We performed X-ray absorption spectroscopy experiments at the Pd and Rh K-e
dges of solid and liquid samples. The measurements were performed at 1850 K
for liquid Pd and at 2240 K for liquid Rh. The short range shape of the ra
dial distribution function is derived and compared for both the liquid and
solid phases. These results provide a severe test for proposed interaction
potentials suitable to describe these metallic melts. (C) 1999 Elsevier Sci
ence B.V. All rights reserved.