Molecular dynamics simulation of cavitation in a lead melt at negative pressures

The molecular dynamics method was used to simulate cavitation in a metastable lead melt and determine the stability limits. States at temperatures below critical (T < 0.5T _c) and large negative pressures were considered. Interatomic interactions were described by the realistic embedded atom potential. The kinetic boundary of liquid phase stability was shown to be different from the spinodal. The kinetics and dynamics of cavitation were studied. The pressure dependences of cavitation frequencies were obtained over the temperature range 700–2700 K. The results of molecular dynamics calculations were compared with estimates based on classical nucleation theory.