A unified framework was presented for the calculation of dislocation-based defect energetics, and this approach was then validated by considering both the self and interaction energies of combinations of grain boundaries and cracks. Well-known quantities were obtained in a straightforward manner. These included the energy of a low-angle tilt boundary, as well as other lesser-known results; including boundary/boundary and crack/boundary interaction energies; all from a common formalism based upon linear elasticity. This approach, in combination with simple dimensional analysis, permitted the rapid calculation of defect energetics.

Unified Framework for Dislocation-Based Defect Energetics. J.M.Rickman, J.Viñals, R.Lesar: Philosophical Magazine, 2005, 85[9], 917-29