Experimental melting curve of zirconium metal to 37 GPa

Abstract

In this report, we present results of high-pressure experiments probing the melt line of zirconium (Zr) up to 37 GPa. This investigation has determined that temperature versus laser power curves provide an accurate method to determine melt temperatures. When this information is combined with the onset of diffuse scattering, which is associated with the melt process, we demonstrate the ability to accurately determine the melt boundary. This presents a reliable method for rapid determination of melt boundary and agrees well with other established techniques for such measurements, as reported in previous works on Zr.