Effect of twin-boundaries on melting of aluminum

Molecular dynamics simulation technique has been applied to investigate melting temperature of aluminum. Semi-empirical potentials, based on the embedded atom method have been employed to calculate lattice parameter, energy per atom and mean square displacements. Melting temperature is found to compare well with the experimental results. Computer simulation studies of some low index (111), (113) and (112) twin boundaries at various temperatures and their effect on the melting temperature are also carried out. It is observed in this study that in the presence of twin boundaries, aluminum melts at lower temperatures, as compared to normal melting point.