Triangular Lattice Model of 2D Defect Melting

We set up a harmonic lattice model for 2D defect melting which, in contrast to earlier simple-cubic models, lives on a triangular lattice. Integer-valued plastic defect gauge fields allow for the thermal generation of dislocations and disclinations. The model produces universal formulas for the melting temperature expressed in terms of the elastic constants, which are different from those derived for square lattices. They determine a Lindemann-like parameter for two-dimensional melting. In contrast to the square crystal which underwent a first-order melting transition, the triangular model melts in two steps. Our results are applied to the melting of Lennard-Jones and electron lattices.