‘‘Spinodals’’ in the mean field theory of freezing

Abstract

We calculate, in the context of the mean field theory of freezing proposed by Grewe and Klein, exponents that characterize singularities at spinodal-like points. On the basis of the values of these exponents and the analogy of these ’’spinodal’’ points to critical points we predict an upper critical dimension dc = 6, above which these mean-field exponents are correct for realistic short range potentials. We also discuss the implication of these results for the Kirkwood instability analysis and bifurcation theories of the freezing transition.