The temperature dependence of the elastic constants of two single crystals of chromium was investigated from 77 to 500°K. A detailed study was made of the anomalies at the Néel temperature, 310°K, and at the low-temperature transition at 120°K. The magnetic contribution to the elastic constants was found to be significant and to differ, in particular, between the two shear modes, $c_{44}$ and $\frac{1}{2}(c_{11}-c_{12})$. An anomaly in the coefficient of thermal expansion was observed at the Néel temperature.

• Received 12 September 1962

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRev.129.1063