Viscosity of Fe‐Ni‐C Liquids up to Core Pressures and Implications for Dynamics of Planetary Cores

Abstract

AbstractThe viscosity of iron alloy liquids is the key for the core dynamo and core‐mantle differentiation of terrestrial bodies. Here we measured the viscosity of Fe‐Ni‐C liquids up to 7 GPa using the floating sphere viscometry method and up to 330 GPa using first‐principles calculations. We found a viscosity increase at ∼3–5 GPa, coincident with a structural transition in the liquids. After the transition, the viscosity reaches ∼14–27 mPa·s, a factor of 2–4 higher than that of Fe and Fe‐S liquids. Our computational results from 5 to 330 GPa also indicate a high viscosity of the Fe‐Ni‐C liquids. For a carbon‐rich core in large terrestrial body, the level of turbulence in the outer core would be lessened approaching the inner core boundary. It is also anticipated that Fe‐Ni‐C liquids would percolate in Earth's deep silicate mantle at a much slower speed than Fe and Fe‐S liquids.