arXiv subjects

Ruijian Zhu

Publications and source records attributed to Ruijian Zhu.

3 recordsLinked to original sources

arXiv2026

Two-Dimensional Phase Transitions in Classical Systems: 60 Years after the Hohenberg-Mermin-Wagner Theorem

In 1966, Hohenberg, Mermin and Wagner proved that long-wavelength fluctuations destabilize the long-range order of continuous symmetry in two-dimensional (2D) systems. Later in the 1970s, Berezinskii, Kosterlitz and Thouless developed the BKT theory describing an unconventional phase transition between quasi-long-range and short-range order in 2D systems driven by the binding-unbinding of topological defects, which has become a fundamental topic in statistical mechanics, condensed matter physics, and soft matter physics. One of the most important applications of the BKT theory is the melting of 2D crystals, whose mechanisms are not yet fully understood. Recently, this topic has been extended to the area of active matter, where the non-equilibrium nature leads to novel phenomena that deviate from the Hohenberg-Mermin-Wagner theorem. In this review, we first focus on the recent theoretical and computational progress in the 2D melting problem in passive systems, and then summarize the inspiring results obtained from non-equilibrium systems. The review closes with comments on several promising directions for predicting 2D melting scenarios and for understanding the non-equilibrium nature in 2D active matter systems.

cond-mat.stat-mech↗

arXiv2025

Shape-Determined Kinetic Pathways in 2D Solid-Solid Phase Transitions

Solid-solid phase transitions are ubiquitous in nature, but the kinetic pathway of anisotropic particle systems remains elusive, where the coupling between translational and rotational motions plays a critical role in various kinetic processes. Here we investigate this problem by molecular dynamics simulation for two-dimensional ball-stick polygon systems, where pentagon, hexagon, and octagon systems all undergo an isostructural solid-solid phase transition. During heating, the translational motion exhibits merely a homogeneous expansion, whereas the time evolution of body-orientation is shape-determined. The local defects of body-orientation self-organize into a vague stripe for pentagon, a random pattern for hexagon, while a distinct stripe for octagon. The underlying kinetic pathway of octagon adheres to the quasi-equilibrium assumption, whereas the pathways of hexagon and pentagon are governed by translational and rotational motion, respectively. This diversity is originated from different kinetic coupling modes determined by the anisotropy of molecules, and can affect the phase transition rates. The reverse process in terms of cooling follows the same mechanism, with more diverse kinetic pathways attributed to the possible kinetic traps. Our findings promote the theoretical understanding of microscopic kinetics of solid-solid phase transitions as well as provide direct guidance for the rational design of materials utilizing desired kinetic features.

cond-mat.soft↗

arXiv2024

A Critical Edge Number Revealed for Phase Stabilities of Two-Dimensional Ball-Stick Polygons

Phase behaviors of two-dimensional (2D) systems constitute a fundamental topic in condensed matter and statistical physics. Although hard polygons and interactive point-like particles are well studied, the phase behaviors of more realistic molecular systems considering intermolecular interaction and molecular shape remain elusive. Here we investigate by molecular dynamics simulation thermal stabilities of 2D ball-stick polygons, serving as simplified models for molecular systems. Below the melting temperature $T_{m}$, we identify a critical edge number $n_{c}$, at which a waving superlattice structure emerges; when n < $n_{c}$,the triangular system stabilizes at a spin-ice-like glassy state; when n > $n_{c}$,the polygons stabilize at crystalline states, and $T_{m}$ is higher for polygons with more edges at higher pressures but exhibits a crossover for hexagon and octagon at low pressures. A theoretical framework taking into account the competition between entropy and enthalpy is proposed to provide a comprehensive understanding of our results, which is anticipated to facilitate the design of 2D materials.

cond-mat.soft↗