Loss of cohesion in metals below the melting point in flash‐general experiments

Abstract We present new evidence for the generation of mammoth concentrations of defects produced in flash experiments, postulated to be vacancies (and interstitials). We show that the defects become so ubiquitous that the metal loses cohesion because of the absence of nearest‐neighbor bonds. The defects have been shown to form their own crystalline phase that is congruent, like a child within the host crystal. This defect‐phase spells a new state of vacancies that amass into large colonies; we call “anti‐mass”. The phase continues to expand with current density, eventually causing the metal to lose cohesion, without evidence of melting. The experiments are performed simply by injecting current. Relationships between the current density, the specimen temperature, and the defect concentrations are developed. Despite deploying a wide range of current densities, varying from 20 to 1000 A·mm −2 ·min −1 , the loss of cohesion occurs, in all instances, when the current rises to within a narrow range of current density (150–200 A·mm −2 ). The specimen temperatures at this point are far below melting, also falling within a narrow range. The experiments are carried out without furnace heating. The defects impart unusual properties to the “mother” crystal, including enhanced electronic conductivity, electroluminescence, and super‐rates of solid‐state diffusion. Please note that the words “flash general” in the title are meant to highlight that flash phenomena are not just about sintering: they have a widespread relevance in materials science.