The atomic mechanism of self-diffusion in a face-centered cubic structure was simulated, for the case of Al, by using the molecular dynamics method without involving a priori information. No sign of a vacancy-jump diffusion mechanism was detected. The Khait-Klinger cooperative diffusion mechanism, which was based upon local melting near to vacancies (within the first- or second-nearest coordination shell) appeared to be valid. The pre-exponential factor then depended upon the temperature and heat of melting, and the exponential factor depended upon the heat of melting and the actual temperature.

Cooperative Mechanism of Self-Diffusion in Metals. V.G.Chudinov: Technical Physics, 2000, 45[7], 945-7