Simple model for blistering mechanism

A simple model for blistering mechanism is proposed for energies higher than 20 keV. The model assumes that through the nucleation of smaller bubbles, a critical bubble radius is reached. The planar stress results of Jeffery for a semi-infinite plate with a circular hole subject to a uniform inner normal pressure are roughly taken as valid for the three-dimensional case. Under this assumption, the thickness of the blister's cover and critical ion dose for blister formation are calculated from the knowledge of the mean projected range of ions and blister diameter taken from experimental results. The resulting values are in agreement with the experimental values reported. The model can qualitatively explain breakage at the top of the dome-shaped blisters observed in molybdenum at 1100 K.