Nucleation of Dislocation Loops during Irradiation in Binary FCC Alloys with Different Alloy Compositions

Abstract

Dislocation loop nucleation is analyzed using a rate theory based model for face-centered cubic (fcc) binary alloys containing A- and B-atoms. In order to calculate the nucleation process in concentrated alloys, the model considers three types of interstitial dumbbells composed of A- and B-atoms, AA-, BB-, and AB-type dumbbells. Conversions between these interstitial dumbbells are newly introduced in the formulation in consideration of dumbbell configurations and movements. The model also includes reactions, such as point defect production by irradiation, mutual recombination of an interstitial and a vacancy, and dislocation loop nucleation and growth. Parameter values are chosen based on the atom size of the alloy component elements, and dislocation loop nucleation kinetics are investigated while varying alloy compositions. Two different types of kinetics are obtained in accordance with the dominant loop nucleus type. The migration energy difference of AA- and BB-type interstitial dumbbells is important in the determination of the dominant loop nucleus type. The present model predicts that the dislocation loop concentration decreases with increasing undersized atoms content, but defect production rate and temperature dependences of loop concentration are insensitive to alloy compositions.