Phys.org December 16, 2024
An international team of researchers (USA -Sandia National Laboratory, Germany, France) implemented a molecular-spin dynamics methodology to accurately resolve, across large regions of phase-space, structural/magnetic transitions, and elastic/transport properties for iron to reconcile different theories of geodynamo operation, augmenting decades of deep experimental investigation. Dynamic compression of iron to Earth-core conditions is one of the few ways to gather important elastic and transport properties needed to uncover key mechanisms surrounding the geodynamo effect. The framework enabled an accurate resolution of the phase-transition kinetics and Earth-core elastic properties, as highlighted by compressional wave velocity and adiabatic bulk moduli measurements. A unique coupling of MSD with time-dependent density functional theory enabled gauging electronic transport properties, critically important for resolving geodynamo dynamics… read more. TECHNICAL ARTICLE
Credit:B.Schröder/HZDR/NASA/Goddard Space Flight Center Scientific Visualization Studio