AbstractA phenomenological model for the lattice dynamics of face centred cubic transition metals is developed. The potential energy of the crystal lattice is considered as due to (i) ion–ion and (ii) ion–electron interactions. The force‐field involving ion–ion interaction is essentially a three body force model employing valence force field approximations. The contribution to the potential energy from ion–electron interaction is considered by a screened Coulomb potential. Phonon dispersion curves, specific heat, and Debye characteristic temperature of nickel, palladium, and thorium are computed on the basis of the model developed. Computed results are compared with the experime