Cascade Diffusion Theory of Displacement-Induced Point Defect Concentration and Flux Fluctuations

Abstract

A theoretical approach, which has been developed to assess the fluctuations in point defect concentrations and fluxes to sinks that are induced by the production of point defects in spatially and temporally discrete cascades, is summarized. Solutions for cascade dissipation are outlined for the case where cascades occur in a homogeneous lossy medium as well as for the more involved geometries where cascades occur in the presence of a nearby dislocation or cavity. By superposition of solutions representing discrete cascades under conditions of interest, time profiles of point defect concentrations and fluxes are generated. The profiles exhibit extreme fluctuations. Continuum rate theory results arise by applying limits and approximations to cascade diffusion theory. Application of the theory to microstructural processes shows that property changes, especially creep are affected by the fluctuations.