Phase-field simulation of irradiated metals: Part I: Void kinetics

We present a phase-field model of void formation and evolution in irradiated metals by spatially and temporally evolving vacancy and self-interstitial concentration fields. By incorporating a coupled set of Cahn–Hilliard and Allen–Cahn equations, the model captures the processes of point defect generation and recombination, annihilation of defects at sinks, as well as void nucleation and growth in the presence of grain boundaries. Illustrative results are presented that characterize the rate of void growth or shrinkage due to supersaturated vacancy or interstitial concentrations, void nucleation and growth kinetics due to cascade-induced defect production, as well as void denuded and peak zones adjacent to grain boundaries.