Elastic constants and supersolidity in solid hcp 4He

TL;DR

This study investigates the elastic constants of solid hcp 4He across various densities, revealing anomalies near the supersolid maximum and suggesting a link between elastic behavior and supersolidity.

Contribution

It provides computational evidence connecting elastic constant deviations with the supersolid phase in solid 4He, highlighting a shared physical origin.

Findings

Elastic constants vary with density in solid 4He.

Anomalies occur near the supersolid maximum density.

Results support a link between elasticity and supersolidity.

Abstract

The elastic constants of solid \textit{hcp} $^4$He are investigated in molar volumes ranging from about melting up to approximately 14 MPa. Properties of interest are determined by averages formed from computed values in configurations sampled by Monte Carlo of a model wave function. Deviations from known elastic relations are reported near the density where the supersolid fraction is maximum. The results offer further evidence that the supersolid state is related to elastic constants anomalies and that both are manifestations of a single physical process.