Quantum-statistical model for high-density matter

Abstract

A new statistical model [the quantum-statistical model (QSM)] was recently introduced by Kalitkin and Kuzmina for the calculation of thermodynamic properties of compressed matter. This paper examines the QSM and gives (i) a numerical QSM calculation of pressure and energy for aluminum and comparison to existing augmented-plane-wave data; (ii) display of separate kinetic, exchange, and quantum pressure terms; (iii) a study of electron density at the nucleus; (iv) a study of the effects of the Kirzhnitz-Weizsacker parameter controlling the gradient terms; (v) an analytic expansion for very high densities; and (vi) rigorous pressure theorems including a general version of the virial theorem which applies to an arbitrary microscopic volume. It is concluded that the QSM represents the most accurate and consistent theory of the Thomas-Fermi type.