $R_o$, the thickness of the interface d, and the radius of equimolar surface $R_e$ can be obtained. Next we have calculated the normal and transverse pressure tensor ${\rho}_N(r)$ and ${\rho}_T(r)$ using Irving-Kirkwood method, and from which the liquid and gas pressures ${\rho}_l$ and ${\rho}_g$, the surface tension ${\gamma}_s$, the surface of tension $R_s$, and Tolman's length ${\delta}$ can be obtained. The variation of these properties with N is applied for the validity of Laplace's equation for the pressure change and Tolman's equation for the effect of curvature on surface tension through two routes, thermodynamic and mechanical.