Equation of state of dense plasmas using a screened-hydrogenic model with l-splitting

We present a self-consistent model based on a nonrelativistic screened-hydrogenic model with l-splitting to calculate the equation of state of matter in local thermodynamic equilibrium. We take into account the quantum subshell effect to go beyond the simple semiclassical and statistical Thomas-Fermi approach to obtain the electronic properties. Arbitrary degeneracy is allowed for the free electrons. Pressure ionization mechanism, which plays a key role in the present ionization-equilibrium model, is carefully described. Ion properties and cold curve are determined using the QEOS multiphase equation of state. The whole model is fast, robust, and reasonably accurate over a wide range of temperatures and densities. (C) 2008 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.