Perturbation theory for the thermodynamic properties of simple liquids

Abstract

The perturbation theory of simple liquids has recently met with great success. In this paper we present a critical discussion of this theory. The unperturbed system is, as usual, identified with hard spheres whose diameters are determined by a self-consistency requirement. The thermodynamics of the system, including the first-order contribution, can be computed analytically. The equation of state thus obtained is used to discuss experimental results on non-polar liquids.