A simple semiclassical model for ionic structure effects in large metal clusters

A semiclassical version of the density functional approach is used to investigate the structure of metal clusters. The effect of the ionic structure is included in a schematical way, assuming that the ions are distributed on concentric shells. The method, which allows a simultaneous investigation of geometrical and electronic effects, is computationally very simple and can be extended up to very large cluster sizes. Predictions of this model in the medium size range are compared with the results of available microscopic calculations, yielding a very good agreement.