Further research of nickel-niobium alloy conducted under high temperatures

The Department of Computational Physics and Modeling of Physical Processes continues its inquiries into amorphous compounds.

'Theoretical, simulation and experimental studies of physical and mechanical features of amorphous systems with inhomogeneous local viscoelastic properties' is the full title of a grant project headed by Department Chair Anatolii Mokshin and funded by the Russian Science Foundation.

The phase diagram was calculated on the basis of molecular dynamics simulation data. The results made it possible to identify areas of stable coexistence of the "amorphous state-crystal" and "liquid-crystal" phases over a wide pressure range, including high pressures of the order of 1000 GPa, which is comparable, for example, with pressures in the interior of Jupiter.

"The two-component Ni62Nb38 alloy is well known in metallurgy due to its ability to form an amorphous metal in the form of a bulk body. As is known, bulk amorphous metals are more resistant to corrosion, have improved strength properties, and are able to withstand heavy loads. The Ni62Nb38 alloy is no exception. Moreover, this alloy is considered promising due to the small number of components in the composition and the relative cheapness of production," comments co-author, Associate Professor Bulat Galimzyanov.

The effect of high temperatures and pressures on the stability of the amorphous phase of the Ni62Nb38 metal alloy had not been studied before. Therefore, before the team's initial results were summarized, it had not been clear how this alloy would behave under extreme conditions.

"The Ni62Nb38 alloy can maintain the stability of the amorphous structure over a wide pressure range, which makes it suitable for use in extreme conditions. For example, it can be used in the aerospace, transportation and military industries for the manufacture of structural materials and various parts," adds co-author, master student Maria Doronina.

The project shows that pressure serves as one of the most important thermodynamic parameters in managing phase and structural transitions in said metallic system.

More information:
Unusual effect of high pressures on phase transformations in Ni62Nb38 alloy, www.sciencedirect.com/science/ … ii/S0022369722004127

Provided by Kazan Federal University