Abstract
A simple model for solute concentration fluctuations in solid solutions under irradiation is proposed. The irreversible reaction of interstitial-vacancy mutual annihilation at solute clusters is shown to have a destabilizing effect for homogeneous undersaturated solid solutions. Under appropriate irradiation conditions defined by the irradiation flux and temperature, some solute concentration fluctuations become unstable: solute precipitation results. A simple expression for the solvus under irradiation is proposed. Unusual properties of the solute solubility limit under irradiation are predicted. The capability of the model to account for experimental observations is demonstrated in the companion paper.
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