Molecular-dynamics simulations of liquid aluminum oxide

The total and partial radial distribution functions $g(r)$ and the corresponding structure factors $S(q)$ were calculated based on molecular-dynamics simulations in the microcanonical ensemble of liquid aluminum oxide. The simulations were performed in the temperature range 2300--3000 K in order to explore the temperature dependence of the structure, finding that the liquid structure is invariant as a function of temperature. With the aid of the partial radial distribution functions, it is possible to reinterpret the experimental data leading to a new assignment of peaks which differs from the one reported in a previously published work by Ansell et al. [Phys. Rev. Lett. 78, 464 (1997)]. The structural model for liquid aluminum oxide obtained from our simulations is essentially the same as that reported in the experimental work.