Static correlations, mode coupling theory

The relaxation equations for the time correlation functions are derived formally by using the projection operator technique [12]. This relaxation equation has the same structure as a generalized Langevin equation. The mode coupling theory provides microscopic, albeit approximate, expressions for the wavevector- and frequency-dependent memory functions. One important aspect of the mode coupling theory is the intimate relation between the static microscopic structure of the liquid and the transport properties. In fact, even now, realistic calculations using MCT is often not possible because of the nonavailability of the static pair correlation functions for complex inter-molecular potential. 

Mode coupling theory provides the following rationale for the known validity of the Stokes relation between the zero frequency friction and the viscosity. According to MCT, both these quantities are primarily determined by the static and dynamic structure factors of the solvent. Hence both vary similarly with density and temperature. This calls into question the justification of the use of the generalized hydrodynamics for molecular processes. The question gathers further relevance from the fact that the time (t) correlation function determining friction (the force-force) and that determining viscosity (the stress-stress) are microscopically different. 

In the case that hydrodynamic interactions arising from the backflow by movements of segments (or particles) are dominant over friction of each segment with a viscous fluid medium, the diffusion coefficient is often evaluated theoretically as follows. According to the mode-mode coupling theory for fluids with the Oseen tensor of hydrodynamic interactions,the diffusion coefficient is expressed in terms of the static correlation function S([Pg.307]

The mode coupling approximation for m (0 yields a set of equations that needs to be solved self-consistently. Hereby the only input to the theory is the static equilibrium structure factor 5, that enters the memory kernel directly and via the direct correlation function that is given by the Ornstein-Zernicke expression = (1 - l/5,)/p, with p being the average density. In MCT, the dynamics of a fluid close to the glass transition is therefore completely determined by equilibrium quantities plus one time scale, here given by the short-time diffusion coefficient. The theory can thus make rather strong predictions as the only input, namely, the equilibrium structure factor, can often be calculated from the particle interactions, or even more directly can be taken from the simulations of the system whose dynamics is studied. 

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