Alternative approach to the description of metallic clusters

TL;DR

This paper presents a simple, detailed model for metallic clusters, considering random ion and electron distribution, and calculates stability, equilibrium size, energy, and bulk modulus of the clusters.

Contribution

It introduces a novel simple model that accounts for electrostatic interactions and predicts stability and physical properties of metallic clusters.

Findings

Clusters are shown to be stable within the model.

Equilibrium radius and energy of clusters are calculated.

Bulk modulus of clusters is determined.

Abstract

A detailed simple model is applied to study a metallic cluster. It is assumed that the ions and delocalized electrons are distributed randomly throughout the cluster. The delocalized electrons are assumed to be degenerate. A spherical ball models the shape of a cluster. The energy of the microscopic electrostatic field around the ions is taken into account and calculated. It is shown in the framework of the model that the cluster is stable. Equilibrium radius of a ball and the energy of the equilibrium cluster are calculated. Bulk modulus of a cluster is calculated also.