Modeling of chromium nanocluster growth under neutron irradiation

This study simulated growth kinetics of Chromium (Cr)-rich nanoclusters in Iron (Fe)–Cr based alloys under irradiation. A radiation-enhanced diffusion model was used to investigate the peculiarities of cluster growth under irradiation. The calculation was based on kinetics methods of intermolecular reactions and on the analysis of near-equilibrium phase Fe–Cr alloy composition under irradiation. The dependence of the basic characteristics of Cr-rich clusters (clusters composition, average size, density) on damage dose (up to 10 dpa) were calculated at T = 573 K. The estimated diffusion coefficient of Cr atoms under irradiation was found to be DCr∗=1.4×10-19cm2/s, which is seven orders of magnitude higher than the corresponding thermal value.