Stability of a Crystal at Temperatures below the Temperature of the End Point of the Melting Line: Molecular Dynamics Simulation

The conditions for the stability of an FCC crystal with respect to infinitesimal and finite changes in the parameters of state at temperatures below the temperature of the end point of the melting line are considered. Modules of simple mu and tetragonal mu' shear, bulk K, and unilateral (K) over tilde compression of the Lennard-Jones crystal are identified in the process of molecular dynamics simulation. It is shown that the crystal state remains stable against infinitesimal perturbations and at K <= 0. Here, as at K > 0, the decay of the crystal phase proceeds via spontaneous nucleation and the growth of cavitation cavities.