DISSOCIATION AND THERMODYNAMICS OF DENSE FLUID HYDROGEN

Recent developments in shock-wave experimental techniques have allowed the 100 GPa range to be probed. The results of experiments on hydroge n have demonstrated that at 141 GPa fluid hydrogen is in a metallic st ate. Using analytical calculations as well as Monte Carlo simulations, the pair distribution functions in partly dissociated hydrogen are de termined. The equation of state is in good agreement with experiment i n this high-pressure region. Estimates for the degree of dissociation are given. Furthermore, we demonstrate the influence of dissociation o h the proton-proton pair distribution function.