About this Abstract |
| Meeting |
Materials in Nuclear Energy Systems (MiNES) 2025
|
| Symposium
|
Materials in Nuclear Energy Systems (MiNES) 2025
|
| Presentation Title |
High Energy Radiation Induced Damage and Defect Evolution in Aluminum Using Molecular Dynamics |
| Author(s) |
Alhassan Sikpaam Issaka, Aitkaliyeva Assel, Michael R Tonks, Simon R Phillpot |
| On-Site Speaker (Planned) |
Alhassan Sikpaam Issaka |
| Abstract Scope |
The development of radiation-tolerant materials capable of withstanding prolonged exposure to extreme environments remains a central challenge in nuclear materials research. In this study, we use large-scale molecular dynamics (MD) simulations to characterize the evolution of aluminum subjected to 50 keV helium irradiation. To model long-term defect kinetics beyond the initial ballistic regime, we employ the Iterative Kinetic Approach (IKA), which bypasses high-energy ballistic regime by introducing Frenkel pairs (FPs) iteratively. The number of inserted FPs is guided by athermal recombination-corrected displacements per atom (arc-DPA) estimates, with approximately 45 FPs added per iteration. We quantify point defect production and compare the results to conventional radiation cascade simulations. The evolution of defect clusters is tracked over time, revealing their nucleation, growth, and coalescence behavior. We further examine the intrinsic stress buildup from continuous FP insertion and its role in driving dislocation loop formation. Through detailed topological analysis, we characterize the complexity of the resulting dislocation networks and quantify their nodal connectivity. Finally, we assess how cluster size influences the migration energy and diffusion pathways of Al atoms. |
| Proceedings Inclusion? |
Undecided |