Multiscale modelling of plastic flow localization in irradiated materials
Top Cited Papers
- 24 August 2000
- journal article
- research article
- Published by Springer Science and Business Media LLC in Nature
- Vol. 406 (6798), 871-874
- https://doi.org/10.1038/35022544
Abstract
The irradiation of metals by energetic particles causes significant degradation of the mechanical properties1,2, most notably an increased yield stress and decreased ductility, often accompanied by plastic flow localization. Such effects limit the lifetime of pressure vessels in nuclear power plants3, and constrain the choice of materials for fusion-based alternative energy sources4. Although these phenomena have been known for many years1, the underlying fundamental mechanisms and their relation to the irradiation field have not been clearly demonstrated. Here we use three-dimensional multiscale simulations of irradiated metals to reveal the mechanisms underlying plastic flow localization in defect-free channels. We observe dislocation pinning by irradiation-induced clusters of defects, subsequent unpinning as defects are absorbed by the dislocations, and cross-slip of the latter as the stress is increased. The width of the plastic flow channels is limited by the interaction among opposing dislocation dipole segments and the remaining defect clusters.Keywords
This publication has 26 references indexed in Scilit:
- Atomistic simulation of stacking fault tetrahedra formation in CuJournal of Nuclear Materials, 2000
- Interaction and accumulation of glissile defect clusters near dislocationsJournal of Nuclear Materials, 2000
- 3D dislocation dynamics: stress–strain behavior and hardening mechanisms in fcc and bcc metalsJournal of Nuclear Materials, 2000
- The microstructure and associated tensile properties of irradiated fcc and bcc metalsJournal of Nuclear Materials, 2000
- Comparative study of radiation damage accumulation in Cu and FeJournal of Nuclear Materials, 1999
- The challenge of developing structural materials for fusion power systemsJournal of Nuclear Materials, 1998
- Segregation of cascade induced interstitial loops at dislocations: possible effect on initiation of plastic deformationJournal of Nuclear Materials, 1997
- Radiation hardening revisited: role of intracascade clusteringJournal of Nuclear Materials, 1997
- Energetics of formation and migration of self-interstitials and self-interstitial clusters in α-ironJournal of Nuclear Materials, 1997
- Defect accumulation in pure fcc metals in the transient regime: a reviewJournal of Nuclear Materials, 1993