Strongly dipolar fluids: a theoretical and computational challenge

We propose a simple statistical mechanical theory for a strongly dipolar fl uid at low densities, based on the analogy between a system of polydisperse polymer chains and the equilibrium structure of these fluids as shown by c omputer simulation. Both steric and dipolar interactions between long chain s are weak at low densities and as a result the dipolar fluid, in this regi me, is well described as an ideal gas of polydisperse chains. We further in vestigate how the residual dipolar interaction between monomers and attract ive Van der Waals interactions between particles may cause dissociation of the chains and condensation of the dipolar fluid. (C) 1999 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.