Standard thermodynamic quantities as determined via models of nuclear multifragmentation - art. no. 054605

Both simple and sophisticated models are frequently used in an attempt to u nderstand how real nuclei breakup when subjected to large excitation energi es, a process known as nuclear multifragmentation. Many of these models ass ume equilibrium thermodynamics and produce results often interpreted as evi dence of a phase transition. This work examines one class of models and emp loys standard thermodynamical procedures to explore the possible existence and nature of a phase transition. The role of various terms, e.g., Coulomb and surface energy, is discussed.