Elastic Constants of Monocrystal Zirconium Tungstate

Using resonant-ultrasound spectroscopy, we measured zirconium tungstate's elastic constants C sub ij, C sub 11, C sub 12, and C sub 44. Among oxides, this compound shows relatively soft elastic constants, especially the shear mode. It shows near elastic isotropy. Against expectation, it shows positive, normal-value Poisson ratios. Except for a somewhat low C sub 44/C sub 11 ratio, no Born instability criterion is approached. A Blackman diagram suggests strong ionic interatomic bonding. The elastic Debye temperature (theta sub D = 333 K) is low for oxides. From the bulk modulus, we estimated the total thermodynamic Gruneisen parameter gamma = -1.19.