Calculation of the binding energies of complexes formed by magnesium and zinc impurity atoms with vacancies in dilute aluminum alloys

Expressions are obtained for calculating the binding energy of an arbitrary complex formed from impurity atoms and vacancies. Calculations are made for various complexes formed from magnesium and zinc impurity atoms and vacancies in aluminum. The results obtained are used to study the role of vacancies in the formation of Guinier-Preston zones. The need to allow for the lattice relaxation is demonstrated.