M. Guerdane

Bridging the gap between molecular dynamics simulations and phase-field modelling: dynamics of a [NixZr1-x]liquid-Zrcrystal solidification front

Results are presented from phase-field modelling and molecular dynamics simulations concerning the relaxation dynamics in a finite-temperature two-phase crystal–liquid sample subjected to an abrupt temperature drop. Relaxation takes place by propagation of the solidification front under formation of a spatially varying concentration profile in the melt. The molecular dynamics simulations are carried out with an interatomic model appropriate for the NiZr alloy system and provide the thermophysical data required for setting up the phase-field simulations.Regarding the concentration profile and velocity of the solidification front, best agreement between the phase-field model and molecular dynamics simulation is obtained when increasing the apparent diffusion coefficients in the phase-field treatment by a factor of four against their molecular dynamics estimates.

Size and Structure of Palladium Clusters Determined by XRD and HREM

Abstract Scherrer formula is often applied to X-ray-diffraction profiles for the size determination of small size clusters. However, for small clusters this often leads to conflicting results in comparison to other methods. A series of Pd-clusters of different size is studied by X-ray diffraction analysis and transmission electron microscopy. The influence of size and structure on the results is presented and discussed in comparison with theoretical calculations. It will be shown that the different structure of small size systems are one main origin of the conflicts. The structure problem can be overcome by using Fourier Transform of the X-ray diffraction pattern. The importance of the knowledge of the cluster structure was demonstrated by showing its strong influence on the hydrogen solubility.