A general method is developed for evaluating the strain-energy interaction of solute atoms in body-centered and in face-centered cubic lattices. The method has many features in common with that used in the evaluation of the interaction of electric or magnetic dipoles, a surface distribution of forces replacing a surface distribution of electric charge or of magnetic poles. Particular emphasis is given to the interaction of interstitial solute atoms in b.c.c. lattices, where the possibility exists of a self-induced preferential distribution of solute atoms in one of the three types of tetragonal interstitial positions.

• Received 18 May 1948

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRev.74.639