Cluster dynamics: A classical trajectory study of A*n→A n−1+A

The dynamics of the dissociation of quasibound clusters of atoms have been studied using classical trajectories with a Metropolis-type sampling procedure for averaging over the dynamical variables for fixed initial energy values. The case A*4→A3+A was examined for mass and potential parameters appropriate for Ar. Calculations were carried out for pairwise Lennard-Jones potentials. The computed decay rates are in good agreement with those reported previously [J. Chem. Phys. 71, 2467 (1979)] where the quasibound clusters were collisionally formed from A and internally cold A3.