Lattice Diffusion in Face-Centered Cubic Metals

Abstract

The paper attempts to survey available information on lattice diffusion between two face-centred cubic metals. The Grube and Matano methods of determining diffusion constant are described. Various mechanisms of diffusion are outlined and the preference for the vacancy mechanism in the facecentred cubic metals, as judged from theoretically calculated values for activation energies, is discussed.The Kirkendall effect and the phenomenological equations of Darken, which take this effect in account, are stated. The Onsager equations for irreversible processes and their application to diffusion are mentioned. Reference is made to metallurgical processes involving diffusion phenomenon.