Equation of state of compressed matter: A simple statistical model

Abstract

We propose a simple approach for studying systems of compressed matter based on the Thomas-Fermi statistical model of single atom. The central point of our work is the development of the concept of ``statistical ionization'' by compression; in simple terms, we calculate the fraction of electrons within the atom whose positive energy, due to the compression, exceeds the negative binding energy electron-nucleus. Next we extend this concept from a single atom to macroscopic systems and write the corresponding equation of state. Positive aspects as well as limitations of the model are illustrated and discussed through all the paper.