Modeling phase decomposition and patterning in binary alloy systems subjected to neutron irradiation

ABSTRACT

We study processes of phase decomposition and patterning in a model of a binary alloy system subjected to sustained irradiation. We exploit the reaction rate theory and generalize the Darken approach of vacancy diffusion to describe generation, recombination, annihilation and spatial interaction of point defects. It is shown that an increase in the defect production rate phase, decomposition processes are replaced by disordering and patterning with vacancy clusters' formation. At elevated damage rates, both phase separation and patterning are accompanied by pattern selection processes. In the framework of numerical simulations, dynamics of phase decomposition and vacancy clusters formation is studied in detail. A change in the morphology of vacancy clusters during irradiation and their statistical properties are discussed.

KEYWORDS:

• Phase decomposition
• pattern formation
• pattern selection
• irradiation

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.