Atomic dynamics in decagonal Al–Ni–Co quasicrystals

Abstract The atomic dynamics of decagonal Al–Ni–Co quasicrystals are investigated by molecular dynamics simulations. The model structures used consist of an alternating stacking of two layers, which are decorations of a hexagon-boat-star tiling. Apart from small relaxations, these model structures are essentially stable up to the melting point. Above two thirds of the melting temperature, a large fraction of the aluminium atoms becomes mobile, and long-range atomic diffusion sets in, without destroying the overall structure. The diffusion of aluminium is analyzed as a function of temperature and pressure, and the microscopic diffusion processes are discussed.