Self-diffusion and Inter-diffusion Coefficients of Liquid Lithium Isotopes

Marco Omini (1)

1 Physics

The experimental data on the Li6 and Li7 diffusivities, as given by Feinauer, Majer and Seeger (1994), are discussed in the frame of a theory previously developed by the author (1986). The scattering processes responsible for diffusion are described in terms of a Fourier-transformable pair potential through which the diffusing atom interacts with the atoms of the surrounding liquid. Two main improvements are introduced into the theory with respect to its original formulation: the first is represented by a more reliable form of trial function in the variational procedure used to solve the transport equation, the second consists in a reinterpretation of the long wavelength part of the potential, that is the part related to collective modes of vibration. The theory provides an explanation of the dynamic isotope effects observed in self-diffusion and inter-diffusion coefficients.

Mots clés: Physical Sciences

Marco Omini. Self-diffusion and Inter-diffusion Coefficients of Liquid Lithium Isotopes. Philosophical Magazine, 2006, 86 (12), pp.1643-1666. ⟨10.1080/14786430500482328⟩. ⟨hal-00513641⟩