Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 17, 2026

Methods of Ex Situ and In Situ Investigations of Structural Transformations: The Case of Crystallization of Metallic Glasses
Published on: June 7, 2018
Structural evolution of five-fold twins during the solidification of Fe5601 nanoparticle: a molecular dynamics
Tong Shen1, YongQuan Wu, XiongGang Lu
1Shanghai Key Laboratory of Modern Metallurgy & Materials Processing, Shanghai University, YanChang Road 149#, ZhaBei District, Shanghai, 200072, People's Republic of China.
Abstract:
In the current study, we provide a structural evolution process of isolated Fe nanoparticle with 5601 atoms during solidification. Five-fold twinned structure has been found in the final configuration of the nanoparticle. Furthermore, detailed formation process has been visualized and carefully discussed. During the formation of five-fold twinned structure, two main stages have been identified, including i) liquid-solid phase transition at solidification point, in which the main part of the five-fold twinned structure formed, and ii) structural relaxation, in which twinning boundaries and five-fold axis were transformed to eliminate the dislocation between two adjacent five-fold twins.
Related Concept Videos
Molecular and Ionic Solids
Molecular Solids
Molecular crystalline solids, such as ice, sucrose (table sugar), and iodine, are solids that are composed of neutral molecules as their constituent units. These molecules are held together by weak intermolecular forces such as London dispersion forces, dipole-dipole interactions, or hydrogen bonds, which...
Symmetry Elements in a Crystal
Metallic Solids
All metallic solids exhibit high thermal and electrical conductivity, metallic luster, and malleability. Many...
Network Covalent Solids
To break or to melt a covalent network solid, covalent bonds must be broken. Because covalent bonds are relatively strong, covalent network solids are typically...
Imperfections in Crystal Structure: Non-Stoichiometric Defects
Crystal Field Theory - Octahedral Complexes
To explain the observed behavior of transition metal complexes (such as colors), a model involving electrostatic interactions between the electrons from the ligands and the electrons in the unhybridized d orbitals of the central metal atom has been developed. This electrostatic model is crystal field theory (CFT). It helps to understand, interpret, and predict the colors, magnetic behavior, and some structures of coordination compounds of transition metals.
CFT focuses on...

