The variation in excess energy that was associated with the gradual approach of an edge dislocation towards a free surface was calculated by using molecular statics methods. The calculations were based upon a phenomenological potential for Al. An estimation of the energy which was required for the introduction of a dislocation into a thin film could thereby be obtained.

Atomistic Calculation of the Interaction between an Edge Dislocation and a Free Surface. A.Aslandes, V.Pontikis: Philosophical Magazine Letters, 1998, 78[5], 377-83