Plurality of inherent states in equiatomic solid solutions

MJ Demkowicz, PHYSICAL REVIEW B, 95, 094108 (2017).

DOI: 10.1103/PhysRevB.95.094108

We show that single-crystal, equiatomic solid solutions of Lennard-Jones particles have a plurality of inherent states: mechanically stable configurations with identical lattice site occupancies, yet distinct potential-energy minima. External loading triggers transitions between inherent states via localized shear transformations. A plurality of inherent states and mechanically activated transitions between them make equiatomic solid solutions an unusual form of matter: one that is crystalline like single-component metals, yet exhibits localized shear transformations like metallic glasses.

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