Simulation of defect evolution in electron-irradiated dilute FeCr alloys

A rate theory model based on ab initio data was used to predict defect evolution in electron-irradiated dilute FeCr alloys during isochronal annealing. A good correlation was found between the prediction of the model and existing isochronal resistivity recovery measurements. In agreement with experimental results, our model predicts a shift of stage IE towards lower temperature with increasing Cr concentration. According to our model, stage II is found to be not only due to the recombination of I2 clusters with vacancies but also due to the annihilation of ICr and I2Cr complexes at vacancies.