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Abstract
By molecular-dynamics simulations, we have studied the devitrification (or crystallization) of aged hard-sphere glasses. First, we find that the dynamics of the particles are intermittent: Quiescent periods, when the particles simply "rattle" in their nearest-neighbor cages, are interrupted by abrupt "avalanches," where a subset of particles undergo large rearrangements. Second, we find that crystallization is associated with these avalanches but that the connection is not straightforward. The amount of crystal in the system increases during an avalanche, but most of the particles that become crystalline are different from those involved in the avalanche. Third, the occurrence of the avalanches is a largely stochastic process. Randomizing the velocities of the particles at any time during the simulation leads to a different subsequent series of avalanches. The spatial distribution of avalanching particles appears random, although correlations are found among avalanche initiation events. By contrast, we find that crystallization tends to take place in regions that already show incipient local order.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 75-80 |
Number of pages | 6 |
Journal | Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences |
Volume | 111 |
Issue number | 1 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - 7 Jan 2014 |
Keywords
- colloidal glasses
- ordered solid
- amorphous solid
- dynamic heterogeneities
- HETEROGENEOUS DYNAMICS
- SUPERCOOLED LIQUIDS
- CRYSTAL-NUCLEATION
- METALLIC GLASSES
- TRANSITION
- SUSPENSIONS
- ORDER
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Dive into the research topics of 'Avalanches mediate crystallization in a hard-sphere glass'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.Projects
- 1 Finished
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Design Principles for New Soft Materials
Cates, M., Allen, R., Clegg, P., Evans, M., MacPhee, C., Marenduzzo, D. & Poon, W.
7/12/11 → 6/06/17
Project: Research