Non-Gaussian tails in the probability distribution function of heat exchanged during isothermal stretching of aluminum and gold nanowires

Phys Rev E Stat Nonlin Soft Matter Phys. 2009 Sep;80(3 Pt 1):030105. doi: 10.1103/PhysRevE.80.030105. Epub 2009 Sep 15.

Abstract

The heat exchanged upon isothermal (0.5-200 K) stretching of aluminum and gold nanowires has been calculated by means of molecular dynamics. Atoms at fixed positions with velocities randomly distributed according to Maxwell distribution were taken as initial conditions. The results clearly reveal the presence of non-Gaussian (exponential) tails in the heat probability distribution function at low temperatures, both in gold and aluminum. As temperature is raised, tails rapidly disappear.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't