Abstract
Abstract The distinction between surface tension or surface free energy and surface stress is important when analyzing experimental results obtained on solid surfaces and on small particles. A well-known derivation (minimization of the free energy) of the Curie-Wulff relations describing the equilibrium involves the surface tension coefficient γ for a small crystal in thermodynamical equilibrium with its vapor or its liquid phase. If a pressure can be defined in the solid, then a Laplace law is obtained as in the liquid-drop case. The existence of a surface-induced pressure in anisotropic crystals can be derived from the surface stress virial analysis. If the shape of the small crystal is characterized by certain symmetries, then it is possible to define a pressure inside the crystal. This paper presents a careful thermodynamical analysis which precises the general conditions describing various equilibrium situations and the possible existence of a real pressure inside the solid particle.
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