Cluster-dynamics modelling of defects in α-iron under cascade damage conditions

We report the calibration of a rate theory numerical code capable to reproduce the agglomeration of point-defects produced in alpha-iron by irradiation under cascade damage conditions. The input parameters are obtained by performing transmission electron microscopy (TEM) experiments in alpha-iron. It was irradiated at temperatures between 200 and 400 degrees C with high flux krypton ion under resolvable point-defect cluster conditions. The TEM analyse of the sample irradiated at the highest temperature reveals the presence of two dislocation loop populations: large ones are decorated with small ones, both vacancy and interstitial in type. The vacancy loops are proposal to be located in the compressive side of the large interstitial loops. (C) 2008 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.