Ab initio investigation of the structural,elastic and electronic properties of the anti-perovskite TlNCa3

We have investigated the structural, elastic and electronic properties of the anti-perovskite TlNCa₃ using ab initio calculations within the generalized gradient approximation and the local density approximation for the exchange–correlation potential. The lattice constant, bulk modulus, elastic constants and their pressure dependence, energy band structures, density of states and charge density distribution are calculated and analyzed in comparison with the available experimental and theoretical data. The bulk modulus, shear modulus, Young’s modulus, Poisson’s ratio, Lamé’s coefficients, average sound velocity and Debye temperature are numerically estimated for ideal polycrystalline TlNCa₃ aggregates in the framework of the Voigt–Reuss–Hill approximation. This is the first theoretical prediction of the elastic constants and their related properties for TlNCa₃ that requires experimental confirmation.     

Ab initio studies of the structural,elastic, electronic and thermal properties of NiTi2 intermetallic

First principles calculations were performed in the framework of the density functional theory (DFT) using the Full Potential–Linear Augment Plane Wave method (FP–LAPW) within the generalized gradient approximation (GGA) to predict the structural, electronic, elastic and thermal properties of NiTi₂ intermetallic compound. By using the Wien2k all-electron code, calculations of the ground state and electronic properties such as lattice constants, bulk modulus, presure derivative of bulk modulus, total energies and density of states were also included. The elastic constants and mechanical properties such as Poisson’s ratio, Young’s modulus and shear modulus are estimated from the calculated elastic constants of the single crystal. Through the quasi-harmonic Debye model, the preasure and temperature dependences of the linear expansion coefficient, bulk modulus and heat capacity have been investigated. Finally, the Debye temperature has been estimated from the average sound velocity according to the predicted polycrystal bulk properties and from the single crystal elastic constants.     

Pressure effect on structural,electronic and thermodynamic investigations of europium filled skutterudite EuFe4Sb12: LDA and LSDA approximations

Numerical calculations based on the full potential muffin-tin orbitals method (FP-LMTO) within the local density approximation (LDA) and the local spin-density approximation (LSDA) to investigate the structural, electronic and thermodynamic properties of filled skutterudite EuFe₄Sb₁₂ are presented. The electronic band structure and density of states profiles prove that this material is a conductor. The present investigation is also extended to the elastic constants, such as the bulk modulus B, anisotropy factor A, shear modulus G, young's modulus E, Poisson's ratio ν, and the B/G ratio with pressure in the range of 0–40 GPa. The sound velocities and Debye temperatures are also predicted from the above constants. The variations of the primitive cell volume, expansion coefficient α, bulk modulus B, heat capacity (C_p and C_v), Debye temperature θ_D, Helmholtz free energy A, Gibbs free energy G, entropy S, and internal energy U with pressure and temperature in the range 0–3000 K are calculated successfully.     

Predictions of mechanical and thermodynamic properties of Mg17Al12 and Mg2Sn from first-principles calculations

Using first-principles calculations, we predict mechanical and thermodynamic properties of both Mg₁₇Al₁₂ and Mg₂Sn precipitates in Mg–Al–Sn alloys. The elastic properties including the polycrystalline bulk modulus, shear modulus, Young’s modulus, Lame’s coefficients and Poisson’s ratio of both Mg₁₇Al₁₂ and Mg₂Sn phases are determined with the Voigt–Reuss–Hill approximation. Our results of equilibrium lattice constants agree closely with previous experimental and other theoretical results. The ductility and brittleness of the two phases are characterized with the estimation from Cauchy pressure and the value of B/G. Mechanical anisotropy is characterized by the anisotropic factors and direction-dependent Young’s modulus. The higher Debye temperature of Mg₁₇Al₁₂ phase means that it has a higher thermal conductivity and strength of chemical bonding relative to Mg₂Sn. The anisotropic sound velocities also indicate the elastic anisotropies of both phase structures. Additionally, density of states and Mulliken population analysis are performed to reveal the bonding nature of both phases. The calculations associated with phonon properties indicate the dynamical stability of both phase structures. The temperature dependences of thermodynamic properties of the two phases are predicted via the quasi-harmonic approximation.     

First principles study on the structural, electronic, and elastic properties of Na-As systems

We have performed the first principles calculation by using the plane-wave pseudopotential approach with the generalized gradient approximation for investigating the structural, electronic, and elastic properties Na-As systems (NaAs in NaP, LiAs and AuCu-type structures, NaAs₂ in MgCu₂-type structure, Na₃As in Na₃As, Cu₃P and Li₃Bi-type structures, and Na₅As₄ in A₅B₄-type structure). The lattice parameters, cohesive energy, formation energy, bulk modulus, and the first derivative of bulk modulus (to fit to Murnaghan’s equation of state) of the related structures are calculated. The second-order elastic constants and the other related quantities such as Young’s modulus, shear modulus, Poisson’s ratio, sound velocities, and Debye temperature are also estimated.     

Structural,elastic, thermodynamic and electronic properties of LuX (X = N,Bi and Sb) compounds: first principles calculations

ABSTRACT

The structural, electronic, elastic and thermodynamic properties of LuX (X = N, Bi and Sb) based on rare earth into phases, Rocksalt (B1) and CsCl (B2) have been investigated using full-potential linearized muffin-tin orbital method (FP-LMTO) within density functional theory. Local density approximation (LDA) for exchange-correlation potential and local spin density approximation (LSDA) are employed. The structural parameters as lattice parameters a₀, bulk modulus B, its pressure derivate B’ and cut-off energy (E_c) within LDA and LSDA are presented. The elastic constants were derived from the stress–strain relation at 0 K. The thermodynamic properties for LuX using the quasi-harmonic Debye model are studied. The temperature and pressure variation of volume, bulk modulus, thermal expansion coefficient, heat capacities, Debye temperature and Gibbs free energy at different pressures (0–50 GPa) and temperatures (0–1600 K) are predicted. The calculated results are in accordance with other data.     

The first principles study on the Boron antimony compound

We present the results of our calculations on Boron antimony (BSb) compound in zinc-blende (ZB) and rock-salt (RS) structures by performing ab initio calculations within the local density approximation (LDA). Some basic physical properties, such as lattice constant, bulk modulus, cohesive energy, phase transition pressure, second-order elastic constants (C_ij), phonon frequencies, and some band structural parameters are calculated and compared with those obtained with other recent theoretical works. In order to further understand the behaviour of BSb compound, we have also predicted, the pressure-dependent behaviours of the band gap, second-order elastic constants (C_ij), Young's modulus, poison ratios (ν), Anizotropy factor (A), sound velocities, and Debye temperature for this hypothetical compound.     

Electronic and elastic properties of the superconducting nanolaminate Ti<Subscript>2</Subscript>InC

The electronic properties and elastic parameters of the superconducting nanolaminate Ti₂InC are analyzed using the ab initio full-potential linearized augmented-plane-wave (FLAPW) method with the generalized gradient approximation (GGA) of the local spin density. The equilibrium parameters of the crystal lattice, the band structure, the total and partial densities of states, and the Fermi surface are determined within a unified approach. The independent elastic constants, the bulk modulus, and the shear modulus are calculated, and the elastic parameters are numerically estimated for the first time for polycrystalline Ti₂InC.     

FP-LMTO calculations of the structural,elastic, thermodynamic,and electronic properties of the ideal-cubic perovskite BiGaO3

Using the first-principles full-potential linear muffin-tin orbital method within the local density approximation, we have studied the structural, elastic, thermodynamic, and electronic properties of the ideal-cubic perovskite BiGaO₃. It is found that this compound has an indirect band gap. The valence band maximum (VBM) is located at Γ-point, whereas the conduction band minimum (CBM) is located at X-point. The pressure and volume dependences of the energy band gaps have been calculated. The elastic constants at equilibrium are also determined. We derived the bulk and shear moduli, Young’s modulus, and Poisson’s ratio. The thermodynamic properties are predicted through the quasi-harmonic Debye model, in which the lattice vibrations are taken into account. The variation of the bulk modulus, heat capacities, and Debye temperature with pressure and temperature are successfully obtained.     

Structural,elastic, electronic and thermal properties of M2SbP (M = Ti,Zr and Hf)

The structural, elastic, electronic and thermal properties of M₂SbP (M = Ti, Zr and Hf) were studied by means of a pseudo-potential plane-wave method based on the density functional theory within both the local density approximation and the generalised gradient approximation. The optimised zero-pressure geometrical parameters, i.e. the two unit cell lengths (a, c) and the internal coordinate (z), were in good agreement with available experimental and theoretical data. The effect of high pressure, up to 20 GPa, on the lattice constants shows that the contractions along the a-axis were higher than along c-axis. The anisotropic independent elastic constants were calculated using the static finite strain technique. Numerical estimations of the bulk modulus, shear modulus, Young's modulus, Poisson's ratio, average sound velocity and Debye temperature for ideal polycrystalline M₂SbP aggregates were performed in the framework of the Voigt–Reuss–Hill approximation. The calculated band structures show that all studied materials are electrical conductors. Analysis of the atomic site projected densities showed that the bonding is of covalent–ionic nature with the presence of metallic character. The density of states at the Fermi level is dictated by the transition metal d–d bands; the Sb element has little effect. Thermal effects on some macroscopic properties of M₂SbP were predicted using the quasi-harmonic Debye model, in which the lattice vibrations are taken into account. The variations of the volume expansion coefficient, heat capacity and Debye temperature with pressure and temperature in the ranges 0–50 GPa and 0–2000 K were obtained successfully.     

Structural,elastic, electronic and optical properties of the cubic perovskites CaXO3 (X=Hf and Sn)

The structural, elastic, electronic and optical properties of CaXO₃ compounds with the cubic perovskites structure have been investigated, by employing a first principles method, using the plane wave pseudo potential calculations (PP-PW), based on the density functional theory (DFT), within the local density approximation (LDA). The elastic constants and their pressure dependence are calculated using the static finite strain technique. We derived the bulk, shear and Young’s moduli for ideal monocrystalline and for polycrystalline CaXO₃ aggregates which we have classified as ductile in nature. Band structures reveal that these compounds are indirect energy band gap (R-G) semiconductors; the analysis of the site and momentum projected densities, valence charge density bond length, bond population and Milliken charges, shows that bonding is of covalent–ionic nature. We have found that the elastic constants C₁₁, C₁₂, C₄₄ are in good correlation with the bonding properties. The optical constants, including the dielectric function, optical reflectivity, refractive index and electron energy loss, are calculated for radiation up to 20 eV.     

The mechanical,thermodynamic and electronic properties of Al3Nb with DO22 structure: A first-principles study

The lattice constants, elastic properties, electronic structure and thermodynamic properties of Al₃Nb with DO₂₂ structure have been investigated by the first-principles calculation. The calculated lattice constants were consistent with the experimental values, and the structural stability was also studied from the energetic point of view. The single-crystal elastic constants (C_ij) as well as polycrystalline elastic parameters (bulk modulus B, shear modulus G, Young's modulus E, Poisson's ratio υ and anisotropy value A) were calculated, and brittleness of Al₃Nb was discussed in detail. Besides, the electronic structure of tetragonal Al₃Nb was studied, which indicates a mixture of metallic bond and covalent bond in Al₃Nb and reveals the underlying mechanism of the stability and elastic properties of Al₃Nb. Finally, the thermodynamic properties of Al₃Nb were calculated and the physical properties such as heat capacity and Debye temperature were predicted within the quasi-harmonic approximation.     

Theoretical investigation of new type of ternary magnesium alloys AMgNi4 (A=Y,La, Ce,Pr and Nd)

New ternary magnesium alloys AMgNi₄ (A=Y, La, Ce, Pr and Nd) have been studied by First-Principles calculations within the generalized gradient approximation. The optimized structural parameters were in good agreement with the available experimental data. The calculated cohesive energies and formation enthalpies showed that these alloys had strong structural stability. Then the elastic constants C_ij of these AMgNi₄ alloys were calculated, and the bulk modulus B, shear modulus G, Young's modulus E, Poisson's ratio ν and anisotropy value A of polycrystalline materials were derived from the elastic constants, the related mechanical properties were further discussed. The electronic structures were also calculated to reveal the underlying mechanism for the structural stability and the elastic property.     

Ab initio calculations of B<Subscript>2</Subscript> type RHg (R = Ce,Pr, Eu and Gd) intermetallic compounds

Spin polarized ab initio calculations have been carried out to study the structural, electronic, elastic and thermal properties of RHg (R = Ce, Pr, Eu and Gd) intermetallic compounds in B₂ structure. The calculations have been performed by using both generalized gradient approximation (GGA) and local spin density approximation (LSDA). The calculated value of lattice constant (a ₀) for these compounds with GGA is in better agreement with the experimental data than those with LSDA. Bulk modulus (B), first-order pressure derivative of bulk modulus and magnetic moment (μ _B ) are also presented. The energy band structure and electron density of states show the occupancy of 4f states for light as well as heavy rare earth atom. The elastic constants are predicted from which all the related mechanical properties like Poisson’s ratio (σ), Young’s modulus (E), shear modulus (G _H ) and anisotropy factor (A) are calculated. The ductility or brittleness of these compounds is predicted from Pugh’s rule (B/G _H ) and Cauchy pressure (C ₁₂ ? C ₄₄). The Debye temperature (θ _D ) is estimated from the average sound velocity, which have not been calculated and measured yet.     

Structural parameters, electronic structures, elastic stiffness and thermal properties of M2PC (M=V, Nb, Ta)

Using pseudo-potential plane-wave method based on the density functional theory in conjunction with the generalized gradient approximation, structural parameters, electronic structures, elastic stiffness and thermal properties of M₂PC, with M=V, Nb, Ta, were studied. The optimized zero pressure geometrical parameters are in good agreement with the available results. Pressure effect, up to 20 GPa, on the lattice parameters was investigated. Electronic properties are studied throughout the calculation of densities of states and band structures. The elastic constants and their pressure dependence were predicted using the static finite strain technique. We performed numerical estimations of the bulk modulus, shear modulus, Young's modulus, Poisson's ratio and average sound velocity for ideal polycrystalline M₂PC aggregates in framework of the Voigt-Reuss-Hill approximation. We estimated the Debye temperature and the theoretical minimum thermal conductivity of M₂PC.     

Structural,elastic, electronic,optical and thermal properties of c-SiGe<Subscript>2</Subscript>N<Subscript>4</Subscript>

We have investigated the structural, elastic, electronic, optical and thermal properties of c-SiGe₂N₄ by using the ultrasoft pseudopotential density functional method within the generalized gradient approximation. The calculated structural parameters, including the lattice constant, the internal free parameter, the bulk modulus and its pressure derivative are in agreement with the available data. The independent elastic constants and their pressure dependence, calculated using the static finite strain technique, satisfy the requirement of mechanical stability, indicating that c-SiGe₂N₄ compound could be stable. We derive the shear modulus, Young’s modulus, Poisson’s ratio and Lamé’s coefficients for ideal polycrystalline c-SiGe₂N₄ aggregate in the framework of the Voigt-Reuss-Hill approximation. We estimate the Debye temperature of this compound from the average sound velocity. Band structure, density of states, Mulliken charge populations and pressure coefficients of energy band gaps are investigated. Furthermore, in order to understand the optical properties of c-SiGe₂N₄, the dielectric function, refractive index, extinction coefficient, optical reflectivity and electron energy loss are calculated for radiation up to 40 eV. Thermal effects on some macroscopic properties of c-SiGe₂N₄ are predicted using the quasi-harmonic Debye model in which the lattice vibrations are taken into account. We have obtained successfully the variations of the primitive cell volume, volume expansion coefficient, heat capacities and Debye temperature with pressure and temperature in the ranges of 0–40 GPa and 0–2000 K. For the first time, the numerical estimates of the elastic constants and related parameters, and the thermal properties are performed for c-SiGe₂N₄.     

Determination of elastic constants of Na0.5Bi0.5TiO3 from ab initio calculations

Elastic constants and bulk modulus for the tetragonal, rhombohedral, and cubic phase of Na_0.5Bi_0.5TiO₃ crystal were calculated from the first principles. From the calculated elastic constants, other structural properties such as bulk modulus, shear modulus, Young's modulus, and Poisson's ratio can be derived using respective relationships from Voight–Reuss–Hill approximation; bulk modulus was calculated as an example in this article. It was shown that elastic constants show different behavior for compression and elongation. The different values of elastic constants have been calculated for the direction parallel to the bismuth layer (crystallographic a(b)-axis) and the perpendicular direction (crystallographic c-axis). It seems to be caused by bismuth layer structure oxides of Na_0.5Bi_0.5TiO₃ crystal.     

Influence of valence electron concentration on elastic, electronic and optical properties of the alkaline-earth tin oxides A3SnO (A=Ca, Sr and Ba): A comparative study with ASnO3 compounds

By employing first principles method of the plane wave pseudo potential calculations (PP-PW), based on the density functional theory (DFT), within the local density approximation (LDA), the correlation between valence electron concentration and structural, elastic, electronic as well as optical properties of A₃SnO and ASnO₃ compounds where A=Ca, Sr and Ba are investigated. The elastic constants and their pressure dependence are calculated using the static finite strain technique. We derived the bulk, shear and Young's moduli for ideal monocrystalline and for polycrystalline A₃SnO and ASnO₃ aggregates. Band structures reveal that alkaline-earth tin oxides A₃SnO are direct energy band gap (G-G) materials.The hardness of these compounds was explained using chemical bonding properties and Milliken charges transfer. The optical constants, including the dielectric function, optical reflectivity, refractive index and electron energy loss, are calculated for radiation up to 20 eV. We have found that the static dielectric constants of all these compounds are in good agreement with Penn model.     

An ab initio study of filled skutterudites ROs4P12 (R = Sm,Eu and Gd)

The elastic, electronic, magnetic and optical properties of filled skutterudite ROs₄P₁₂ (R = Sm, Eu and Gd) have been studied by first principles calculation. The full-potential linearized augmented plane wave method based on density functional theory was employed. For the exchange-correlation potential, local spin density approximation + Coulomb repulsion (LSDA + U) is used to treat the f-electrons more effectively. The numerical values of the elastic parameters are estimated in the framework of the Voigt–Reuss–Hill approximation. OsP-based filled skutterudite with localized 4f and 5d-electrons shows dense energy bands near Fermi energy originating from rare earth and Os atoms. The dense density of states near E_F reveals that these compounds are suitable for thermoelectric application. Optical constants including dielectric function, optical reflectivity and refractive index are calculated for photon energy radiation up to 12 eV. The exchange-splitting of R-4f states were analyzed to explain the ferromagnetic behavior of ROs₄P₁₂.     

DFT - based study of electronic structures and mechanical properties of LiTaO3: ferroelectric and paraelectric phases

Abstract

By applying ab initio calculation within density functional theory (DFT), we study the structure parameters, electronic band structure, elastic coefficients, polycrystalline elastic properties, anisotropy factors and Debye temperature of ferroelectric and paraelectric phases of LiTaO₃ within the generalised gradient approximation at ambient pressure. The atomic structure in both phases is fully relaxed and the lattice constant, angle and atomic positions are well consistent with experimental values. The computed single-crystal elastic coefficients indicate that mechanical stability of LiTaO₃ in both phases is confirmed using the generalised Born criteria. The shear, bulk and Young’s modulus, Poisson’s ratio, and Vickers hardness were computed according to theoretical elastic constants by Voight–Reuss–Hill method. Several anisotropy factors and indexes are computed to illustrate mechanical anisotropy. Both phases are shown to be weakly anisotropic. The Debye temperature is estimated using the longitude and transverse elastic wave velocity of the ideal polycrystalline LiTaO₃ aggregates. We have found that LiTaO₃ in both phases has an indirect energy band gap. The differences in the electronic structure and density of states for both phases are quite small. Our results indicate that the mechanical and bonding properties of both phases are very similar. The obtained results were compared with the available experimental and theoretical values.