Anelastic studies of intrinsic atomic defects

Abstract

The use of the techniques of anelastic relaxation for the study of intrinsic point defects in metals is considered, with particular emphasis on defects produced by irradiation. The general principles of point defect relaxations, and the information about the defects which is obtainable from such studies, is first reviewed. Existing data, particularly for fcc and bcc metals, are then examined and interpreted. Relaxations attributable to close pairs and to isolated interstitials are identified and discussed. Other relaxations, which appear at higher temperatures, can be attributed to small interstitial clusters as well as to impurity-interstitial interactions. Finally, the author's assessment of fruitful directions for further investigation is presented.