An analysis of crystal structure stability against homogeneous deformation is carried out for simple and transition metals with body-centered cubic (bcc) and face-centered cubic (fcc) lattices under pressure. It is shown that at high compression ratios a crystal lattice can turn unstable against shear deformations, leading to new lower-symmetry structures. To analyze these structures, the Landau theory of phase transitions with finite deformation tensor components as order parameters is applied. A comparison is made with experimental data on high-pressure phases. Prospects are discussed for using the suggested approach to explain structural transformations in solids at high pressures.

PACS: 61.50.Ks, 61.66.Bi, 62.20.D−, 62.50.−p (all) DOI: 10.3367/UFNe.0179.200908f.0883 URL: https://ufn.ru/en/articles/2009/8/f/ 000273727200006 2-s2.0-70450250432 2009PhyU...52..831V Citation: Vekilov Yu Kh, Krasil’nikov O M "Structural transformations in metals at high compression ratios" Phys. Usp. 52 831–834 (2009) BibTexBibNote ® (generic)BibNote ® (RIS)MedlineRefWorks Оригинал: Векилов Ю Х, Красильников О М «Структурные превращения в металлах при больших степенях сжатия» УФН 179 883–886 (2009); DOI: 10.3367/UFNr.0179.200908f.0883