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Studies the stability of orthorhombic magnesuim-rich silicate perovskite (MgSiO3) in the Earth's lower mantle. Results of electronic-structure calculations of the energetics of displacive phase transitions in MgSiO3 perovskite; Demonstration that the lower-symmetry orthorhombic phase should be highly favored throughout the lower mantle.

Focuses on the measurement of iron elasticity to reveals that compressional waves traverse the inner core of the earth faster along near-polar paths than in equatorial plane. First-principles calculations of the structure and elasticity; Increase of axial ratio of iron at high temperatures.