Coexistence Curve Singularities at Critical End Points

TL;DR

This study uses Monte Carlo simulations to investigate singular behaviors at critical end points in a binary fluid mixture, confirming theoretical predictions and suggesting experimental detectability.

Contribution

It provides the first extensive simulation evidence for predicted singularities in coexistence curves and chemical potentials at critical end points.

Findings

Confirmed singularity in the diameter of the coexistence curve.

Validated singularity in the coexistence chemical potential.

Results are consistent with general scaling predictions.

Abstract

We report an extensive Monte Carlo study of critical end point behaviour in a symmetrical binary fluid mixture. On the basis of general scaling arguments, singular behaviour is predicted in the diameter of the liquid-gas coexistence curve as the critical end point is approached. The simulation results show clear evidence for this singularity, as well as confirming a previously predicted singularity in the coexistence chemical potential. Both singularities should be detectable experimentally.