We have performed extensive equilibrium and nonequilibrium molecular dynami
cs (EMD and NEMD) simulations of three isomers of C30H62 at temperatures of
311 and 372 K employing a united atom model. Using the rotational relaxati
on time calculated from the EMD simulation, the Rouse model predicts a zero
-shear viscosity for n-triacontane within 16% of the value determined by NE
MD. Compared to experiment, NEMD and the united atom model underpredict the
kinematic viscosities of n-triacontane and 9-n-octyldocosane but accuratel
y predict the values for squalane (within 15%). In addition, the predicted
values of the kinematic viscosity index for both 9-n-octyldocosane and squa
lane are in quantitative agreement with experiment and represent the first
such predictions by molecular simulation. This same general potential model
and computational approach can be used to predict this important lubricant
property for potential lubricants prior to their synthesis, offering the p
ossibility of simulation-guided lubricant design. (C) 2000 American Institu
te of Physics. [S0021-9606(00)50643-6].