Introduction to Elasticity Theory for Crystal Defects

Self-sufficient and user-friendly, this book provides a complete introduction to the anisotropic elasticity theory necessary to model a wide range of crystal defects. Assuming little prior knowledge of the subject, the reader is first walked through the required basic mathematical techniques and methods. This is followed by treatments of point, line, planar and volume type defects such as vacancies, dislocations, grain boundaries, inhomogeneities and inclusions. Included are analyses of their elastic fields, interactions with imposed stresses and image stresses, and interactions with other defects, all employing the basic methods introduced earlier. This step by step approach, aided by numerous exercises with solutions provided, strengthens the reader's understanding of the principles involved, extending it well beyond the immediate scope of the book. As the first comprehensive review of anisotropic elasticity theory for crystal defects, this text is ideal for both graduate students and professional researchers.

1. Introduction; 2. Basic linear elasticity; 3. Methods; 4. Green's functions for unit point force; 5. Interactions between defects and stress; 6. Inclusions in infinite homogeneous regions; 7. Interactions between inclusions and imposed stresses; 8. Inclusions in finite homogeneous regions – image stresses; 9. Inhomogeneities; 10. Point defects in infinite homogeneous regions; 11. Interactions between point defects and stresses; 12. Dislocations in infinite homogeneous regions; 13. Interactions between dislocations and stresses; 14. Interfaces; 15. Interactions between interfaces and stresses; 16. Interactions between defects; Appendices; Index.

Robert Balluffi is Emeritus Professor of Physical Metallurgy at Massachusetts Institute of Technology. He has previously published two books and more than 200 articles in the field. He is a member of the National Academy of Science and has received numerous awards, including the Von Hippel Award, the highest honour of the Materials Research Society.