Abstract: The Morse parameters were calculated using experimental values for the energy of vaporization, the lattice constant, and the compressibility. The equation of state and the elastic constants which were computed using the Morse parameters, agreed with experiment for both face-centered and body-centered cubic metals. All stability conditions were also satisfied for both the face-centered and the body-centered metals. This shows that the Morse function can be applied validly to problems involving any type of deformation of the cubic metals.

Abstract: An embedded-atom method (EAM) potential for the Pd-Ba alloy system has been developed in order to forward computational research in this alloying system as there is no EAM potential available for this alloy system. The force-matching method has been implemented to develop the EAM potential first, and then, optimisation to converged density-functional theory (DFT) data sets has been done to generate the accurate and reliable potential for the Pd-Ba alloy system. Some physical, elastic and thermal properties of BaPd₂ crystal have been calculated through molecular dynamics (MD) simulation using the developed EAM potential and then verified these properties with the help of DFT analysis in order to examine the performance of the potential. The presence of some even peaks of BaPd₂ in virtual XRD spectra using MD simulation has been justified by DFT analysis. Slight deviations in melting points calculation at different compositions of the Pd-Ba alloy system have been observed. Higher Ba-Pd interaction using radial distribution characteristics and slower kinetics for inter-diffusion through diffusional characteristics study of BaPd₂ have been reported using MD simulation with the developed EAM potential. In spite of some discrepancies due to deficiency in the potential, a closer agreement between MD and DFT analysis has been observed.

Abstract: An embedded-atom method (EAM) potential for the Rhodium-Barium (Rh-Ba) alloy system has been parameterised. Computational research on the C15 laves phase compound BaRh₂ has been carried out to shape it in critical functional and structural applications. This compound is a type-II superconductor with strong electron–phonon coupling strength. Firstly, the force-matching approach has been used to parameterise the EAM potential, and then the optimisation procedure on converged density-functional theory (DFT) data sets has been carried out to make an appropriate and reliable potential for the Rh-Ba alloy system. A list of fundamental properties, such as density, cohesive energy, elastic properties, thermal expansion coefficient, surface energy, and point defect formation energy, has been examined through molecular dynamics (MD) simulation using the developed EAM potential and validated with DFT-based analysis in order to investigate the accuracy and performance of the potential. A good match between MD and DFT analysis has been found. Thereafter, the EAM potential has been implemented in MD simulation in order to investigate lattice thermal conductivity and diffusional characteristics of the BaRh₂ crystal. Diffusion in the crystal lattice is governed by Rh atoms. Phase stability investigation at different temperatures reveals that the hexagonal BaRh phase is most stable. Besides this, the melting points of the above-mentioned alloy system at different compositions are calculated. Slight deviations in the determination of melting points have been reported. X-ray diffraction (XRD) spectra and radial distribution characteristics of the BaRh₂ crystal have been additionally presented here to provide further insights into the C15 crystal structure.