Non-monotonic pressure dependence of the dynamics of soft glass-formers at high compressions

Abstract

In molecular dynamics simulations of soft glass-formers interacting via repulsions, we find that the glass transition temperature, dynamical heterogeneity, and glass fragility reach their maxima at the same crossover pressure, P_d. Our analysis of the zero-temperature jammed states indicates that states at P_d have the highest bond orientational order with the largest spatial fluctuation. Correspondingly, the low-frequency normal modes of vibration are the least localized and the average potential energy barrier along these modes is highest for jammed states in the vicinity of P_d. The re-entrant glass transition and dynamics of supercooled liquids are thus predictable by these structural and vibrational precursors in the zero-temperature jammed states.