Classical Nucleation Theory

Free energy barrier, critical nucleus, nucleation rate, and crystal growth

Parameters

r* (critical radius):
ΔG* (barrier):
Nucleation rate J:
Nuclei spawned: 0
CNT free energy:
ΔG(r) = −(4π/3Ω)Δμ·r³ + 4πγ·r²

Critical radius: r* = 2γΩ/Δμ
Barrier: ΔG* = 16πγ³Ω²/(3Δμ²)
Nucleation rate: J = J₀ exp(−ΔG*/k_BT)

Nuclei with r>r* grow spontaneously; r