A New Four-Parameter Generalized Van der Waals Equation of State: Metastable State of Group III Elements

A new four- parameter modified van der Waals equation of state has been proposed and employed to calculate the spinodal (metastable state) and the thermodynamic limit of superheat of aluminum, gallium, and indium. It is established that aluminum, gallium, and indium obey the single parameter law of corresponding states. It is established that the new parameter introduced in the attractive term of the equation of state is a thermodynamic similarity parameter. It has been established that aluminum, gallium, and indium can be superheated, under rapid heating, up to temperatures 6961K, 6286K, and 5604Krespectively. Above these temperatures, aluminum, gallium, and indium undergo explosive boiling by virtue of homogeneous nucleation. This fact is to be taken into account when aluminum, gallium, and indium are subjected to rapid heating.