Engineering Physics
Vasanth Kumar V, [Link], ATRI, Uppal
URL: [Link]
Defects in Solids
The defects in solids can be classified into four categories based on their geometry as follows:
1. Point defects
a) Vacancies
b) Substitutional defects
c) Interstitial defects
d) Frenkel defects
e) Schottky defects
2. Line defects
a) Edge dislocation
b) Screw dislocation
3. Surface defects
a) Grain boundaries
b) Twin boundaries
c) Tilt boundaries
d) Stacking fault
4. Volume defects
1. Point defects: The defects in solids with one or two atomic diameters in size are called zero
dimensional defects or point defects.
Vacancy: An atomic site from where the atom is missing is called as Vacancy.
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Engineering Physics
Vasanth Kumar V, [Link], ATRI, Uppal
URL: [Link]
2. Substitutional defect: A foreign atom that substitutes for or replaces a parent atom in the
crystal forms a defect, known as substitutional defect.
3. Interstitial defect: A small sized atom occupying the void space(interstitial region) in the
parent crystal without disturbing the parent atoms from their regular sites forms a defects known
as interstitial defect.
4. Frenkel defect: In ionic solids, an ion(cation) displaced from a regular site to an interstitial
region is called Frenkel defect.
This type of defect can be found in Silver halides, calcium di floride..etc.
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Engineering Physics
Vasanth Kumar V, [Link], ATRI, Uppal
URL: [Link]
5. Schottky defect: In ionic solids, missing of a pair of cation and anion forms a defect known as
Schottky defect.
This type of defect can be found in alkali halides.
LINE DEFECTS: These defects are one dimensional defects. These are called dislocations.
These are two types
1. Edge dislocation
2. Screw dislocation
1. Edge dislocation: In perfect crystals or solids, all atoms are arranged in both horizontal and
vertical planes parallel to the side faces. If the one of these vertical planes does not extend to the
full length, but ends in between, within the crystal, it forms a defect known as edge dislocation.
Due to this defect, just above the dislocation position, the atoms are squeezed and they are in
state of compression. Below the dislocation position, the atoms are pulled apart and are in state
of tension. Thus the region of maximum distortion is centered around the edge of the incomplete
plane, this distortion represents the edge dislocation. This defect is represented as
(Incomplete plane starts from the top of the crystal) and
(incomplete plane starts from the
bottom of the crystal). These two configurations are referred to as positive and negative edge
dislocations.
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Engineering Physics
Vasanth Kumar V, [Link], ATRI, Uppal
URL: [Link]
Burger vector for edge dislocated crystal:
The magnitude and the direction of the displacement are defined by a vector called the Burgers
vector.
In case of perfect crystal, the magnitude of burgers vector is zero. If defect is present the
magnitude of Burgers vector is b.
The Burgers vector for edge dislocated crystal can be identified by drawing a burgers circuit.
Let, start drawing the circuit from a point (atom) by counting x number of atoms horizontally
and Y number of atoms in downward from end point in horizontal count. Again, continue the
drawing of circuit in opposite direction by counting x number of atom from end point in vertical
count and y number of atoms in upward. Now, check whether the circuit is closed or not. If the
circuit is ended at exactly the point where we started, then there is no defect. If the circuit is not
ended at the point where we started and if we move an extra step in opposite direction to reach
initial point in order to close the Burgers circuit, it means that, the defect is present.
The magnitude and the direction of the step defines the Burgers vector yx = b. The Burgers
vector is perpendicular to the edge dislocation line.
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Engineering Physics
Vasanth Kumar V, [Link], ATRI, Uppal
URL: [Link]
2. Screw dislocation
This defects results from a displacement of the atoms in one part of crystal relative to the rest of
the crystal, forming a spiral ramp around the dislocation line.
Burgers vector for Screw dislocated crystal: Arbitrarily a positive direction is chosen for the
dislocation and then the vector which closes the circuit is found. Burgers vector PQ = b is
required to close the circuit. The Burgers vector is parallel to axis of screw dislocation.
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