Year: 2026
Type: article
Abstract: Large anelastic relaxations have been found near the transition temperature in spin crossover (SCO) materials due to stress-induced changes in spin state. To investigate the mechanistic aspects of this phenomenon, we develop here a phenomenological framework, based on the Landau theory of phase transitions, incorporating coupling terms between spin state and elastic strain, which is also extended to the dynamic Landau-Khalatnikov regime. We derive an analytical solution for the mechanical response and conduct a parametric study of a cubic SCO system. Our simulations reveal bulk modulus relaxation, internal friction peaks and renormalization of elastic constants near the spin transition-qualitatively matching recent nanoindentation experiments. The work clarifies the roles of bilinear and higher-order couplings in shaping static and dynamic elastic anomalies, with relevance for mechanical actuator design.
Language: English
Field: Materials Science
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: hybrid
Estimated APC paid: $3,325
OpenAlex ID: W7212031269