Theoretical calculation of the transport properties of monatomic lithium vapor

Transport properties of dilute monatomic gases depend on two body atom–atom interaction potentials. When two ground state (2S) lithium atoms interact, they can follow either of two potential energy curves corresponding to the Li2 molecule in the X 1Σ+g or 3Σ+u state. Transport collision integrals for these states have been calculated by accurately representing quantum mechanical potential energy curves with the Hulburt–Hirschfelder potential. The excellent agreement of calculated viscosities with experimental results provides further evidence that this potential can be used to estimate accurately transport properties under conditions where experimental data are sparse or unavailable.