Looking for a compact semi empirical equation of state for hard spheres: possibility of a glassy transition and random loose packing

Abstract

The equation of state of a hard sphere fluid at high density should exhibit a simple pole at the random close packing limit. Here we show that trying to obtain a compact semi-empirical equation of state simultaneously compatible with that asymptotic behaviour and with the known virial coefficients raises an analytical difficulty which can be solved if a glassy transition occurs in the disordered metastable phase at a density intermediate between the freezing point and the random close packing limit, numerically close to the melting point. The estimated value for the transition point, which is identified with random loose packing, is in good agreement with earlier estimations.