THE EMBEDDED-ATOM METHOD - A REVIEW OF THEORY AND APPLICATIONS

The embedded-atom method (EAM) is a semi-empirical, many-atom potentia l for computing the total energy of a metallic system. It is especiall y useful for systems with large unit cells, and is appropriate for met als with empty or filled d bands. With the EAM, the materials communit y has investigated many problems of interest: point defects, melting, alloying, grain boundary structure and energy, dislocations, segregati on, fracture, surface structure, and epitaxial growth. In general, mos t of the EAM calculations have been carried out in close connection wi th experimental work. We review here the history, development, and app lication of the EAM.