On the onset of void ordering in metals under neutron or heavy-ion irradiation

Formation of void lattices is observed in a number of metals and alloys under high-energy particle bombardment. The conditions were derived for destabilisation of homogeneous void arrangement using an approach developed for the description of lane formation in pedestrian crowds. The model is based on the Foreman's mechanism of void alignment due to one-dimensionally migrating clusters of self-interstitial atoms. The results show that spatial correlations between voids should exist above some very small size, unless correlations with other defects prevail. It is shown that spatial correlations of voids with dislocations and second-phase precipitates should also evolve and provide a powerful driving force for further swelling.