Atomic-scale modelling of primary damage and properties of radiation defects in metals

Considerable success has been achieved in recent years in the understanding of radiation damage production in high-energy displacement cascades, the properties of the defects and evolution of radiation damage in metals. Two main reasons form the basis of this success. First, the significant increase in computing power has allowed simulation of realistic cascade energies with good statistics and relatively long-time evolution of defects to be carried out. Second, new experimental findings and corresponding theoretical calculations have allowed interpretation of a number of mechanisms and phenomena crucial for understanding and prediction of practically important radiation effects, such as void swelling, radiation growth, matrix hardening and plastic flow localisation. In this paper we review the most significant results in atomic-scale computer modelling related to these issues, mainly focusing on new achievements such as the formation of extended defect clusters, the dynamic properties of defect clusters, interaction between radiation defects and strengthening of material due to radiation defects.