Theoretical analysis of annealing behaviour of mixed distributions of dislocation loops, voids, and gas bubbles: comparison with annealing behaviour of irradiated reactor component

Abstract

A theoretical analysis of the annealing behaviour of irradiation damage in the form of mixed distributions of dislocation loops, voids, and bubbles is presented. Two limiting cases are considered. The first is where no external vacancy sources and sinks exist, such that vacancies are conserved during the annealing process and the second is where such sources and sinks do exist. Numerical examples are given and comparisons are made with the annealing behaviour of an irradiated reactor component. The influence of an applied stress on the annealing behaviour is evaluated.

MST/1592