The properties of molten minerals become more and more important for understanding the structure and dynamics of the Earth's interior, as crystalline minerals have been much more extensively studied. This proposal will take the advantage of new experimental capabilities at synchrotron beamlines to study molten minerals, and to explore new possibilities at the community owned facilities. The proposed research activities include: 1) Measuring the density of molten Fe-FeS system at high pressures and temperatures 2) Observing Fe and H alloying at high pressure and measuring density of Fe-H melt. 3) Exploring the reality of density measurements of molten silicates. The project will use a multi-anvil press for pressure and temperature generation, and monochromatic x-ray radiography and x-ray absorption simulation for melt density measurements at high pressures. Results of density measurements on the iron alloy system will provide essential information for understanding Earth's core composition and robust data for future DAC melt density measurement development to advance the pressure range up to core conditions. The materials to be studied in this project are not limited to core minerals. This research will also include exploring the possibility of measuring iron-rich silicate melts. Collaborations and technical developments will be brought into the project as the research proceeds. All of the new experimental capabilities developed at synchrotron x-ray beamlines as a result of this project will be open to the community for scientific research.
