Sound velocities and thermal equation of state of fcc-iron-nickel alloys at high pressure and high temperature: Implications for the cores of Moon and several planets

Abstract

Fcc-Fe-Ni alloy is believed to be the most dominant solid constitute of moderate-sized terrestrial planetary cores. Investigating the physical properties, especially the density and sound velocity of Fe-Ni alloys and comparing them with seismic observations is an indispensable approach to constructing compositional models for planetary interiors. In this study, we conducted sound velocity measurements on Fe-Ni alloys with 10 wt.% and 20 wt.% Ni up to ∼13.5 GPa and 1073 K, using the ultrasonic interferometry technique in a multi-anvil apparatus in conjunction with synchrotron radiation. By fitting the experimental data to finite strain equations, the bulk and shear moduli and their pressure and temperature derivatives are derived, yielding K_S0 =145.8(14) GPa, G₀ = 73.2(7) GPa, K_S0’ = 5.89(24), G₀’ = 2.89(8), (∂K_S/∂T)_P = -0.0181(12) GPa/K and (∂G/∂T)_P = -0.0393(10) GPa/K for fcc-Fe₈₀Ni₂₀. An examination of the density-velocity relationship shows that compressional wave velocity is insensitive to temperature within the current pressure and temperature range, while shear wave velocity exhibits a large reduction with increasing temperature. Extrapolation of the sound velocities following the finite strain theories suggests that much slower Vs should be expected at pressure and temperature conditions corresponding to those of the lunar core. Possible core density and velocity profiles for other moderate planets and satellites, such as Mars, Mercury, and Ganymede are also calculated.