Tests of Universality of Percolation Exponents for a Three-Dimensional Continuum System of Interacting Waterlike Particles

Abstract

Molecular-dynamics calculations for interacting waterlike particles are used to estimate values of percolation exponents. Results are consistent with accepted values for ordinary random-bond percolation for a three-dimensional lattice. Study of a correlated-site percolation problem, defined by the connectivity of those water molecules that are four-coordinated, shows no evidence for different exponents. Thus there is no obvious basis for the frequent criticisms against the application of lattice percolation models to describe continuum correlated systems such as polymer gels.