FCC, BCC and HCP Crystal Analysis
In this section we explore the three most important crystal structures in materials science — Face-Centered Cubic (FCC), Body-Centered Cubic (BCC), and Hexagonal Close-Packed (HCP). Each structure is studied in detail including atomic arrangement, coordination number, packing efficiency, lattice geometry, and real material examples.
FCC STRUCTURE
Face-Centered Cubic (FCC)
Understand the geometry of the face-centered cubic crystal structure including atom positions,
coordination number, atomic packing efficiency, and common FCC metals such as aluminum,
copper, and nickel.
BCC STRUCTURE
Body-Centered Cubic (BCC)
Learn the atomic arrangement of the body-centered cubic structure, atom counting method,
coordination number, packing efficiency, and important BCC metals including iron,
chromium, and tungsten.
HCP STRUCTURE
Hexagonal Close-Packed (HCP)
Study the hexagonal close-packed structure, ABAB stacking sequence, lattice parameters,
coordination number, ideal c/a ratio, and real materials such as magnesium,
titanium, and zinc.