The formation of clusters of cavities during irradiation

This paper discusses the formation of cavity clusters in irradiated metals. A simple rate theory model is used to describe the growth of cavities during irradiation. A linear stability analysis of this model shows that cavities in some regions can grow at the expense of cavities in other regions, thus leading to the formation of cavity clusters. Numerical results from this model are presented and compared with experimental results on a Fe-15% Ni-12% Cr alloy. (orig.)