Equation of state data and electrical resistivity of warm dense gold were measured in the internal energy range $8–12\mathrm{MJ}∕\mathrm{kg}$. Experimental results were compared with quantum molecular dynamics simulations. The theoretical results match well the experimental data, allowing a detailed interpretation of the theoretical thermodynamic properties and frequency-dependent conductivities.

• Received 7 October 2005

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevE.73.056403