Abstract
An empirical relation between the threshold energy for atomic displacement Td , bulk modulus B, and the interatomic distance r 1 is derived for metals Td = 0.0264 Br1 e 1.18r1 which gives the experimental Td values within a factor of 1.5 and is therefore more precise than a relation between Td and the sublimation energy. This relation is interpreted in terms of defect production by replacement collisions. Regarding only metals with regular fcc, hcp and bcc lattices, an agreement within about 20% would be obtained by Td = 0.022 Br1 e 1.18r1 Td (ev), B(1010Pa), r 1(10–10m).
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