Lattice parameter and volume of crystals containing prismatic dislocation loops

Contrary to the conclusion in the preceding communication, elasticity theory predicts a lattice parameter change due to the presence of a uniform distribution of prismatic dislocation loops. This result, previously derived by us on the basis of isotropic elasticity theory, has been shown by others to be valid for an anisotropic medium as well. That is, a random distribution of prismatic dislocation loops all with Burgers vector b produces a mean strain and lattice dilatation in the direction b. In this communication we review the steps leading to this result.