Several well-known equations of state developed for hard spheres are review
ed and applied to describe the properties of hard-sphere chains. Two differ
ent types of bonding terms that account for chain connectivity are adapted
for hard-sphere-chain equations. Each model is then compared with computer
simulation data for hard spheres and hard-sphere chains. For hard spheres,
the Carnahan-Starling and Kolafa models best describe the computer simulati
on data. For hard-sphere chains, the accuracy of predictions from each mode
l strongly depends on the choice of bonding terms. (C) 2000 Elsevier Scienc
e B.V. All rights reserved.