Universal features of the equation of state of solids from a pseudospinodal hypothesis

We provide evidence of a universal equation of state for solids using a pseudospinodal hypothesis. A simple model to estimate the pseudospinodal curve is presented. This model combined with a previously reported (isothermal) volumetric equation [Baonza et al., Phys. Rev. B 51, 28 (1995)] yields a complete equation of state applicable over the whole range of temperature. The resulting equation appears to be a well-behaved equation of state over the whole range of temperatures using a single reference thermodynamic state of the solid at atmospheric pressure as input data. Comparison with experimental results of molar volume, bulk modulus, and thermal- (volumetric) expansion coefficient are presented. Comparison with previous equations of state are also presented and discussed. Our results imply that the thermodynamics of any solid are governed by its pseudospinodal curve. \textcopyright{} 1996 The American Physical Society.