Tensile strength of simple liquids predicted by a model of molecular interactions

Abstract

Using a new surface energy for the formation of the critical cluster, a model for the vapour bubble formation within a liquid under tension is presented in this paper. A face centered cubic lattice structure and London dispersion force between molecules are assumed for the simple liquids concerned. The tensile strength evaluated by this model is in agreement with the experimental results of Beams (1959) and Briggs (1950, 1951, 1955). Especially good agreement is attained for water including the variation in the tensile strength with temperature.