Predicting the Glass Transition

Lattice Model of Free Volume and Mobility in Glass-Forming Liquids

We have developed a simple kinetic lattice model of mobility in fluids, describing the spatial and dynamical structure of free volume as a fluid approaches a “kinetic arrest” transition. In particular, the model shows how free volume which is mobile forms localized “tendrils” (image at right, click to animate at full resolution), leading the fluid to exhibit dynamic heterogeneity. Kinetic arrest occurs when the fluid is sufficiently cooled to immobilize all mobile free volume, resulting in a system that has free volume kinetically trapped in a “dormant” state.

We have used our lattice model to study free volume and mobility in bulk, as well as at interfaces in fluid films and bilayers. For more details on this work, go to the Films page, or to Nick’s research page.