EXPLORATORY-STUDY OF 3-GLUON VERTEX ON THE LATTICE

We define and evaluate on the lattice the amputated three-gluon vertex function in momentum space. We give numerical results for 16(3) x 40 and 24(3) x 40 quenched lattices at beta = 6.0. A good numerical signa l is obtained at the price of enforcing the gauge-fixing condition wit h high accuracy. By comparing results from two different lattice volum es, we try to investigate the crucial issue of finite volume effects. We also outline a method for the lattice evaluation of the QCD running coupling as defined from the three-gluon vertex, while being aware th at a realistic calculation will require larger beta values and very hi gh statistics.