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(a) Experimental MLs of Ar, He, H2, and H2O. The ML for In is from an empirical EOS with experimental parameters. The ML for Fe is from Ref. [81] proven within the inset as a consequence of a distinct temperature vary and as much as 60 GPa the place static experiments exist. (b) The identical MLs are within the low-pressure and low-temperature vary (circles). The strains present the suits to Eq. (19) as mentioned within the textual content. Credit score: Bodily Evaluate E (2024). DOI: 10.1103/PhysRevE.109.034122
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(a) Experimental MLs of Ar, He, H2, and H2O. The ML for In is from an empirical EOS with experimental parameters. The ML for Fe is from Ref. [81] proven within the inset as a consequence of a distinct temperature vary and as much as 60 GPa the place static experiments exist. (b) The identical MLs are within the low-pressure and low-temperature vary (circles). The strains present the suits to Eq. (19) as mentioned within the textual content. Credit score: Bodily Evaluate E (2024). DOI: 10.1103/PhysRevE.109.034122
A longstanding downside in physics has lastly been cracked by Professor Kostya Trachenko of Queen Mary College of London’s College of Bodily and Chemical Sciences. His analysis, revealed in Bodily Evaluate E, unveils a common concept for predicting melting factors, a elementary property whose understanding has baffled scientists for over a century.
For many years, our understanding of the three fundamental states of matter—solids, liquids, and gases—relied on temperature-pressure section diagrams. These diagrams depict the circumstances underneath which every state exists, with distinct strains separating them. Nonetheless, one essential line, the melting line—marking the transition between stable and liquid—lacked a common description.
Professor Trachenko’s concept bridges this hole. By growing a brand new framework that includes latest developments in liquid concept, he demonstrates {that a} easy parabolic equation can describe melting strains. This not solely affords a sensible software for predicting melting factors but in addition reveals a stunning universality throughout totally different materials varieties.
This universality comes from observing that parameters within the parabolic equation are ruled by elementary bodily constants such because the Planck fixed and electron mass and cost.
“The simplicity and universality of this outcome are significantly thrilling,” explains Professor Trachenko. “It means that melting, regardless of its complexities, reveals a elementary unity throughout numerous programs, from noble gases to metals.”
This discovery holds important implications past theoretical physics. Correct prediction of melting factors is essential in supplies science, with purposes starting from drug growth to designing superior supplies and different areas the place predicting section diagrams is vital. Professor Trachenko’s work paves the way in which for a deeper understanding of section transitions and the creation of recent supplies with tailor-made properties.
Extra data:
Okay. Trachenko, Concept of melting strains, Bodily Evaluate E (2024). DOI: 10.1103/PhysRevE.109.034122
Journal data:
Bodily Evaluate E