Asymmetric crystallization and melting kinetics in sodium: A molecular-dynamics study

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Abstract
Computer-simulation studies of the crystallization and melting of a model of sodium have been carried out to determine the (001) steady-state velocity versus temperature relation in the temperature region 81 to 497 K. Using a form of transition-state theory there is an apparent slope discontinuity in the velocity versus temperature relation at the melting point, which is correlated with slope discontinuities in averaged order parameters for planes buried in the crystal; planes appear to soften more per unit temperature increase above the melting point leading to larger melting velocities.