  We calculate bubble nucleation rates in a Lennard-Jones fluid through
explicit molecular dynamics simulations. Our approach -- based on a recent free
energy method (dubbed reweighted Jarzynski sampling), transition state theory,
and a simple recrossing correction -- allows us to probe a fairly wide range of
rates in several superheated and cavitation regimes in a consistent manner.
Rate predictions from this approach bridge disparate independent literature
studies on the same model system. As such, we find that rate predictions based
on classical nucleation theory, direct brute force molecular dynamics
simulations, and seeding are consistent with our approach and one another.
Published rates derived from forward flux sampling simulations are, however,
found to be outliers. This study serves two purposes. First, we validate the
reliability of common modeling techniques and extrapolation approaches on a
paradigmatic problem in materials science and chemical physics. Second, we
further test our highly generic recipe for rate calculations, and establish its
applicability to nucleation processes.
