The role of collision cascades and helium atoms in cavity nucleation

Abstract

The simultaneous production of helium atoms and collision cascades during irradiation may enhance the nucleation of cavities. The influence of parameters such as helium generation rate and recoil energy on the possibility of cavity nucleation is investigated. The three most likely mechanisms by which cascade nucleation might occur are considered. Firstly, helium atoms that are present within the cascade may succeed in preventing the collapse of cascades into dislocation loops. Secondly, helium atoms in the cascades may be swept together during the cooling of the cascade to form cavity embryos. Thirdly, more distant helium atoms may be able to reach an uncollapsed vacancy aggregate in a cascade by diffusion before thermal annealing of the cascade.

Calculations indicate that it is unlikely that a sufficient number of helium atoms would be present in a cascade to prevent its collapse. The probability of several helium atoms being swept together within the volume of a cascade is also found to be rather small. Calculations suggest, however, that the cavity nucleation in cascades might become significant if helium atoms were to diffuse much faster than the substitutional diffusion rate during irradiation. The selfinterstitial replacement mechanism, for instance, would yield such a fast diffusion rate of helium.     

Radiation effects in concentrated alloys and compounds: equilibrium and kinetics of driven systems

What organization of condensed matter does resist irradiation, as a function of irradiation conditions? How to characterize the latter? We survey the advances in the field during the past three decades, when irradiation effects reduce to nuclear collisions. While in simple cases (structure defined by a scalar order parameter) one may define a stochastic potential, which yields the stationary states of the compounds under irradiation and their respective stability, in more general cases, we are left with brute force atomistic simulations to explore materials' behaviour as a function of irradiation conditions. Special attention is given to the kinetics of concentration fields under irradiation, a question with several practical implications. We conclude that irradiation conditions are best defined by three parameters: the cascade features (number of displacements and replacements, length of replacement sequences, …), the frequency of cascade occurrence, and the cumulated dose. We suggest cascade features be named ‘(elementary) dose’ and the cascade occurrence frequency ‘dose rate’. To cite this article: G. Martin, P. Bellon, C. R. Physique 9 (2008).     

Crystal plasticity modeling of irradiation growth in Zircaloy-2

Abstract

A physically based reaction-diffusion model is implemented in the visco-plastic self-consistent (VPSC) crystal plasticity framework to simulate irradiation growth in hcp Zr and its alloys. The reaction-diffusion model accounts for the defects produced by the cascade of displaced atoms, their diffusion to lattice sinks and the contribution to crystallographic strain at the level of single crystals. The VPSC framework accounts for intergranular interactions and irradiation creep, and calculates the strain in the polycrystalline ensemble. A novel scheme is proposed to model the simultaneous evolution of both, number density and radius, of irradiation-induced dislocation loops directly from experimental data of dislocation density evolution during irradiation. This framework is used to predict the irradiation growth behaviour of cold-worked Zircaloy-2 and trends compared to available experimental data. The role of internal stresses in inducing irradiation creep is discussed. Effects of grain size, texture and external stress on the coupled irradiation growth and creep behaviour are also studied and compared with available experimental data.     

Jumplike deformation of γ-irradiated polymethyl methacrylate

Nonuniformity of the microdeformation rate and the parameters of microdeformation jumps were studied in the creep regime for a polymethyl methacrylate irradiated by various dozes of the Co-60 γ radiation. The creep rate during compression of the polymethyl methacrylate was measured by an interferogram on 300-nm deformation increments. It is shown that the periods L of rate oscillations (jumps of deformation) on three scale levels are dependent on the irradiation doze and are also changed after prolonged exposure of samples in air. In the doze range 0 to 330 kGy, both a decrease and an increase in L are observed, which corresponds to the unstable kinetics of radiation chemical processes. The deformation jumps permit estimates of the radiation effect on various structural levels. It is concluded that the effect of radiation on coarser microstructural formations is the largest.

     

In situ observation of cascade damage under heavy ion irradiation

Abstract

Collision cascades initiated from high energy PKAs produce defect clusters in crystalline solids irradiated with fast neutrons or energetic ions. They will affect not only an early stage of microstructural evolution but that at high fluence by changing free defect survival rate. To elucidate fundamental processes of cascade damage evolution, in situ observation of microstructure in FCC metals under heavy ion irradiation has been carried out using a combined facility of a 400 kV accelerator and a 200 kV transmission electron microscope installed in the University of Tokyo, Tokai. Defect clusters produced by individual energetic ions are observed during irradiation to examine subcascade formation, interaction of point-defects from cascade damage and related point-defect processes.     

Non-equilibrium agglomeration of helium-vacancy clusters in irradiated materials

Abstract

Time evolution of non-equilibrium systems, where the probability density is described by a continuum Fokker-Planck (F-P) equation, is a central area of interest in stochastic processes. In this paper, a numerical solution of a two-dimensional (2-D) F-P equation describing the growth of helium-vacancy clusters (HeVCs) in metals under irradiation is given. First, nucleation rates and regions of stability of HeVCs in the appropriate phase space for fission and fusion devices are established. This is accomplished by solving a detailed set of cluster kinetic rate equations. A nodal line analysis is used to map spontaneous and stochastic nucleation regimes in the helium-vacancy (h-v) phase space. Growth trajectories of HeVCs are then used to evaluate the average HeVC size and helium content during the growth phase of HeVCs in typical growth instability regions.

The growth phase of HeVCs is modeled by a continuum 2-D, time-dependent F-P equation. Growth trajectories are used to define a finite solution space in the h-v phase space. A highly efficient dynamic remeshing scheme is developed to solve the F-P equation. As a demonstration, typical HFIR irradiation conditions are chosen. Good agreement between the computed size distributions and those measured experimentally are obtained.     

Ordering in alloys

Abstract

The continuous ordering process can be viewed as a development and a gradual amplification of concentration modulations with wave lengths of the order of a few lattice spacings. How the development of different concentration modulaltions leads to different superlattice structures in cubic systems is explained with the help of some illustrative examples. The importance of concentration modulations with special point wave vectors in the stability of the various coherent superlattice structures is discussed. Experimental evidences for such continuous ordering is cited from recent results on ordering in Ni-Mo alloys.

The evolution of ordering in some systems can also be viewed as progressively tiling the disordered lattice by superlattice tiles. When more than one type of coherent superlattice tiles compete, juxtaposition of different types of tiles can occur during the course of ordering. The transitional states between the short range and the long range ordered Ni-Mo alloys indeed exhibit such structures where different types of superlattice tiles decorate the fcc lattice. The role of special point concentration waves in the development of such structures will be discussed in relation to the secondary ordering processes involving two perpendicular ?1 ½ 0? waves and a combination of an ?1 ½ 0? and an appropriate ?100? wave.     

One-dimensional models of thermal activation under shear stress

The analysis of thermal activation under shear stress in three- and even two-dimensional models presents unresolved problems. The analysis of one-dimensional models presented here may illuminate the study of more realistic models. For the model in which as many dislocations are poised for backward jumps as for forward jumps, the experimental activation volume V ^?e(σ_a) under applied stresses close to σ_a is different from the true activation volume V(σ) evaluated at σ = σ_a. The relations between the two are developed. A model is then discussed in which fewer dislocations are available for backward than for forward jumps. Finally, the appropriateness of the hyperbolic sine approximation for moderately low stresses is defined and shown to be very limited.     

The atkermal stress component in neutron irradiated mild steel

Abstract

The temperature dependence of the tensile lower yield stress of an annealed aluminium grain size controlled mild steel has been investigated in the range 23–250 °C and at a strain rate of 1.67 × 10^?4 sec^?l before and after neutron irradiation to 2.3 × 10¹⁸ n/cm² (fission). The yield stress of the irradiated steel decreases with increasing temperature due to thermal activation of the radiation damage and is predicted to reach asymptotically that of the unirradiated steel at ～285 °C; the maximum test temperature was below that at which thermal annealing of the damage occurs. This implies that the athermal stress component due to irradiation is zero and hence there is negligible long range interaction between dislocations and radiation-induced defects.     

Synthesis and Investigation of Derivatives of 1,8-Naphthalimide with a Red Emission via an Aromatic Nucleophilic Substitution Reaction

1,8-Napthalimides (NIs) have been widely used as fluorescent molecules in biological, chemical, and medical fields because NIs shows high stability and various fluorescence properties under different conditions. However, NIs typically display a fluorescence emission wavelength in the range of 350 – 550 nm which can be notably interfered with by autofluorescence in living cells, significantly limiting their bio-applications. Moreover, low solubility in aqueous media is another major limitation for NIs. In this project, four derivatives of NIs (1–4) have been synthesized via an aromatic nucleophilic substitution reaction and their photophysical properties have been investigated in various media (water, MeOH, MeCN, DMSO, EtOAc, and THF). All of these derivatives (1–4) show a long emission wavelength around 600 nm and high solubility in polar solvents. Particularly molecules (1–4) show the longest emission (624–629 nm) in water and the fluorescence intensity is not significantly varied in the range of pH 4–11. These unique features, long emission wavelength, high solubility, and high stability in difference pH media, will allow these derivative (1–4) to be used as excellent labeling reagents in the biological system.

     

Phase field modeling precipitation of β-phase and mechanical properties change in Zr–Nb alloys under neutron irradiation

ABSTRACT

We study microstructure transformation in Zr–Nb system under neutron irradiation and its mechanical properties change under mechanical loads in a form of shear deformation by using phase field methodology. The developed phase field approach takes into account defects dynamics based on reaction rate theory and elastic contribution to study mechanical properties change. A numerical modeling is provided in three stages: sample preparation, irradiation of the prepared sample and mechanical loading of the irradiated sample. A precipitation of β-Niobium particles of the size of several nanometers is discussed. Results of phase field modeling indicate that β-Niobium particles grow slowly during irradiation due to point defects rearrangement. Statistical analysis of dynamics of radiation-induced microstructure transformations is provided. Simulation results of shear deformation of pre-irradiated and post-irradiated alloys are discussed. Maps of local distribution of strain and stress and strain–stress curves are obtained. Results are verified with experimental data.     

The method of volumetric measurements under high pressure. II. Quantitative measurements

Abstract

Method of measurements of the jumps of volume during phase transitions at high pressures and temperatures is suggested. Theoretical ground of the method is given. Values of the jumps of volume during melting of Pb and In up to 8 GPa, transition in the melt of Sn (these are first quantitative measurements of the jump of volume in the melt under high pressure), are presented.     

Protocol for TL dating with zircon: Computer simulation of temperature and dose rate effects

Natural zircon is irradiated internally by U and Th impurities. After exposure to ionizing irradiation zircon exhibits thermoluminescence (TL), which can be used to calculate the irradiation dose and the sample age. A kinetic model for TL of zircon developed earlier is used to model the processes relevant for dating. The response of zircon to irradiation at different dose rates is simulated for different temperatures. Several scenarios for the dating procedure are considered, including laboratory added irradiation, fading and preheat. It is shown that by irradiating the sample at elevated temperatures one can imitate natural irradiation, i.e. it is possible to reproduce the structural state of the trap system (distribution functions of filled electron and hole traps), which is responsible for the TL behavior. This implies that the dose dependence of the TL signal from samples, which had been irradiated under natural conditions, can be produced by irradiation at an elevated temperature.     

1H NMR Study of the Photoisomerization of Cinamylidene-2-Methyl-5-Chloro aniline

Abstract

Cinamylidene-2-methyl-5-chloro-aniline undergoes isomerization from the trans form to the cis form under irradiation with u.v. light at room temperature. The isomerization was studied in three solvents and the % cis was found to be in the following order: in DMSO 〉 CDCl₃ 〉 CCl₄. The rate of the process of isomerization was found to be a first order one.     

Persistence of microstructural evolution in irradiated metals and its consequences at high radiation exposure

Abstract

A review is presented of a very general aspect of the response of all metals subjected to displacive irradiation. This aspect is referred to as «persistence» and describes the tendency of both radiation-induced microstructural evolution and the associated changes in material properties or dimensional stability to evolve to saturation states that resist further change upon continued irradiation. It is shown that new persistent states can develop on a longer time frame associated with the late-term loss of existing microstructural components or the gain of new components, especially when transmutation and/or segregation occurs. The persistent states are often dependent on the irradiation conditions, and if these are changed, the material usually adjusts to form the persistent state characteristic of the new conditions, with the memory of the former state often lost, and sometimes leaving no visible record of the former state in the new microstructure. Depending on the microstructural components involved, the transition toward the new persistent state can occur quickly or very slowly.     

A study of radiation damage by elastic scattering experiments

Abstract

Chaneling measurements are used to study the structure and configuration of defects produced in CdS under irradiation by 50–150 KeV Na⁺ ions at room temperature with a current density of 1 μA/cm² and irradiation dose 3.10¹⁵ ion/cm².

The results of studies of 1.8 MeV He⁺ ion dechaneling along the <1120> and <0001> axes are probably indicative of the defect structure extended along the <0001> axis.

For the dependence of the dechaneling cross-section on the ⁴He energy in the energy range 1.2 to 2.4 MeV we found E^?1, which characterizes the produced defects as randomly distributed complexes of interstitial atoms straining the crystal lattice.

The fact that the defects are mostly located along the <0001> direction can possibly be explained by strong anisotropy of CdS therefore the defects form the region of elastic stresses in the crystal which are maximum along the <0001> axis.     

Radiation induced microstructural evolution and amorphization of intermetallic compounds

Abstract

A theoretical model is developed to study the influence of radiation-induced microstructural evolution on the amorphization kinetics of intermetallic compounds. The amorphization mechanism is assumed to be the buildup to a critical level of defect complexes. A complex consists of a coupled interstitial-vacancy pair. It is shown that the process of amorphization under particle bombardment is obstructed in alloy systems in which interstitials exhibit a tendency to cluster. In these systems, interstitial clustering delays the buildup of complexes. Under electron irradiation, the complex concentration attains a very low level after high doses, and the crystalline-to-amorphous transition is inhibited down to fairly low temperatures. During heavy ion bombardment, cascade damage produces an enhancement of complex formation and the transition takes place. It is shown that the kinetics of amorphization under ion bombardment depends on temperature at low temperatures, where amorphization is mostly due to complex accumulation. On the other hand, the present analyses indicate that direct in-cascade amorphization becomes more important as the bombardment temperature increases. Zr₃Al is used as a model system. The theoretical calculations yield good agreement with experimental results.     

Radiation damage produced in quartz by energetic ions

Abstract

Present work deals with atomic and electronic alterations of the quartz structure by high energy ion irradiation. The atomic structure of irradiated quartz is probed by means of X-ray absorption spectroscopies (XANES, EXAFS). Electronic structure modifications are investigated by XPS and bulk paramagnetic point defects by ESR. The experimental data suggest that for light ions (O), irradiated quartz targets preserve their long range order. E' point defects, i.e. oxygen vacancy defects, are created along the ion path with a poor efficiency (2 GeV/E'), close to the efficiency of y rays. For heavier ions (Kr, Pb), irradiation damage consists of a trail of extended defects. These extended defects are composed of an amorphous SiO₂ state. The density of these amorphized regions is about 4% larger than the common relaxed silica. This poorly densified silica appears similar to that obtained by neutron irradiation of quartz. E’ defects are mostly located inside these amorphous zones (>85%).     

Dynamic behaviour of nanometre-sized defect clusters emitted from an atomic displacement cascade in Au at 50 K

Abstract

We demonstrate the emission of nanometre-sized defect clusters from an isolated displacement cascade formed by irradiation of high-energy self-ions and their subsequent 1-D motion in Au at 50 K, using in situ electron microscopy. The small defect clusters emitted from a displacement cascade exhibited correlated back-and-forth 1-D motion along the [?1 1 0] direction and coalescence which results in their growth and reduction of their mobility. From the analysis of the random 1-D motion, the diffusivity of the small cluster was evaluated. Correlated 1-D motion and coalescence of clusters were understood via elastic interaction between small clusters. These results provide direct experimental evidence of the migration of small defect clusters and defect cascade evolution at low temperature.     

Enzymatic Hydrolysis of Wheat Straw Irradiated by Electron Beam in Presence of Peracetic Acid Solution

Abstract

Radiation pretreatments of wheat straw in the presence of peracetic acid solutions were carried out using an electron beam accelerator, in which the effects of various treatment conditions on the enzymatic hydrolysis were investigated in detail. As irradiation dose was increased, the effect of a combination of peracetic acid and irradiation on the enzymatic hydrolysis was remarkable. The combination of irradiation and pulverization was effective for reducing the size of wheat straw. The enzymatic hydrolysis of wheat straw irradiated with high irradiation doses (500 kGy above) was accelerated by a water-washing treatment after irradiation.