Abstract
We investigate the binary phase diagram of helium and iron using first-principles calculations. We find that helium, which is a noble gas and inert at ambient conditions, forms stable crystalline compounds with iron at terapascal pressures. A FeHe compound becomes stable above 4 TPa, and a FeHe2 compound above 12 TPa. Melting is investigated using molecular dynamics simulations, and a superionic phase with sublattice melting of the helium atoms is predicted. We discuss the implications of our predicted helium-iron phase diagram for interiors of giant (exo)planets and white dwarf stars.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 015301 |
Number of pages | 5 |
Journal | Physical Review Letters |
Volume | 121 |
Issue number | 01 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - 3 Jul 2018 |
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Miguel Martinez-Canales
- School of Physics and Astronomy - Senior Lecturer
Person: Academic: Research Active