Ab initio calculations of the mechanical properties of Ti3SiC2

We present results of first-principles calculations of the elastic constants and other mechanical properties of Ti3SiC2. This knowledge is important from a technological point of view, since the material shows promising characteristics, such as a combined metallic and ceramic appearance. We also confirm a recent experimental observation that the structure of Ti3SiC2 is stable at elevated pressures, and investigate some consequences of this fact.