The role of point defect clusters in microstructure formation in Fe-Cu alloys

Neutron irradiation to reactor pressure vessel steels (RPV) leads to changes in the mechanical properties due to the formation of microstructures. In particular, the Cu precipitates are considered to be a major factor to induce the mechanical property changes. Many efforts have been made to understand the underlying mechanism of Cu precipitation in Fe-Cu binary alloys and RPV steels. We have performed Monte Carlo simulations in Fe-Cu binary alloys to investigate the microstructural features of Cu-containing clusters and to complement the experimental findings. Emphasis is placed on identifying the spatial distribution of and configuration of the Cu-containing microstructure under irradiation