Peierls-Nabarro potential for kinks in nonlinear chains

Abstract

Abstract The aim of this work is to review various discrete models supporting topological solitons, in which the Peierls-Nabarro potential can be significantly lowered or even reduced to zero. These theoretical results are discussed in relation to the Peierls stresses for dislocations in a variety of crystals. Derivation of the discrete models free of the Peierls-Nabarro potential has been done by a number of authors with the use of analytical calculations. Peierls stresses for dislocations in crystals described in the literature have been estimated within the framework of molecular dynamics and ab initio simulations. These theoretical results are discussed in connection with the variability of the Peierls stress in different crystals.