Exploration of multifragmentation of Ar clusters with incident protons

The possibility of multifragmentation of large Ar clusters by incident protons is assessed using the multiscale approach to radiation damage with ions. The characteristics of proton propagation in liquid Ar are calculated and the shock wave prediction is tested theoretically. The shock wave pressure is compared to the surface tension pressure at the surface of clusters and the condition for multifragmentation is explored. The dynamics of irradiated Ar clusters is studied using classical molecular dynamics simulations; different aspects of their survival or fragmentation are observed and discussed. The studies are done at different values of impact parameter of ions with respect to spherical droplets. A size distribution of Ar droplets after irradiation is obtained.