The clustering mechanism underlying a kinetic model related to Bose-Einstein statistics

Abstract

The present paper discusses the clustering of elementary events in a kinetic relaxation model based on a time-domain analog of Bose-Einstein statistics. The clustering results in a spectrum of relaxation times which are integer-valued fractions of the relaxation time of single events, thus providing a stretching of the overall process towards shorter times. The predictions of the model are combined with an expression describing the 'universal' behaviour of solids of various structure and composition in a stress relaxation experiment. This yields the remarkable result that the average cluster size relating to the entire process is six. Correspondingly, the average relaxation time is found to be 1/6 of the relaxation time of the single events.