Equation of state and transport properties of warm dense aluminum by ab initio and chemical model simulations

Abstract

We have performed the ab initio molecular dynamics (AIMD) simulations for aluminum in the density and temperature range of 2.35–7.00 g cm−3 and 1000–70 000 K, respectively. The equation-of-state data obtained from the AIMD simulations are consistent with the available experimental and theoretical results. The electrical conductivity and thermal conductivity obtained by combining the Kubo-Greenwood formula with the AIMD simulations are also in agreement with the available experimental and theoretical results. The electrical conductivity calculated by a linear mixing rule (LMR) in the chemical picture provides appropriate although relatively underestimated values compared to those based on AIMD simulation. Both LMR and AIMD simulations demonstrate that a metal to nonmetal transition takes place at a temperature less than 30 000 K. The thermal power calculated shows not the direct signal connecting with the metal-nonmetal transition. The coupling parameter, degeneracy parameter, and fractions of warm dense aluminum are discussed systematically. Comparison of the simulation results with currently available theoretical and experimental data for warm dense aluminum is employed to evaluate the appropriate scope for currently available theoretical models, which will provide a useful guide for future experiments.