The effect of external strain on surface properties of simple metals is
considered within the modified stabilized jellium model. The equations for the
stabilization energy of the deformed Wigner-Seitz cells are derived as a
function of the bulk electron density and the given deformation. The results
for surface stress and work function of aluminium calculated within the
self-consistent Kohn-Sham method are also given. The problem of anisotropy of
the work function of finite system is discussed. A clear explanation of
independent experiments on stress-induced contact potential difference at metal
surfaces is presented.Comment: 15 pages, 1 figur