Abstract
In this paper liquid–vapour molecular dynamics simulations are performed to investigate the solvation force oscillation mechanism of a simple non-polar fluid confined between two solid surfaces. As the two surfaces approach each other to be within a few molecular layers apart, normal force oscillations between the two surfaces are observed which are very similar to those observed in surface force measurements. It is shown that the layering transition of the liquid film is an abrupt liquid-to-solid phase transition. The nucleation of the solid phase starts at the central region of the confined film that can support a finite shear stress. It is found that this phase transition behaviour does not critically depend on the contact nature between the liquid and solid walls. Furthermore, the formation of the close-packed solidified film is confinement induced, rather than pressure induced.
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