Applied Surface Science, Vol.257, No.22, 9329-9334, 2011
Structural stabilities and diffusion of small Fe clusters on Fe (110) surface: A molecular dynamics study
Using Embedded-atom-method (EAM) potential of iron, structural stabilities of small Fe clusters on a Fe (1 1 0) surface have been investigated by molecular dynamics studies. It is presented that a tetramer and heptamer clusters are more stable than other sizes. These two clusters have high transition energies. They can be a critical nucleus at low and high temperature, respectively. A dimer diffuses more easily with lower energy barrier than single adatom. The trimer's rotation and dimer shearing mechanisms have been investigated in this paper. (C) 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.