Abstract
An atomic-level single-lattice method with a closed-form equation is presented to predict the elastic characteristics of bulk metals. In this letter, the interatomic forces of single body-centered-cubic (bcc) and face-centered-cubic (fcc) lattices are described as atomic springs, the single bcc and fcc lattices are therefore constructed as simple spring network models. The analytical result indicates that the calculated single-lattice elastic characteristics and the experimental bulk values are within a reasonable range. This analytical equation also provides a feasible way of taking a second look at the Morse potential coefficients of metallic atoms. © 2006 American Institute of Physics.