Elasticity of a magnetic lattice near the magnetic critical point

Abstract

The isothermal elastic constants and the coefficient of anomalous thermal expansion of a magnetic lattice are discussed. The spin system is described by the Ising model with an exchange coupling depending on lattice spacing. A behavior of the elastic constants and the coefficient of thermal expansion is found which is in qualitative agreement with experiments. The isothermal compressibility remains positive nearT _c and no thermo-mechanical instability occurs (which would lead to a first-order phase transitions), in contrast to earlier theories.