Simulation of the adhesive-hard-sphere model

Abstract

Monte Carlo simulations of the three-dimensional sticky-hard-sphere system are presented. A new modified Monte Carlo algorithm has been developed which makes it possible to explore the phase diagram for a large region of both the packing fraction and the stickiness parameter t. The phase diagram is calculated, as well as pair distribution functions and structure factors. Cluster percolation has been studied and its relation to the phase diagram. The simulation results are compared with predictions, obtained from the Percus-Yevick approximation, which can be solved analytically for this model. The potential relevance of the present simulation results for experiments on clustering in neutral colloids is discussed.