Application of a mechanistic model for radiation-induced amorphization and crystallization of uranium silicide to recrystallization of UO(sub 2)

摘要

An alternative mechanism for the evolution of recrystallization nuclei is described for a model of irradiation-induced recrystallization of UO(sub 2) wherein the stored energy in the material is concentrated in a network of sinklike nuclei that diminish with dose due to interaction with radiation-produced defects. The sinklike nuclei are identified as cellular dislocation structures that evolve relatively early in the irradiation period. A generalized theory of radiation-induced amorphization and crystallization, developed for intermetallic nuclear materials, is applied to UO(sub 2). The complicated kinetics involved in the formation of a cellular dislocation network are approximated by the formation and growth of subgrains due to the interaction of shock waves produced by fission- induced damage to the material.