Equation of state of compressed matter: A simple statistical model

TL;DR

This paper introduces a simplified statistical model based on the Thomas-Fermi approach to estimate the equation of state of compressed matter, emphasizing a novel concept of 'statistical ionization' due to compression.

Contribution

It develops the concept of statistical ionization within the Thomas-Fermi model and extends it to macroscopic systems to derive an equation of state for compressed matter.

Findings

The model provides a new way to estimate ionization under compression.

It discusses the strengths and limitations of the statistical approach.

The approach offers insights into the behavior of matter under extreme conditions.

Abstract

We propose a simple approach for studying systems of compressed matter based on the Thomas-Fermi statistical model of single atom. The central point of our work is the development of the concept of ``statistical ionization'' by compression; in simple terms, we calculate the fraction of electrons within the atom whose positive energy, due to the compression, exceeds the negative binding energy electron-nucleus. Next we extend this concept from a single atom to macroscopic systems and write the corresponding equation of state. Positive aspects as well as limitations of the model are illustrated and discussed through all the paper.