Modeling self-organization of nano-size vacancy clusters in stochastic systems subjected to irradiation

Abstract

We study the self-organization of vacancy clusters in irradiated materials under reactor and accelerator conditions. Using a continuum stochastic model we take into account dynamics of point defects and their sinks with elastic interactions of vacancies. Dynamics of vacancy clusters formation is studied analytically and numerically. We have shown a difference in patterning dynamics at irradiation under reactor and accelerator conditions. The external noise influence related to fluctuation in a defect production rate is studied in detail. Applying our approach to pure nickel irradiated under different conditions we have shown that vacancy clusters having a linear size ∼eq 6 nm can arrange in a statistical periodic structure with nano-meter range. We have found that the linear size of vacancy clusters at accelerator conditions decreases down to 20%, whereas a period of vacancy clusters reduces to 6.5%.

Keywords:

• irradiation
• damage rate
• fluctuations
• point defects
• vacancy clusters

PACS::

• 05.40.-a
• 61.72.-y
• 81.16.Rf