Abstract
The energetics of multiply twinned particles (MTPs) are investigated using elasticity theory. This allows the homogeneous strain models to be critically compared with the disclination model for the strains in decahedral particles and with a new model for the strains in icosahedral particles based on inhomogeneous elasticity. The overall energy balance between MTPs and single crystals is then evaluated, including the significant cost of elastially distorting the surface and using two extreme models of the faceting. The results of this analysis indicate that icosahedral MTPs will be more stable than single crystals for small sizes only for strong faceting conditions, decahedral MTPs being true intermediaries between the two. Experimentally observed stress-relief mechanisms provide indirect evidence for the inhomogeneous strain models.