Molecular-dynamics simulations of silver clusters

Abstract

Structural stability and energetics of silver clusters, Ag n ( n=3–177), have been investigated by molecular-dynamics simulations. An empirical model potential energy function has been used in the simulations. Stable structures of the microclusters with sizes n=3–13 and clusters generated from FCC crystal structure with sizes n=13–177 have been determined by molecular-dynamics simulation. Five-fold symmetry appears on the spherical clusters.