A method is proposed which permits the determination of the diffusion coefficient $D$ at any temperature and pressure when it is known for one single experimental situation. In order for the method to be applied, the thermal expansion coefficient and the elastic constants have to be known in the corresponding temperature and pressure range. The method gives good results for the temperature dependence of $D$ of Pb, Cu, Ag, K, and W. The pressure dependence can be checked only for Na because for other metals elastic data are not available at high temperatures under increased pressure.

• Received 31 August 1978

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevB.22.3130