Wetting and structure of a fluid in a spherical cavity

The equilibrium local densities, structure. and wetting of a one-component fluid in a spherical cavity, of variable radius R, are determined. using density-functional theory, as functions of two parameters characterizing the system: the radius R and the cavity/fluid potential parameter epsilon(w). The cavity acts as an external potential V-ext(r) on the molecules of the confined fluid, the particles of which are of constant diameter d. The equilibrium density profile, as a result of strong confinement, develops peaks in the center of the cavity and/or close to the pore wall and, in certain situations, in other intermediate points; the cavity can also be liquid full, capillary condensation.