Variational Average-Atom in Quantum Plasmas (VAAQP) - A check of thermodynamic consistency

A new code called VAAQP (Variational Average-Atom in Quantum Plasmas) is presented. The conceptual model on which the code is based, as well as the important results of previous studies are briefly discussed. The code is based on a new fully variational model of equilibrium dense plasmas employing a quantal treatment of all electrons. VAAQP can calculate the Average-Atom structure and the mean ionization from the variational equations satisfying the virial theorem and without imposing the neutrality of the Wigner-Seitz sphere. The formula obtained for the electron pressure is simple and does not require any numerical differentiation. A description of the principal features of the code is given. The thermodynamic consistency of the results obtained with VAAQP is shown by a comparison with another approach for the aluminium 2 eV isotherm. An initial comparison to an INFERNO-type model is also presented. (C) 2009 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.