Abstract
The energetics of multiply twinned particles (MTPs) are investigated using elasticity theory. This allows the homogeneous strain models to be critically compared with the disclination model for the strains in decahedral particles and with a new model for the strains in icosahedral particles based on inhomogeneous elasticity. The overall energy balance between MTPs and single crystals is then evaluated, including the significant cost of elastially distorting the surface and using two extreme models of the faceting. The results of this analysis indicate that icosahedral MTPs will be more stable than single crystals for small sizes only for strong faceting conditions, decahedral MTPs being true intermediaries between the two. Experimentally observed stress-relief mechanisms provide indirect evidence for the inhomogeneous strain models.
| Original language | English (US) |
|---|---|
| Pages (from-to) | 95-109 |
| Number of pages | 15 |
| Journal | Philosophical Magazine A: Physics of Condensed Matter, Structure, Defects and Mechanical Properties |
| Volume | 49 |
| Issue number | 1 |
| DOIs | |
| State | Published - Jul 1984 |
Funding
We thank Dr. D. J. Smith for the use of the Cambridge High Resolution High Voltage Electron Microscope. This facility, as well as the research project into the structure of MTPs which supports one of us (L.D.M.), is financed by the SERC. We would especially like to thank Dr. E. Yoffe for the inhomogeneous strain solution for icosahedral MTPs given in 2.3.
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Electronic, Optical and Magnetic Materials
- General Materials Science
- Condensed Matter Physics
- Physics and Astronomy (miscellaneous)
- Metals and Alloys