Rate theory modeling of defect evolution under cascade damage conditions: The influence of vacancy-type cascade remnants on defect evolution

Recent computational and experimental studies have confirmed that high energy cascades produce clustered defects of both vacancy- and interstitial-types as well as isolated point defects. However, the production probability, configuration, stability and other characteristics of the cascade clusters are not well understood in spite of the fact that clustered defect production would substantially affect the irradiation-induced microstructures and the consequent property changes in a certain range of temperatures and displacement rates. In this work, a model of point detect and cluster evolution in irradiated materials under cascade damage conditions was developed by combining conventional reaction rate theory and results from the latest molecular dynamics simulation studies. This paper provides a description of the model and a model based fundamental investigation of the influence of configuration, production efficiency and the initial size distribution of cascade-produced vacancy clusters.