Dislocation and defect density-based micromechanical modeling of the mechanical behavior of fcc metals under neutron irradiation

A rate-independent dislocation and defect density-based evolution model is presented that captures the pre- and post-yield material behavior of fcc metals subjected to different doses of neutron radiation. Unlike previously developed phenomenological models, this model is capable of capturing the salient features of irradiation-induced hardening, including increase in yield stress followed by yield drop and non-zero stress offset from the unirradiated stress–strain curve. The key contribution is a model for the critical resolved slip resistance that depends on both dislocation and defect densities, which are governed by evolution equations based on physical observations. The result is an orientation-dependent non-homogeneous deformation model, which accounts for defect annihilation on active slip planes. Results for both single and polycrystalline simulations of OFHC copper are presented and are observed to be in reasonably good agreement with experimental data. Extension of the model to other fcc metals is straightforward and is currently being developed for bcc metals.