Molecular-dynamics simulations on the structure and energy of a bicrystal model reveal an interfacial melting transition at a temperature distinctly lower than bulk melting. Below the transition, thermal disorder occurs but interfacial width remains essentially unchanged; above the transition, the interfacial region behaves like a melt while its width grows significantly with temperature.

• Received 19 May 1986

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevLett.57.1919