Non-Gaussian tails in the probability distribution function of heat exchanged during isothermal stretching of aluminum and gold nanowires.

The heat exchanged upon isothermal (0.5-200 K) stretching of aluminum and gold nanowires has been calculated by means of molecular dynamics. Atoms at fixed positions with velocities randomly distributed according to Maxwell distribution were taken as initial conditions. The results clearly reveal the presence of non-Gaussian (exponential) tails in the heat probability distribution function at low temperatures, both in gold and aluminum. As temperature is raised, tails rapidly disappear.