Dynamics of stress propagation in anharmonic crystals: MD simulations

Abstract

Anharmonic inter-atomic potential ∼|x|n , n > 1, has been used in molecular dynamics (MD) simulations of stress dynamics of FCC oriented crystal. The model of the chain of masses and springs is found as a convenient and accurate description of simulation results, with masses representing the crystallographic planes. The dynamics of oscillations of two planes is found analytically to be given by Euler’s beta functions, and its scaling with non-linearity parameter and amplitude of oscillations, or applied shear pressure is discussed on examples of time dependencies of displacements, velocities, and forces acting on masses (planes). The dynamics of stress penetration from the surface of the sample with multiply-planes (an anharmonic crystal) towards its interior is confirmed to be given exactly as a series of Bessel functions, when n = 2 (Schrödinger and Pater solutions). When n ≠ 2 the stress dynamics (wave propagation) in bulk material remains qualitatively of the same nature as in the harmonic case. In particular, results suggest that the quasi-linear relationship between frequency and the wave number is preserved. The speed of the transverse sound component, dependent on sound wave amplitude, is found to be a strongly decreasing function of n. The results are useful in the analysis of any MD simulations under pressure, as they help to understand the dynamics of pressure retarded effects, as well as help design the proper methodology of performing MD simulations in cases such as, for instance, studies of the dynamics of dislocations.