Changes in the phonon density of states of Fe induced by external strain

Nuclear inelastic scattering of synchrotron radiation is used to study the changes induced by external tensile strain on the phonon density of states (pDOS) of polycrystalline Fe samples. The data are interpreted with the help of dedicated atomistic simulations. The longitudinal phonon peak at around 37 meV and also the second transverse peak at 27 meV are decreased under strain. This is caused by the production of defects under strain. Also the thermodynamic properties of the pDOS demonstrate a weakening of the force constants and of the mean phonon energy under strain. Remaining differences between experiment and simulation are discussed.