Relationship between stacking-fault energy and x-ray measurements of stacking-fault probability and microstrain

Stacking-fault energies can be determined by measuring the positions and profiles of x-ray diffraction lines. Use of this method has been hampered by the uncertainty of the relationship between stacking-fault energy and the ratio of microstrain to stacking-fault probability. Microstrains and stacking-fault probabilities have been determined for five fcc metals by x-ray diffraction line profile analysis. For these metals, Ag, Au, Cu, Al, and Ni, stacking-fault energies have been estimated from a comprehensive updated review of the experimental literature. A linear correlation does exist between γ and 〈ε502〉111/α and thus, the x-ray technique can be applied more confidently. The possible role of elastic anisotropy is also considered.