Published online by Cambridge University Press: 01 February 2011
The finite element method has been routinely used to calculate the image stresses of dislocation segments. When these segments intersect with surfaces, the image stresses at the surfaces diverge singularly. At the presence of these singularities, both convergence and accuracy of using the finite element method need to be examined critically. This article addresses these issues with the aim toward the application of dislocation dynamics simulations in thin films.