Latticerakenteina

Latticerakenteina (lattice structure) is the orderly, repeating arrangement of points in space that forms the underlying framework of crystalline materials. In crystallography, the lattice is the abstract grid of points; the atoms, ions, or molecules placed at each lattice point constitute the crystal structure that gives materials their properties.

There are 14 Bravais lattices in three dimensions, grouped into seven crystal systems: cubic, tetragonal, orthorhombic, rhombohedral (trigonal), monoclinic, triclinic, and hexagonal. These lattices describe the periodic repetition of a motif in space and, together with a basis (the arrangement of atoms tied to each lattice point), define the complete crystal structure.

A unit cell is the smallest repeating unit that, when translated, recreates the entire lattice. Its shape and size are described by lattice parameters a, b, c and angles α, β, γ. The lattice type and the basis determine the symmetry, density, and packing efficiency of a material, influencing mechanical, thermal, and electronic properties.

Common examples include simple cubic, body-centered cubic, and face-centered cubic lattices, as well as hexagonal close-packed arrangements. Different materials adopt different lattices: metals often form FCC or BCC arrays, while many ionic solids adopt more complex lattices.

Characterization of latticerakenteina uses techniques such as X-ray diffraction and electron microscopy. Defects like vacancies, interstitials, and dislocations modify the ideal lattice and significantly affect material behavior, diffusion, and strength.