Inclusion of Corrections of the Highest Order of Smallness in the Van der Waals Capillarity Theory

Abstract

An extended version of the Van der Waals capillarity theory is suggested, which describes the liquid-vapor interface in the temperature range from the triple to critical point. A model functional of thermodynamic potential of a two-phase Lennard-Jones system is suggested, which takes into account the impact of higher terms of gradient expansion. The identity of the thermodynamic and mechanical definitions of the Tolman parameter is proved within the accepted form of the functional. The properties of the liquid and vapor phase nuclei are described. The work of nucleation, the density profiles, and the dimensional dependence of surface tension are determined.