Transport coefficients in the strongly coupled liquid alkali metals

Abstract

By appealing to a generalization of the Stokes–Einstein formula, we predict that the ratio ζ / η between the bulk and shear viscosities is the same for all alkali liquid metals at the melting temperature. From experimental information we conclude that ζ / η = 3.0 ± 0.7 . Next, we have explored an inequality for ζ / η derived by Buchel from a strong coupling model limit via anti-de Sitter/Conformal Field Theory duality. Simulation data along the liquid–vapor coexistence curve for Rb from the triple point to the critical point indicates that the inequality is well satisfied for temperatures between 400 K and 1900 K.