Phase diagram for the asymmetric nuclear matter in the multifragmentation model

TL;DR

This paper studies the phase diagram of asymmetric nuclear matter undergoing multifragmentation, demonstrating a first-order phase transition and calculating phase-equilibrium lines for various asymmetries based on equilibrium statistical mechanics.

Contribution

It provides a detailed analysis of the phase diagram for asymmetric nuclear matter within the multifragmentation model, including the computation of phase-equilibrium lines for different asymmetries.

Findings

The model predicts a first-order phase transition in nuclear matter.

Phase-equilibrium lines vary with asymmetry degree.

Supports the multifragmentation model as a valid description of nuclear break-up.

Abstract

We assume that, in equilibrium, nuclear matter at reduced density and moderate finite temperature, breaks up into many fragments. A strong support to this assumption is provided by date accumulated from intermediate energy heavy ion collisions. The break-up of hot and expanded nuclear matter according to rules of equilibrium statistical mechanics is the multifragmentation model. The model gives a first order phase transition. This is studied in detail here. Phase-equilibrium lines for different degrees of asymmetry are computed.