Diffusion-based evaluation of defect processes in cascade zones

Abstract

In order to understand the radiation effects under cascade damage conditions where vacancies and interstitials are created in a localized and segregated fashion, a programme has been initiated to model the evolution of point defect microstructure between cascades and among subcascades. The model and some preliminary results are presented of analytical and numerical calculations of the space and time dependent diffusion and clustering of self-interstitial atoms. The calculation includes the effect of back diffusion of self-interstitial atoms to the vacancy-rich cascade core. It is concluded that a diffusion-rate theory model of the point defect evolution in cascade zones appears to be computationally feasible.