Glass transition within cluster variation and path probability methods

Abstract

Thermodynamic framework of Crystal-Glass transition is described within the Cluster Variation Method (CVM). Free energy is calculated as a function of order parameter at various temperatures and T0 diagram is obtained. It is demonstrated that the glass transition temperature can be interpreted as the spinodal ordering temperature in the order-disorder transition. The advantage of the present description is that the kinetic behavior can be investigated within the same framework by employing Path Probability Method (PPM). Therefore, the combination of the CVM and PPM provides a unique theoretical tool to study Crystal-Glass transition in a consistent manner covering thermodynamics and kinetics. © 2005 The Japan Institute of Metals.