Monte Carlo simulations of tetrahedral clusters of spheres

Abstract

In this work we investigate colloidal systems with tetrahedral clusters. The clusters are modelled as hard spheres. Previously, work has already been done using experiments and simulations. It is possible to make these clusters using the emulsion droplet evaporation method. What we were interested in is seeing how the particles would behave in simulations. The theory of molecular Monte Carlo simulations and the techniques used are explained. The molecular simulations show that the tetrahedral clusters behave as would be expected: at high pressures they are a solid (we put them in the fcc structure) and at low pressures they form a liquid.